Karaoke night, a cornhole tournament and a scavenger hunt. Red and White Week, NC State’s homecoming, has more than 60 events this year – including opportunities like these, designed by students, for students. 

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The lineup is designed to create more ways for students across campus to connect, have fun and find their place in the Wolfpack community.

“We’re trying to bring in more of the student body,” said Student Alumni Association Director of Student Engagement Emma Smith.

It all begins with planning the events, determining the schedule and working with partners across campus. This year, the organizers emphasized creating events that work for students with a variety of schedules.

“Some clubs and organizations may have time restraints for events that [result in opportunities that students] can’t make it to, so we’re going to try to be able to include them and fit into their schedule,” said Director of Homecoming Dylan Rueda Ibanez.

“We wanted to make the schedule flexible, so organizations can participate on the days they’re available. Traditionally, there’s a points system throughout the week, but this year each event has its own competitors and prizes,” he said.

Events

Organizers highlighted several traditional events that build community — some of which work toward that goal even more than in past years. 

One of those events is the week’s opening event: Red and White Week Kickoff. The event allows students to play carnival games and get swag — including a Red and White Week T-shirt. Assistant Director of Homecoming Maggie Brown described the event as a tone-setter.

“It’s just fun all the way around,” Brown said. “I think it’s just always fosters a really nice energy across campus.”

“I think it’s just always fosters a really nice energy across campus.”
― Assistant Director of Homecoming, Maggie Brown

After the kickoff, students can also attend other Wear Red, Get Fed events during the week. Students who attend while wearing NC State gear are able to get free food from local partners, including Chick-fil-A, PRESS Coffee Crêpes Cocktails and Tiff’s Treats.

This year, organizers added an additional location for students to get fed. Students on Centennial Campus can visit The Corner on Oct. 29 to get free food from Cinnaholic and Biggby Coffee.

Student Giving Challenge

The week also includes an opportunity for students to give back through the Student Giving Challenge.

Student groups participating in the weeklong challenge face off to see who can raise the most for a specific fund on campus. Last year, the challenge raised almost $14,000. This year, the competition is raising money for the Student Emergency Fund, which provides funding to students facing sudden financial crises.

The challenge gives groups all across campus, from professional organizations to Greek life, a chance to support their fellow students.

“I think it’s a really unique way that we’re able to feed back into our students’ lives,” Brown said.

Ibanez said the challenge is particularly important to him.

“It encourages and motivates students to be purposeful toward philanthropy initiatives. Additionally, it allows recognition of the role that giving back can play in the university experience,” he said.

“It encourages and motivates students to be purposeful toward philanthropy initiatives.” — Director of Homecoming Dylan Rueda Ibanez

Brown said she is looking forward to this year’s challenge. “I’m really excited to see how we can continue to evolve that number and what this year brings”

It’s all of those elements and events, new and old, that make Red and White Week what it is: a chance for the Wolfpack to come together — for community and for good. 

“When I first came into NC State, I learned how quickly of a tight-knit community NC State really is, how everyone is there to support one another,” Ibanez said. “And that’s something that we try to bring and integrate within our events.”