During Homecoming week, Western’s guests are treated to a parade, tailgating, a pep rally and more.

At these events are Spirit Masters trying to make alumni and guests feel at home?

Spirit Masters are ambassadors of Western and serve to assist the administration, alumni and community at functions on and off campus, according to the Spirit Masters Web site.

Their role for Homecoming week includes making all guests feel welcomed and assisting them with directions, said Spirit Master Sara Puckett, a senior from Winchester.

While the Spirit Masters stay busy throughout the year, Homecoming is an exceptionally busy week, she said.

Other events the Spirit Masters attend include luncheons and reunions.

Spirit Masters are trained early in the year to ensure all campus guests feel welcomed, Puckett said. Not much preparation goes into Homecoming week besides reviewing information on honored guests attending the luncheons and dinners, she said.

One of the main Homecoming events is the luncheon where alumni who have accomplished great things are inducted into the Hall of Distinguished Alumni, said Scottsville senior John-Mark Francis, who’s also a Spirit Master.

Their duty at the luncheon is to greet alumni as they come in and make them feel at home, he said.

In addition to attending such events, Spirit Masters give tours to alumni and prospective students, said Bowling Green senior Monique Braun, who’s a Spirit Master.

“Homecoming is a celebration of the spirit of Western, and it is an exciting time for us to be able to participate in the week,” she said. “As the student ambassadors of Western, fulfilling our obligations to this community requires dedication, and we proudly work as a team to serve our university.”