AUBURN, Ala. (EETV) -- Hey Day is one of the most historic and anticipated traditions on Auburn's campus, having taken place this year on Wednesday, Oct. 16.
Students and faculty gathered on Haley Concourse and around campus for a day that fosters the friendly, welcoming environment the Auburn community knows and loves.
The tradition began in 1947 when World War II veteran students returned to campus, but struggled to feel a sense of belonging. This issue inspired Auburn's Student Government Association (SGA) and students to create a day in which members of the Auburn Family wear a name tag, greeting each other and creating an atmosphere of camaraderie.
SGA members Collins Bradford and Anders Wren discussed what goes into making Hey Day happen.
"We started planning back in the spring, just reaching out to vendors," said Bradford. "We reached out in July, so there's been a lot of planning going on behind the scenes and leading up into the school year...it's been really fun to see it all happen."
Wren, who was a part of organizing the volunteers, noted the hard work that goes into the foundations of Hey Day.
"I was in charge of volunteers...for the past few weeks I've been scheduling volunteers, getting their submissions for volunteers in, making sure they can be in the space that they need to be at the right time...overall, trying to make sure that it runs smoothly on the day," Wren said.
Since its conception nearly 80 years ago, Hey Day has become a beloved tradition for both students and faculty. Members of SGA and volunteers are stationed across campus handing out name tags, stickers and other Hey Day merchandise to passersby. Auburn students were gifted free t-shirts while supplies lasted.
This year's celebration also included a catered meal and pep rally on the Campus Green, including special guests and an inflatable obstacle course.
Volunteer Ty Torbert emphasized how Hey Day is an important part of the Auburn experience.
"It really just ties back into the Auburn Creed. One of our lines talks about human touch and this is a great way to get that personalized human touch each and every year...it goes beyond Hey Day too, this is just a great tangible way of showing the Auburn Family in real life," Torbert said.
To learn more about Hey Day and other Auburn traditions, visit the SGA's website.
