Most people remember it, perhaps too clearly: trying to pick out the perfect outfit for the dance, decorating mums, garters and desperately trying to smile through a three hour football game.

Homecoming is a staple of the stereotypical “high school experience,” but it was ultimately kind of terrible. To some students’ dismay (and others’ joy), St. Edwards has no football team. Yet, homecoming prevails on the hilltop.

Homecoming and Family Weekend 2013 kicks off on Feb. 15 and runs through Feb. 17. There are dozens of events and activities available for students, alumni and families. Events like Casino Night, welcome dinner and alumni awards, campus tours, and basketball games are meant to entice the masses.

Although some students shy away from Homecoming because they remember the horrors of high school, that is not to say Homecoming and Family Weekend does not have its benefits.

Homecoming weekend is a good opportunity for alumni to reconnect with their alma mater. For students having difficulties adjusting to college life, homecoming weekend could provide a familiar comfort. In addition, the weekend helps students’ families establish a relationship with the university.

Those students who display disinterest and at times disdain for the hullabaloo surrounding Homecoming and Family Weekend might consider how the events of the weekend are funded.

A modest portion of student tuition is appropriated to homecoming, but more significant funding comes through fees charged to attendees like alumni and families, according to VP of Financial of Affairs Rhonda Cartwright.

Though Cartwright provided no specific information about where the money comes from, further investigation confirmed Cartwright’s assertions.

For the uber-nostaligic alumni who want to attend all events, they will pay $195; a $10 discount is permitted alumni who graduated within the past decade.

Families, depending on the size, pay $10 to $15 for Saturday breakfast, Homecoming barbeque  Casino Night and Sunday brunch. A t-shirt is not not included in this price.

Some particularly pessimistic students might lament that even one tuition dollar is too much tuition spent on Homecoming and Family Weekend. It is tempting to agree, but the overall good of Homecoming and Family Weekend outweighs the cost.

Several special events take place during Homecoming and Family Weekend that allow student athletes and performers to display their talents.

The pep rally allows the dance team and cheerleaders to exhibit their skills while enlivening the crowd. The basketball team will be introduced although most students are already familiar with the players on the team.

But everyone knows sports teams need more time in the spotlight.

Additionally, a special performance of “Measure to Measure,” specifically for parents, takes place on Friday at the Mary Moody Northern Theatre.

It seems these special showcases for students are well worth the money, especially considering that most of the money is not coming from students’ tuition but rather from fees paid by families and alumni.

Moreover, Homecoming and Family Weekend might seem frivolous at first glance, but a little fun should be welcome in the midst of the tedious academic environment.

Ultimately, the great thing about Homecoming and Family Weekend, and all the events that it entails, is optionality.

Those who so desire can proudly wear blue and gold to any and every event; for the rest, no eye-rolling is necessary because they don’t have to be there.