AUBURN, Ala. (EETV) – Hey Day is one of the most historic and anticipated traditions on Auburn’s campus and took place this year on Wednesday, October 16th.

Students and faculty gathered on Haley Concourse and around campus for a day that promotes the friendly, welcoming environment that the Auburn community knows and loves.

The tradition began in 1947 when students who were World War II veterans returned to campus but struggled to feel a sense of belonging. This edition inspired Auburn’s Student Government Association (SGA) and students to create a day where members of the Auburn family wear a name tag, greet one another and create an atmosphere of camaraderie.

SGA members Collins Bradford and Anders Wren discussed what goes into making Hey Day a reality.

“We started planning back in the spring, just reaching out to vendors,” Bradford said. “We reported in July, so there was a lot of planning behind the scenes and leading up to the school year…it was really fun to see it all happen.”

Wren, who helped organize the volunteers, noted the hard work that goes into the foundations of Hey Day.

“I’ve been responsible for the volunteers… Over the last few weeks I’ve been scheduling the volunteers, submitting their volunteer contributions and making sure they can be where they need to be at the right time… Overall, I’m trying to make sure that things run smoothly that day,” Wren said.

Since its inception nearly 80 years ago, Hey Day has become a beloved tradition for both students and faculty. SGA members and volunteers are located throughout campus handing out name tags, stickers and other Hey Day items to passersby. Auburn students received free t-shirts while supplies lasted.

This year’s celebration also included a food and pep rally on Campus Green with special guests and an inflatable obstacle course.

Volunteer Ty Torbert emphasized that Hey Day is an important part of the Auburn experience.

“It really just ties into the Auburn creed. One of our lines is about human touch, and this is a great way to get that personal human touch every year… it also goes beyond Hey Day, that’s just great.” “It’s a tangible possibility “to show the Auburn family in real life,” Torbert said.

To learn more about Hey Day and other Auburn traditions, visit the SGA website.