The soggy, gray weather seemed nothing short of dreary; however, for the Rev. Dennis Dease, this homecoming was particularly special because it was his last.

This was Dease’s 22nd homecoming as president; and when asked how it compared to his first one, which was six weeks into his first academic year, he said one thing was different.

“I really didn’t know anybody, not many, a few administrators,” Dease said. “But now when I see students, I know stories behind those faces and know what their dreams are and some of their griefs they’ve had to cope with. It just makes it much more human and meaningful.”

Even after all these years, Dease said the way he always starts his homecoming day is to visit the reunion classes and then head to the homecoming parade to see the float created by one group in particular – St. John Vianney Seminary.

“I may be partial because I’m a priest,” Dease said. “They generally put a lot of mad scientist thinking into it. Whoever plans that float is dangerous…I’m kidding of course.”

Nadine Friederichs, Student Alumni Council adviser, said the plans for the whole homecoming event came together, regardless of the weather.

“It was a little bit stressful watching the weather coming in – if we should be in the field or not,” Frederichs said.

Friederichs expected up to 5,000 students and alumni to fill the Lower Quad.

Senior Charlie Peterson said that a highlight for him was interacting with an 1953 alumnus who bought him a burger, cookie and pop for no specific reason.

“It was so nice; he was such a sweet man,” Peterson said. “I think it gives me hope for when I’m older that I can still play a part in students’ lives.”

With the new St. Thomas liquor licence, young and old alumni gathered in the beer garden.

“It’s just nice to be back on campus to see some familiar faces and kind of relive the ‘glory days,’” 2012 alumnus Quinn Abraham said.

Rain was heavy at times, but that didn’t stop beer sales or good experiences.

“I’m trying to stick under the tent, so the rain and water doesn’t dilute my beer as much as possible,” Abraham said.

The weather didn’t ruin the experience in the beer garden, and neither did underage drinking.

“We have not had to deal with any students trying to underage drink today,” Director of Public Safety Dan Meuwissen said. “They (students serving alcohol) are all trained. People have been respectful and following the rules.”

Catering Services and Dining Services ordered almost 500 bottles of beer, 500 burgers, 350 brats, 200 hot dogs, 250 corn dogs and 15 gallons of chili for the homecoming crowd.

“We expected more people than normal because it is Bethel, and it is a heavy game,” Dining Services Manager Todd Empanger said. “However, the weather is scaring and holding people off.”

Even though the drizzle may have scared some people away, Frederichs said the homecoming spirit survived.

“Looking around, you have kids in strollers, teenagers looking at this for potential schools, parents showing up to their alma mater, and all of us in between,” Friederichs said. “It’s the best event to pull the community together in the fall.”

Dease agreed that it’s the people who always attract him to homecoming.

“I sure hope so, God willing, I’ll be back,” Dease said. “I’ll be leaving this year with a grateful heart and with a very deep respect and affection for Tommies.”

Hannah Anderson can be reached at ande5385@stthomas.edu.