When the air begins to crisp, the leaves start to change and football season is in full swing, there comes an overwhelming sense of pride that falls over campus. This sensation is known as Homecoming. Students, alumni, staff, faculty, fans, friends and family are brought together by the mutual love and respect of Michigan State.

The Homecoming Game vs. Northwestern Wildcats is on Saturday, October 15, but the festivities will take place all week. Events like Hayrides and History, a “Game of the Century” viewing party and Dairy Store ice cream at The Rock will begin on Monday, October 10 and continue throughout the week. A full list of events can be found on the Alumni Association website.

The 2016 Homecoming Parade begins at 6 p.m. on Friday October 14. Starting at the Hannah Community Center, the parade will be led by Grand Marshals Tom and Lupe Izzo, and will travel down Abbot to Grand River and turn on to campus at the Collingwood entrance. Traffic on campus will be extra busy before the parade, and several roads will be closed, so you may want to leave work a little earlier than usual.

Don’t forget the tradition of “glowing green”! Spartans anywhere in the world can show their school spirit by switching their front porch, window or any light with a green bulb for the week. Submit your “Glow Green!” photos on the MSU Alumni Association’s Facebook page, or use #GlowGreen on Twitter or Instagram for a chance to win prizes.

The leaves may no longer be green, but our hearts always are.