Erin Hartranft

Contributing Writer

As the fall semester sets in and October creeps up, ESU’s annual homecoming begins! Students, faculty, alumni, and the community gather, all excited and eager to indulge in our school spirit. It is the pride in East Stroudsburg that sets this university apart from the rest. There is no community like it! Crowds stand of pure joy with students, parents, and professors to know this is our second home.

Homecoming extends beyond just the core weekend, involving everyone with activities and key traditions. One of the traditions that kicks off the festivities that happen across campus is “Paint the Town.” Student artists, particularly those from the art, media, and design programs collaborate with local business owners in Stroudsburg and East Stroudsburg, decorating windows and signs to promote Warrior pride.

”I think that really helped them and got them motivated that it’s for a good cause, and its, you know, something real positive,” said Spark Coffee company owner Jill Melia.

It is these simple touches to the town that put smiles on the faces of passing drivers, encourage a fun way to show off the campus, and resonate a sense of gratitude to be at such a place of opportunity. Every year there is a different theme and new custom designs. The work of all members of the community and school never go unnoticed with their fun and exciting ideas like blast from the past and ignite your spirit, enticing students to dress up for a great weekend!

This tradition impacts the community tremendously. It provides foot traffic for restaurants, cafes, and shops. Food trucks join and companies sell merchandise. It is an amazing way to benefit everyone who is a part of East Stroudsburg and give a little extra attention to the businesses that the students enjoy so much. It is the life of the town that really makes the college life in East Stroudsburg so exciting and memory making. From restaurants to coffee shops, from bowling to the malls just asking for a shopping spree, it makes the hard work of attending classes and studying hard so worth it for that fun Saturday reward.

The annual Friday night Bonfire is one of East Stroudsburg University’s most energized Homecoming traditions. Local emergency services and campus security coordinate to ensure safety. It is incredible for students, and most definitely parents, to know that the community offers such unique ways to have fun while knowing our safety is prioritized. Students gather to stay warm, chatting with old friends and making new ones. It is traditions like these that hold the hearts of not just current students but alumni as well.

Executive Director of ESU, Joseph Akob, says the famous bond fire “becomes a memory that many ESU students and alumni will have forever..”

For graduates to see their memories relived by the next generation of hard-working students is what makes East Stroudsburg so special. This is not just a campus, nor just another place to get your morning Starbucks. East Stroudsburg is a home, and what better way to embrace it than attending and dancing your feet off at the East Stroudsburg homecoming.