Meet the Students Behind Homecoming’s Biggest Events!
Clap it up for MMC’s student leaders! They play a crucial role in Homecoming, says Director of Student Development and Activities Stephanie Tovar, helping to plan and execute some of the weekend’s most anticipated events.
That includes Apple Fest, organized by the College’s Campus Activities Board (CAB); the annual talent show, MMC’s Got Talent, presented by the Student Government Association (SGA); and The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals: The Musical, produced by the Musical Theatre Association (MTA) with club advisor Professor Emily Clark. In addition, our students also determine the Apple Fest fit: the event’s signature tie-dye shirt is always student-designed. “There is no better feeling than walking onto East 71st to see a sea of tie-dye shirts, activities, and students engaging as a community,” Tovar said.
We spoke with four student leaders about what to expect at this year’s Homecoming and how new students and their families can get the most out of it.
CAB and MTA president
How have you been helping to organize Homecoming behind the scenes?
As CAB president, I’m keeping up the well-oiled machine that is Apple Fest, alongside my E-board and our amazing advisor, Stephanie Tovar. Some of what we do includes picking food trucks, activities, and giveaways, and reaching out to performance groups on campus. We also facilitate the giveaway of the highly coveted Apple Fest T-shirt.
As MTA president, I’m basically the production manager for the Homecoming musical, The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals! I helped pick the creative team based on their applications, reserved rehearsal spaces, created marketing for the show and audition process, ensured an MTA board representative was at every rehearsal, and just tried to help the creative team and cast as much as I could!
What made you decide to get involved as an organizer?
I remember, during my first year, looking up to the student leaders. Their high energy and positive attitudes were infectious, and I knew I wanted to make the most of my time at MMC, as they had. Joining CAB was a great and easy way to get involved!
Do you have a favorite Homecoming memory from your time at MMC?
Either getting to be in 13: The Musical last year and getting to understudy the lead, or the first-time my mom came to visit my first year. 13 is one of my favorite musicals and the cast and creative team were so great to work with, and when my mom visited for Homecoming, I got to show her how I was adjusting to college. I remember how proud she felt of me; that was a great feeling and a great visit.
What Homecoming tips or recommendations would you offer to new students and their families?
Don’t push yourself! If you have family visiting, don’t feel pressured to schedule fun for every minute of their visit. I would highly recommend Apple Fest and the Homecoming musical, but do what works for your family and your schedule!
What are you most looking forward to doing at Homecoming this year?
I just wanna take it all in! This will be my last Homecoming, and it’s such a special time of year, so I want to enjoy it as much as I can. I also have a tradition with Stephanie Tovar of taking a Polaroid together every Apple Fest, so I’m looking forward to completing the set.
Director, The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals: The Musical
What made you want to get involved in pulling the musical together?
Directing is a big passion of mine, and this opportunity is my first experience directing a full-scale musical. I thought there was no better way to direct than to jump into the deep end with a creative team and a cast full of people I love working with!
Do you have a favorite Homecoming memory from your time at MMC?
Since I have usually had class during the street events, the MTA musical was the main Homecoming event that I could attend! I was so grateful to have the opportunity to see my friends shine on stage, and now I get to be a part of the process.
What Homecoming tips or recommendations would you offer to new students and their families?
Get there early and try to do everything you can! It can be crowded, but that’s the best part, as you’re surrounded by the best and most welcoming community.
What are you most looking forward to doing at Homecoming this year?
I’m looking forward to seeing my cast shine on stage. This group of people has been working tirelessly to put this show together, and I’m so glad they get to share their work with an audience full of their family and friends. I can’t wait to feel like a proud mom watching them kill it out there!
SGA president
How have you been helping to organize Homecoming?
SGA hosts the annual MMC’s Got Talent show, so our team has been busy planning and figuring out the logistics for it! I can’t take all the credit, though—this year I get to sit back as a judge, while our Student Life Senator, Emma Fisher, and our Vice President, Nicole Ostlie, have taken over. Otherwise, I work in the Student Development and Activities (SDA) office, and I’ve been given small tasks here and there to help support CAB and SDA as they put in the work to make this weekend happen, mostly when it comes to Apple Fest.
What made you want to get involved as an organizer?
Being involved on campus in general has been so rewarding. For me, it started pretty much during my first month at MMC, and since then, I’ve continued growing as a leader and student, and I’m constantly finding new ways to get involved! Homecoming weekend especially excites me because it’s more than just a blast; seeing our community come together to celebrate our silly traditions reminds me why I love MMC so much. Going an extra step to be involved in the weekend gives me a new sense of pride and appreciation for what so many clubs and leaders put into making it happen. A special shoutout to Stephanie Tovar and Lark Mueller for all the work they do!
Do you have a favorite Homecoming memory from your time at MMC?
My favorite memory is from working on the Homecoming musical last fall! We put on the show 13, and I was lucky enough to work as the assistant stage manager on the production. It was my first time in a long time working on a show, and it was truly such a rewarding process and a period of my life I will always be so grateful for!
What Homecoming tips or recommendations would you offer to new students and their families?
Stopping by Apple Fest is a must! If not for the free snacks and adorable t-shirt, then for the mugs that SGA is giving out (shameless self-plug)! There are also walking tours with Mary Brown, whom I’ve had the pleasure of taking a History class with. I highly recommend it for those looking for something a bit different! And of course, MMC’s Got Talent is a must-see!
What are you most looking forward to doing at Homecoming this year?
I’m most looking forward to the Homecoming musical The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals! Like I mentioned, last year I had the opportunity to work on the creative team for 13, so I’m excited to sit back and watch this one this year! My roommates are also involved in the creative team this year, and I’ve only heard the best things about this cast and show.
CAB Special and Annual Events Chair
How have you been helping to organize Homecoming behind the scenes?
The CAB team and I have worked hard to not only figure out logistics like tables and desserts, but also how the culture of the event will flow, and how we can bring as much student life and energy into the event itself
What made you want to get involved as an organizer?
I’ve been in Cab for almost two years and love getting to work with the MMC community as a member. Also, seeing the final event come to life as an attendee made it all the more exciting to help organize and give that experience to others.
Do you have a favorite Homecoming memory from your time at MMC?
My favorite Homecoming memory was my first time seeing The Throne perform at my freshman year Apple fest. I enjoy seeing the collaboration among them that allows every member to showcase their talents and energy.
What Homecoming tips or recommendations would you offer to new students and their families? Take advantage of getting to know the new kinds of people and students you are meshed with. The clubs and social opportunities help students branch out and build connections, especially for those who mainly meet people within their major.
What are you most looking forward to doing at Homecoming this year?
Interacting with all the students, especially with our new students who are experiencing Apple Fest for the first time. Although I am definitely getting my face painted.
Published: October 23, 2025
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