Amy Nelson Content Creations

Homecoming is a magical time of year on college campuses. It brings new students and graduated alumn together through the power of tradition. This past fall, in 2024, I had the honor of being brought back as an alumna to Winona State University to capture the true warrior spirit that radiates through the community.

Throughout homecoming weekend, there are events for students, employees, and returning honorees. I attended the employee breakfast for those who graduated from and continue to work for WSU to build a brighter future for scholars.

I had the opportunity to stand on along the stage and hear the outstanding stories of the distinguished awardees who were honored at this year’s homecoming for their achievements.

The warrior spirit that carries us to the big game starts at the annual Warrior Waddle 5K. For me, this event has marked the start of where the magic beings. Those throughout the Winona community come to participate from current to past students, employees to administrators, and spectators to community members, where they all watch and cheer each other on as they cross the finish line.

For the first time in WSU history, the annual homecoming parade was held on campus. Students and community members gathered to spectate as distinguished awardees, student organizations, and teams paraded throughout campus.

The Warrior Game Day Experience (WGDX) held on Johnson Street is a newer tradition that was started at WSU in 2017 to boost community surrounding sporting events.

The WGDX is a place where student organizations come together with local businesses to support warrior athletics. During the WGDX, all of the football players line up and parade down the street as spectators cheer them on with good luck.

My favorite part of homecoming has to be the football game. Being a photographer allows for special privileges, such as being allowed on the field. Moments like these remind me of why I love photography and what inspired me to pursue this throughout college and beyond.

I can feel the energy from the crowds radiating throughout the air. With my camera, I have the chance to capture all of the little special moments of what truly ties the warrior community together. My lens holds the power of creating images that may be featured on the WSU homepage, social media accounts, or in other marketing materials.