University of Iowa Homecoming 2022 - the Return of Traditions!
Last week we celebrated the University of Iowa homecoming to its fullest extent! One of the highlights of the week was cheering on our incredibly talented sisters as they performed in the annual Shout dance competition. It was a much quicker turn around this year than in years past, but that did not shake the Chi O’s confidence. Sixteen of our sisters choreographed, rehearsed and performed a killer dance within only 2 practices (3 hours total) four days before their stage debut! Probably half of the cheering section was made of Chi Omega’s–who are definitely the greatest support system ever–and we even had our house mom Beth show up with her lawn chair and Chi Omega apparel ready to cheer everyone on. Despite the limited preparation, they totally crushed it and secured a donation to Make-A-Wish!
“Performing on stage for SHOUT with some of my favorite people was the most incredible experience! I remember watching Chi Omega dance up there my freshman year, aspiring to join them someday, and now as a senior, finally getting to do so is one of the most special “full-circle” moments for me. These girls worked so hard to put together an amazing routine in only 3 hours of practice, and I couldn’t be a prouder leader! It’s so meaningful to help bring back these treasured traditions for the underclassmen after years of being shut down, and showing them what it’s all about!” -Kendall Watson, PC ‘19
As one of the Campus Activities Directors, I am proud to help bring back this wonderful tradition and share it with the community and chapter. Being a Junior, I have never experienced SHOUT due to the pandemic, and lived through the memories of the upper-level students and Chi Omegas that came before. Finally, after all these years, being able to witness and help create new memories and joy for the community and chapter is heartwarming. I am so thankful and proud of our dance team for putting in the hours and hard work to create something so fun and adding to our memories here on campus. I can’t wait to see what we have on hold for next year!” -Anjali Shah, PC ‘20
“Though our performance itself was definitely a wonderful experience, the time spent practicing and making memories with my new sisters was the best part! Not only did I have the opportunity to spend time with more girls in my class, I also met so many AMAZING Chi O’s across all grades. Coming together to work on our routine really made me thankful to have taken part this opportunity, as the love I feel has grown even stronger for Chi Omega!” -Riley Rosenmeyer, PC ‘22
“The Iowa SHOUT dance performance this year was an experience I will never forget! I have only been in Chi Omega for a short period of time and every second I spend around these girls makes me feel so uplifted. The few practices we had were a blast and the environment was always positive. Any time spent with my sisters is a great time and this experience was no different! No matter whether we were practicing or performing, these girls showed me that someone will always be there to cheer you on and make you a better version of yourself. I was also able to meet so many upperclassmen that I had something in common with while doing what I love, name a better duo! I am so thankful for this experience and everything Chi Omega has brought me along the way!” -Kaylie Watson, PC ‘22
The Shout competition was just the start to a fabulous homecoming weekend! Immediately following the dance competition, that huge cheering section stuck around to support Megan Kurth on Homecoming Court! We also loved cheering her on in Kinnick Stadium!
“Being on the homecoming court is an experience I will never forget <3 Getting to represent Chi Omega in the parade and on the field was such an honor for me! So many of my sisters came to the coronation, parade, and football game to cheer me on and I’ve never felt so loved and supported! I met so many amazing peers.” -Megan Kurth, PC ‘19
Following Thursday night’s festivities, on Friday, Chi Omega was well represented in the Iowa City Homecoming parade that welcomed thousands of guests. Psi Beta’s walked with a variety of groups including PHC, UIDM, and Court.
“Walking in the parade with my UIDM committee was an incredible experience! It was so awesome hearing so many people recognize our organization and hearing how thankful they were for everything DM does. The turnout at the parade was amazing and I loved being able to represent Dance Marathon and all the amazing work the organization does!” -Meredith Monson, PC ‘21
The wonderful weekend ended as every ideal Homecoming weekend would–a Hawkeye win in Kinnick stadium! What made this win even more sweet was seeing all the Chi O alum that filled the stands and cheering on our dance team alumnae return to the field for with all their Hawkeye spirit!
“No one does Homecoming quite like Iowa City. As an alumna of both Chi Omega and the Iowa Dance Team, I know that it’s always a great time to go back and relive some of my best days. That’s not what makes this place home though, it’s the girls I met and the memories we shared that come flooding back when we are all together again in our favorite place. Meeting the new members reminds me of all that’s in store for them. Seeing their involvement in the community and hawkeye spirit makes me proud to say I was once in their shoes too. Their journeys are just beginning and I know they will make memories just like the ones I cherish with the lifelong friends they meet in Chi Omega.” -Sydney (Albertson) Martin
“Each year I try to get back to Iowa City for at least one game — not only to take in the football and tailgating but stay with and catch up with my freshman year random-roommate turned Chi O sister and bestie, Ursula (Swanson) Diehl. This year, another Chi O Sis joined the festivities, Ayla Bakken. Not only do we spend the time catching up on each others’ lives, careers — and now kids! — we also reminisce about all the late nights and many laughs during college. One of the best parts about tailgating, especially on Homecoming, is you never know who you’ll see - so when we ran into two more sisters, Lauren (Peoples) Walker & Abby (Sojka) Kestas, we had to snap a pic!
The weekend wasn’t all about the past but also the future of Chi Omega when I caught up with new bid, Anna Young, from my hometown… so excited for her and all new members to soak in the next four years and beyond!” -Nicole (Engelbart) Morig
Homecoming for alumnae is all about returning to the school that shaped who you are. For us, Homecoming is about showing our school spirit and reconnecting with the alumnae who shaped this beautiful sisterhood and letting them see the future of Chi Omega they helped create!
