Name: Brandon Rittenhouse
Year: Senior
Major: Graphic Design
HC: We all know Penn State Homecoming is a highly anticipated tradition within the Penn State community, but many of us don’t know why. What is the true purpose behind the event?
BR: The purpose behind Penn State Homecoming is to celebrate tradition and instill pride in all members of the Penn State family through active engagement of students, alumni, faculty and staff across the community. Homecoming at Penn State is truly unlike any other school because of the immense amount of spirit that binds the entire Penn State family together. It is a time for alumni to come back to Happy Valley and celebrate their alma mater alongside those of us who are lucky enough to still be here.
HC: What was the process like becoming Executive Director?
BR: It was a pretty standard application and interview process with the decision ultimately being made by the previous Executive Director. Prior to applying, I had been involved with Homecoming for two years in several different capacities. I started off as a Photography Captain, which was a blast. After absolutely falling in love with the organization, I applied to be a member of HEC (Homecoming Executive Committee) and received the position of Merchandise Director. After another unforgettable experience, I had to apply. It was a decision that changed my life.
HC: Deciding the Homecoming theme each year is always a big deal. How did you come up with, “A Legacy to Shape the Future?”
BR: Shortly after selecting the Executive Committee, we devoted our last meeting of the semester to selecting a theme for the upcoming Homecoming celebration. This year, we all met in the HUB around 7 p.m. on a Tuesday, and after about 6 hours of deliberation, we had our theme. A lot of the meeting is spent talking about our collective vision for the upcoming year, followed by copious amounts of shouted-out ideas, consumed snacks and breaks spent walking laps around the HUB. Similar to last year, we inevitably reached the “ah-ha” moment and unanimously agreed that our theme, “A Legacy to Shape the Future,” is perfect for what we wish to accomplish this year.
HC: How did you manage to get Keegan-Michael Key to agree to become this year’s Grand Marshal?
BR: Once we selected Keegan-Michael as our Grand Marshal, we worked alongside the Penn State Alumni Association to get in contact with him. It was actually a quick process this year. Shortly after we made first contact, he let us know that he would be honored to participate as Grand Marshal. It is an absolute honor to be able to bestow the title of Grand Marshal on such an influential figure.
HC: Out of all the events Homecoming organizes, which is your favorite?
BR: My absolute favorite event is the Homecoming Parade. As someone who grew up in State College, I’ve been attending the parade all of my life. The atmosphere is absolutely incredible. It is so cool to see past, present, and future Penn Staters join together to celebrate our university. It is what homecoming is all about.
HC: Give us one solid reason why we should be excited for Homecoming this year.
BR: There are so many reasons why you all should be excited, but if I had to choose one solid reason, it would be the spirit. There is something so unique about the Homecoming experience. There is no other time at Penn State where there is such a collective, inspiring effort to show each other what it means to be Penn Staters.
HC: Any suggestions for those looking to get involved next year?
BR: Broaden your horizons, and try something new. Homecoming is a unique experience that you can only find at Penn State. Apply to be a captain, join an organization that competes or come out to one of the many events we put on throughout the year. Ross Lehman, former Executive Director of the Penn State Alumni Association once said, “And here in this lovely, intriguing spot called Penn State, each of us staked our own special, precious, and eventful life.” Involvement is one of the many ways at Penn State for you to make your time here special, precious and definitely eventful.