By Felipe Iannacone

Homecoming at Bishop’s looked a little different this year. Focusing on promoting a better campus environment, Bishop’s came up with a new activity to bring the student community together. Music, food, games, and a bonfire brought the Bishop’s community together during Hoco on the Hill, one of the newest additions to this year’s Homecoming celebrations.

From the moment students arrived, this year’s atmosphere felt different. Hoco on the Hill transformed a familiar part of campus into a lively gathering space filled with DJs, food trucks, activities, and opportunities for students and alumni to connect and celebrate Homecoming together.

Photo courtesy of BUSRC

Planning for Hoco on the Hill began in July, with organizers aiming to create an experience that felt distinct to Bishop’s, while introducing something new to the Homecoming schedule.

Throughout the evening, students moved between activities, enjoying a small carnival-style setup, food trucks, music, and social spaces designed to encourage people to stay and explore. The musical lineup featured Montreal-based DJ duo Banx & Ranx. Bishop’s alumni DJ Meeks and DJ K-Spinz were also present, creating a blend of outside talent and Gaiter representation that reflected the event’s emphasis on community.

One of the event’s most notable aspects was the mix of people in attendance. Current students, alumni, and members of the Bishop’s community shared the same space, reinforcing one of the central purposes of Homecoming: bringing generations of Gaiters together.

The variety of activities helped create an energetic atmosphere throughout the evening. Whether visitors chose to listen to music, grab something to eat, take part in games, or simply spend time with friends, there was no shortage of ways to enjoy Homecoming.

The evening concluded with the traditional bonfire, a highlight of Homecoming weekend. While many associate the bonfire with off-campus parties on Reed Street, this year’s celebration proved that the tradition could successfully take place on campus, while keeping the spirit that has made it an important part of Homecoming for many years.

More than anything, Hoco on the Hill showcased the sense of community that continues to define Bishop’s University. By combining long-standing traditions with new activities, the event added a fresh element to Homecoming while creating a space for students, alumni, and community members to come together and celebrate.

Established as a new Homecoming tradition, Hoco on the Hill was designed not simply as a one-time gathering, but as an event intended to become a lasting part of the Homecoming experience. Based on the strong turnout and engagement throughout the evening, the event achieved its goal of bringing the community together and showed clear potential to become an event that is here to stay.