By: John David Barnett
Student Involvement Student Writer
Hey Day, a beloved and longstanding Auburn tradition, returned to the Plains on Wednesday, October 18, 2023. The 76th installment of the event was a major hit, proving to all who visited campus that day why Auburn is always boasting their status as a thriving Family.
Defining Hey Day
So, what exactly is Hey Day? Student Government Association’s Director of Hey Day, Madeline Facteau, would describe Hey Day to someone unfamiliar with the tradition as “a day that really embodies the Auburn family” and how it is a massive celebration of “the love the Auburn Family has for each other.”
The 1947 class of students at Alabama Polytechnic Institute may have never predicted the thriving longevity of what they started, but they made sure to build a strong foundation. The very first Hey Day occurred in the spring of 1947, with a goal of creating a welcoming atmosphere for returning WWII soldiers who felt invisible and voiceless upon their return to the states. Students made Hey Day happen in 1947, and they are still making it happen in 2023 – and on a larger scale than ever.
Behind-the-Scenes
While Hey Day – just like the name suggests – is only one day out of the year, it takes months to plan it to perfection. Sam Laggan, junior in business administration and Assistant Vice President of Outreach for SGA, remarked that “Behind the scenes, it takes a lot of tedious work.” He went on to describe how the Hey Day team has been preparing and planning since April. “No detail is too small or too large,” Laggan said. “It takes a lot of time and you have to think through every possible outcome.”
Planning for every outcome may seem nitpicky, but it is necessary. “Last year we had a huge weather delay and we hoped against that this year,” Laggan explained. “But this year, we had marketing graphics created for it, reservations booked a week out, just in case we had bad weather today. No detail is too small.”
The Big Day
The meticulous months of planning were quick to pay off on Wednesday. Students across campus were feeling the Hey Day spirit and festivity as early as 7:15 that morning. White tents and tables were dotted all over campus stocked with nametags, markers, buttons, and key chains. Like magnets, these nametag stations drew in students as they passed by. The cold air that morning tried chasing students to their classroom buildings and study spaces, but even that couldn’t stop students from investing into the tradition and stopping at a station for a nametag. Friendly greetings and conversation escaped each name tag station as students stopped by, representing the contagious spirit of an Auburn Tiger.
The primary source of this magnetic power was the convivial presence of each station’s volunteers. Hey Day volunteers worked to draw Auburn students into the iconic tradition. The massive number of nametags found on students’ chests throughout campus on Wednesday showed that the volunteers were achieving their goal.
The Campus Green hosted the most action. A walk by at any point during the day showed students exchanging “Heys” and engaging in conversation all over the place. Some students reunited with friends they haven’t seen for months; others enjoyed the free meals in the company of new friends. There was even an obstacle course bouncy house, tempting students to form new friendships via fierce competition.
Arguably, Hey Day’s climax was when the Auburn University Cheerleaders and Tiger Paws led an energizing pep rally in the middle of the Campus Green. They got the crowd involved in some of Auburn’s most classic cheers, chants and songs. Perhaps the cherry on top of the day were the consistent appearances from Aubie the Tiger, taking pictures with students and getting them hyped up. The liveliness was off the charts.
The Campus Green wasn’t the only area with vibrant energy, as Haley Concourse was filled with students getting their picture taken by Glomerata staff members in front of the iconic Hey Day balloon photo booth. Just feet away from the booth was a member of one of Auburn’s most prestigious clubs: Aurea the golden eagle, straight from the Auburn University Raptor Center. Supported by a trainer, Aurea posed for several pictures with students.
At the height of the day, Hey Day’s festivities felt almost endless. This feeling was shared by several students.
Sophia Wilson, sophomore in building science, said, “I worked Hey Day last year, which was really fun. This year, I decided to enjoy the festivities for myself. We have free lunch, we have this little bouncy house situation, Aubie’s here. It’s just a fun way to connect with other Auburn students.”
Nylah Blueitt, senior in apparel design and Hey Day veteran, said, “I enjoy Hey Day because it’s a day where everyone across campus has a smile on their face. It’s such a beautiful day today and everyone is being extra friendly and kind.” Blueitt went on to describe the special day’s environment as “welcoming and a great place to be.”
While Hey Day’s primary audience may be current students, it is still something Auburn Alumni celebrate and enjoy. Madison Allen, 2022 public relations graduate and a former Director of Hey Day, returned to Auburn for the special occasion.
“Hey Day is a really big day,” Allen said. “It’s really cool to see that there are so many different types of people here in auburn. Everyone deserves a chance to get a ‘hey’ or ‘hello’ and everyone carries a different connotation or meaning with it. I think it’s really cool because ‘hey’ is the start of so many new friendships.”
As the day drew to a close and the festivities died down, there was a calm harmony in the air. This harmony spoke to students as they walked to their apartments and their cars, reminding them of the sixth line of the famous Auburn Creed: “I believe in the human touch, which cultivates sympathy with my fellow men and mutual helpfulness and brings happiness for all.” Hey Day is the embodiment of this line, never failing to bring people together to brew up genuine joy and memories that will last a lifetime.
Photos: Elaina Eichorn | AUinvolve