Quincy University students kicked off Homecoming Week by picking up paintbrushes and decorating Penny Lane. Sports teams, clubs and other student organizations came together to create colorful designs that represented their groups and brought the campus community together.

Students were given the opportunity to create their own designs for their section of Penny Lane. Some groups chose to use their team names or logos, while others decided to paint something that represented their organization, values or personality.

For the Quincy University wrestling team, wrestler Trinity White knew exactly what message she wanted her team to share. The team decided to paint a quote that represents the attitude they want to have throughout the year.

“Our idea is basically everything is earned, nothing is given. That is our team quote for the year, so you have to work for what you want, and if you want it, you have to go get it. That was our idea behind our Penny Lane square,” White said.

The quote represents the hard work and dedication that the wrestling team believes is important both on and off the mat. By putting the message on Penny Lane, the team was able to share something meaningful with the rest of the Quincy University community.

Painting Penny Lane also gave students an opportunity to spend time with their teammates and friends while meeting people from other organizations. With different groups working on their designs at the same time, students were able to see what other organizations had planned and enjoy the activity together.

For many students, the event was more than just painting. It was a chance to take a break from classes, spend time outside and participate in an activity with their friends and teammates. Jenna Durst, women’s basketball player, thought it was a great time to socialize as well.

“I think it is a great way to come together as a team and be outside in the nice weather and just doing something fun outside and being able to paint and be creative,” Durst said.

Events like painting Penny Lane give students a chance to show their school spirit while also allowing them to express themselves creatively. Each group had the freedom to decide what they wanted their section to look like, making every painting different.

The activity also helped build excitement for Homecoming Week. With students representing different sports teams, clubs and organizations, Penny Lane became a collection of the different groups that make up the Quincy University community.

The finished paintings give students something to look back on and allow others on campus to learn more about the organizations that participated. The designs also add more school spirit and color to the campus.

The next time you head outside for a walk along Penny Lane, take a look at the new paintings decorating campus. You may find a team motto, organization name or creative design that represents one of the many groups at Quincy University.