#LibraryNews - Loras College Library at Loras College

Homecoming celebrations originated in the United States in the beginning of the nineteenth century. Several universities, namely, University of Missouri, Baylor, Southwestern, and Northern Illinois, all claim to have started the tradition. At Loras, Homecoming dates at least as far back as 1940, the first time it is mentioned in the college yearbook.

The original idea of homecoming was to invite alumni back to campus for a weekend of festivities centered around a football game. In addition to the football game, homecoming events at Loras historically included parades, bonfires, and the Loras-Clarke homecoming dance, which continued even after Loras became co-ed in 1971.

Homecoming celebrations are not just about football, dances, and parades though. When at their best, they are celebrations of community. For many, college becomes a second home, and for others it may even feel more like home than the place where they grew up. For these students their campus is the place they belong.

College is not just about learning and gaining knowledge, but also about connecting with others. These connections are essential. Research shows that students who feel they belong get better grades and have better overall wellness than those who do not. But belonging is not something that can be attained on one’s own, but rather is a gift offered by members of a community to one another. Belonging happens when a community makes a person feel welcome and that their presence matters.

The alumni who will return to campus found that sense of belonging at Loras. They are coming home. Many of our first-year students may still be looking to belong. Homecoming can serve as a bridge between generations of students and alumni. Current students will have a chance to meet and interact with graduates who once walked the same campus. Perhaps in these connections students can see their future and realize that they belong to a large Loras community.

To learn more about Loras history and see the yearbooks of those alumni who will be celebrating a reunion this year, check out our book display and the Archives display on the main floor of the library.

Recent Posts

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month 2025

Each May, Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month provides an opportunity to recognize and reflect on the diverse cultures, rich histories, and lasting contributions of AAPI communities to the United States. Representing over 50 countries and hundreds of languages, the AAPI identity is deeply complex, spanning a wide array of experiences, traditions, and stories, but at the same time, sharing common threads of resilience and leadership.AAPI communities have consistently demonstrated this resilience and leadership throughout American history by transforming hardship into platforms for progress and advocacy. For instance, Chinese laborers played an essential role in constructing the transcontinental railroad despite facing severe discrimination and harsh working conditions, establishing a foundation for future equality movements. Similarly, Japanese American soldiers of the 442nd Infantry Regiment served courageously, even as their families back home were imprisoned in internment camps, challenging prejudices that eventually led to the Civil Liberties Act.Later, in the face of exclusionary immigration laws and persistent anti-Asian sentiment, AAPI leaders emerged to fight for civil rights and representation. Dalip Singh Saund, an Indian American farmer, mathematician, and judicial officer overcame legal barriers to become the first Asian American congressman, demonstrating how perseverance and advocacy can lead to institutional change. Patsy Mink, a third-generation Japanese American and the first woman of color in Congress, fought for representation, co-authoring Title IX to create opportunities for women in education and athletics. Grace Lee Boggs, a Chinese American philosopher and activist, spent decades organizing alongside Black and working-class communities in Detroit, redefining solidarity through grassroots organizing. Today, this legacy of resilience and leadership continues through contemporary AAPI figures who are shaping every aspect of American life, from science and literature to politics and public service. The groundbreaking scientific work of Nobel laureate Roger Tsien, the literary voice of Ocean Vuong, and Vice President Kamala Harris’s historic role all exemplify the continued impact of AAPI individuals in American life. In addition, across the country, AAPI organizers and advocates are taking on issues such as anti-Asian hate, immigration reform, and racial justice, building inclusive partnerships and stronger communities in the process.During this AAPI Heritage Month, we invite you to explore the stories, voices, and contributions that shape the AAPI experience. To get started please visit the book display on the fourth floor. ...

Get Caught Reading Month

May is National Get Caught Reading Month, established in 1999 by the Association of American Publishers (AAP) as part of an initiative to promote reading and literacy across the United States. This month-long observance encourages people of all ages to make reading a visible activity. Its goal is to inspire others by example, showing that reading isn't just a necessity but an enjoyable pastime that enriches our lives.After months of assigned readings and scholarly articles, Get Caught Reading Month is a great way for members of the Loras community to reconnect with books on your own terms. Reading can help you unwind after finals; research shows that reading for pleasure reduces stress and supports mental well-being. Maintaining reading habits between academic years also helps preserve critical thinking skills and vocabulary over the summer. In addition to the general benefits of reading for pleasure, Get Caught Reading Month highlights the community aspect of reading. While often considered a solitary activity, this observance transforms reading into a community experience. Schools organize read-a-thons, libraries host special events, and many people post pictures of themselves enjoying books in unexpected places with the tag #GetCaughtReading. Whether it’s a quiet moment alone or a shared experience with friends, reading can be both restorative and fun. If you are looking for a post-finals week read, visit our Popular Reading Collection in the Klauer Commons on the main floor or talk to one of the librarians for some recommendations....

Children's Poetry

Children’s poetry has long delighted readers with its playful language, vivid imagery, and surprising humor. These qualities not only entertain young readers but introduce them to the power and flexibility of language. Poetry for children, like poetry in general, has ancient roots, with nursery rhymes and lullabies passed down through generations. Today's children's poetry encompasses everything from playful nonsense verse to profound reflections on childhood experiences.Poetry provides children with essential building blocks for language development. The rhythm, rhyme, and repetition found in poems help children recognize patterns in language, build vocabulary, and expand their ability to hear and manipulate the sounds of words. Moreover, these attributes foster children's ability to remember and memorize information. Poetry can also help reading fluency and literacy as repeated reading of poems helps children improve their pronunciation and understanding. Besides language skills, poetry can help nurture emotional intelligence. Poems capture complex feelings in accessible ways, helping children understand and express their own emotions. Reading about diverse experiences aids in the development of empathy and understanding different perspectives. Additionally, poetry encourages children to use their imaginations to visualize images and concepts described in the poem. One of the most exciting developments in children's literature has been the growing popularity of novels written entirely in verse. Award-winning titles like Kwame Alexander's basketball-themed The Crossover, Sharon Creech's Love That Dog about a boy's poetry journey, and Jacqueline Woodson's memoir Brown Girl Dreaming demonstrate how verse novels combine the emotional impact of poetry with engaging narratives. These books particularly appeal to reluctant readers; the white space on the page appears less intimidating than dense prose, while the emotional directness creates immediate connection, making them perfect gateway books for children who might otherwise avoid reading.During this National Poetry month, we invite you to explore the children’s poetry in our Library. We have both collections of short poems as well as verse novels in our display on the first floor and even more in our PK-12 Collection. ...

Neuro-DU-verse

April is Autism Awareness Month, but for a group of Loras students, supporting and celebrating neurodiversity is a year-round mission—and it now has a name: Neuro-DU-verse.Neuro-DU-verse, Loras College’s new student organization, was founded to create a space where neurodivergent students—including those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, dyslexia, anxiety, learning differences, and more—can feel seen, supported, and understood. But this group isn’t just about raising awareness. It’s about creating real community, connection, and change.Loras has always been strong on community, but students with disabilities haven’t always felt included. As one member explained, “Especially at a school where athletics are so important, it’s easy for some groups to feel forgotten. [Neuro-DU-verse] is a judgment-free, welcoming space for anyone who feels like they don’t quite fit into other places.”The new organization meets weekly in the Lynch Learning Center. It is an open, accepting space where students come together for games, ice breakers, and conversation. While the gatherings are consistent and routine, they are also flexible, with no pressure or long-term commitments. “It’s about having somewhere to go where you can just be yourself,” another student said. “You don’t have to stress about what’s due or what’s coming next. It’s a space where people get it.” And you don’t have to identify as neurodivergent to attend. The organization is open to everyone—students, staff, and faculty—who either identify as neurodiverse or are allies in support.The impact of Neuro-DU-verse has already extended beyond weekly meetings. Their recent Care Package Fundraising Project created and distributed care packages to 28 members of the community during one of the most stressful points of the semester. The goal? To spark joy and ease anxiety for the recipients. The project raised $700, launched with the help of a $300 donation, and involved collaboration with a career strategies course. Students took on leadership roles in marketing, logistics, and finance—learning hands-on skills and navigating the real-life challenges of team dynamics, responsibility, and self-advocacy. One organizer said, “It wasn’t just another group project. It felt like volunteering and was fun.” Another added, “Seeing how happy people were to receive those packages—it was heartwarming.”As the group looks to the future, Neuro-DU-verse is already planning new events and initiatives, with leftover funds being saved to support the next round of programming. Their mission remains rooted in creating inclusive, welcoming spaces. If you are interested in joining the group, just come Monday evenings at 5:00 to the Lynch Learning Center. To learn more about autism and other forms of neurodiversity, please visit the book display on the main floor of the Library....

Homecoming: Where You Belong

Leave a comment