On Oct. 16, Auburn will celebrate one of its most popular traditions, Hey Day.
This Wednesday, the Student Government Association will encourage students to put on a name tag and start conversations with other members of the Auburn community.
The SGA staff will be handing out name tags, shirts and pins at stands around campus, and there will be a catered lunch, an inflatable obstacle course and a pep rally on the Campus Green in honor of this tradition.
Hey Day was established in 1947 as a way to welcome home returning veterans after World War II. SGA created this tradition to foster a welcoming atmosphere and encourage everyone to start conversations.
“It's really developed into a signature event for the university and certainly a great way for people to feel the Auburn spirit and to welcome each other," said Todd Deery, director of content marketing at Auburn Advancement.
One thing that makes this day so special is how it helps bring the Auburn Family together.
“Auburn is a friendly and welcoming place already, but Hey Day is a time where we really maybe slow down a little bit and pay attention to one another and speak to one another and make sure everybody feels welcome on campus and at the university. So, it's a great day. Of course, it also has a lot of fun going on with it, it has lots of events,” Deery said.
Auburn University offers a wide variety of opportunities for people from all over the country, and even the globe, to gather together and form connections. Hey Day has developed into a day in which everyone is welcome to talk to each other, no matter how different their background may be.
“My favorite thing about Hey Day is just the community, for sure, just making everybody feel included," said Will Goodner, SGA's treasurer.
Making friends is not always easy for those who are new on campus, and having friends to go with can be the best way to enjoy the different activities in town. Hey Day is a day when people have the opportunity to engage in new conversations with strangers.
"It's really fun, especially for people who come out of state and don't know anyone, or especially for freshmen who don't really know who to talk to. Just saying 'hey' to someone and starting a conversation is such a great way to meet friends,” said Emma Donaldson, transfer admissions advisor.
Hey Day connects not only those currently on campus, but also those who have finished their studies at Auburn University.
Deery explained how Auburn Advancement's live broadcast hosted by Mary Coker Green, Miss Auburn University, will start at 11:45 a.m. on Facebook, Youtube and the Auburn app. They will interview students and record events and attractions to bring Hey Day to a virtual audience, bringing the sights and sounds of campus to Auburn alumni.
Hey Day is a celebration that was born to integrate people into the community. After 60 years, it is still supporting the connections of various people on campus.
“It's one of our priorities that we can have this every year because, I mean, it's one of the things that makes Auburn, Auburn. It's one of our biggest traditions," Goodner said.
There is no starter pack for Hey Day — bringing an open attitude and desire to meet other people is everything students need to keep the Auburn community united.
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
