On October 16, Auburn celebrates one of its most beloved traditions, Hey Day.

This Wednesday, the Student Government Association will encourage students to put up a name tag and start conversations with other members of the Auburn community.

SGA staff will be handing out name tags, shirts and pins at booths around campus. In honor of this tradition, there will be a catered luncheon, an inflatable obstacle course and a pep rally on the Campus Green.

Hey Day was founded in 1947 to welcome returning veterans after World War II. SGA created this tradition to create a welcoming atmosphere and encourage everyone to start conversations.

“It has truly become a unique event for the university and is certainly a great way for people to feel the Auburn spirit and welcome one another,” said Todd Deery, director of content marketing for Auburn Advancement.

One thing that makes this day so special is the way it helps bring the Auburn family together.

“Auburn is already a friendly and welcoming place, but Hey Day is a time when perhaps we can really slow down, look out for each other and talk to each other, and make everyone feel welcome on campus and at the university. So it’s a great day. Of course it’s also a lot of fun, there are lots of events,” said Deery.

Auburn University offers a variety of opportunities for people from all over the country and even the world to come together and socialize. Hey Day has evolved into a day where everyone is welcome to talk to each other, no matter how different their backgrounds are.

“My favorite thing about Hey Day is definitely the community that makes everyone feel included,” said SGA Treasurer Will Goodner.

For those new to campus, making friends isn’t always easy, and having friends to go with can be the best way to enjoy the various activities in town. Hey Day is a day when people have the opportunity to have new conversations with strangers.

“It’s really fun, especially for people who are from out of state and don’t know anyone, or especially for freshmen who don’t really know who to talk to. “Just saying ‘hey’ to someone and starting a conversation is such a great way to meet friends,” said Emma Donaldson, transfer admissions advisor.

Hey Day connects not only those currently on campus, but also those who have graduated from Auburn University.

Deery explained how Auburn Advancement’s live broadcast, hosted by Mary Coker Green, Miss Auburn University, will begin at 11:45 a.m. on Facebook, YouTube and the Auburn app. They will interview students and record events and attractions to bring Hey Day to a virtual audience and introduce Auburn alumni to the sights and sounds of campus.

Hey Day is a celebration created to integrate people into the community. After 60 years, it still supports the connections of diverse people on campus.

“It’s one of our priorities that we can do this every year because I mean, it’s one of the things that makes Auburn Auburn. It’s one of our greatest traditions,” Goodner said.

There is no starter pack for Hey Day – an open mind and desire to meet other people is all students need to hold the Auburn community together.