A homecoming float with Ekho
By Daisy Ratzlaff
海角社区CI marked a historic moment in its 22-year history as students, faculty, staff, and alumni came together to celebrate the University鈥檚 first-ever Homecoming Week, October 21-26.
鈥淩eturning to campus for Homecoming feels like stepping back in time,鈥 said Ruthie Preston, a 2015 graduate. 鈥淪eeing old friends brings back a flood of cherished memories. It is heartwarming to witness the new generation of students embracing the spirit of the University.鈥
Monday鈥檚 kick-off pep rally featured music, a performance by the 海角社区CI cheer team, and a parade of decorated golf carts.
Cheering for 海角社区CI Homecoming
鈥淗omecoming is very special to me, and I am so excited because we are showcasing so much of our talent,鈥 said Eboni Ford Turnbow, Vice President for Student Affairs. 鈥淚t鈥檚 so fun to see all the golf carts, trucks, vans and all the people participating.鈥
Ford Turnbow said the celebration was a testament to the vibrant community spirit that defines 海角社区CI, adding it was a joy to witness the campus come alive with enthusiasm and camaraderie. She also recognized the hard work of event organizers, especially Director of Orientation & Engagement Programs Ariana Robles and Director of Career Development & Alumni Engagement Amanda Carpenter, who co-chaired the Homecoming Committee.
鈥淚t鈥檚 been extremely rewarding to see this vision become a reality for our campus,鈥
said Ford Turnbow.
Richard LeRoy, Vice President for University Advancement, highlighted the importance of the event by noting how wonderful it was to see familiar faces returning to campus.
鈥淗omecoming is building a new tradition for our campus, deepening the connections between our alumni, our students, and our mission, and celebrating the success of our University in serving this region,鈥 he said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 about the achievements of our alumni, and the work of our faculty and staff. It is about shared affinity and sharing school spirit.鈥
Festivities throughout the week included 鈥淔oodie Tuesday鈥 at the Central Mall, 鈥淔loat and Sip,鈥 where students enjoyed root beer floats in limited-edition Homecoming mugs, a Dolphin Brunch, a Farmers Market, and 鈥淩obots, Unveiled,鈥 showcasing 海角社区CI鈥檚 pioneering robotic program.
Headliner L.A. band Ozomatli's impromptu music jam on Central Mall.
Wednesday evening featured a free outdoor movie night with families and friends gathering under the stars. The 21st Annual 海角社区CI Graduate and Professional School Fair took place on Thursday in front of the John Spoor Broome Library, followed that night by 鈥淏urton's Wonderland: A Homecoming Block Party鈥 at the Student Union Treehouse Courtyard, where costumes were encouraged.
On October 25, participants were invited to join the Haunted Homecoming Sunset Kayak event at the 海角社区CI Boating Center. Later that evening, the Alumni & Friends Social ushered in Comedy Night in the Grand Salon. Before the performance by Saturday Night Live alum, Jay Pharoah, President Richard Yao welcomed students and alumni back to campus.
鈥満＝巧缜鳦I now has over 29,000 alumni,鈥 said President Yao. 鈥淩emarkably, over 80% stay in the region, with many having become leaders in diverse fields such as education, healthcare, biotechnology, finance, social services, and more. Their accomplishments not only inspire our current students but also play a vital role in enriching the communities we serve.鈥
Homecoming car show
Homecoming Week wrapped up on Saturday, October 26 with free sailing, paddleboarding, and kayaking at the 海角社区CI Boating Center. Families enjoyed watersports along with a picnic, music and games. In the afternoon, the Central Mall came alive with a Homecoming Street Fair featuring food, music, a classic car show, and entertainment.
2005 Class Ambassador Melissa Mirkovich-Scholes challenged her fellow Dolphins to give back to the University that "gave us a once-in-a-lifetime experience" by supporting the #ClashoftheClasses Class Giving Challenge. This week-long initiative successfully raised $9,305 through 133 contributions from alumni, faculty, and staff. Gifts came from alumni across the country, including Colorado, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Virginia.
鈥淩eturning to 海角社区CI is a poignant reminder that no matter where life takes us, we always have a home and a community that we can come back to,鈥 said 2015 graduate Ruthie Preston. 鈥淗omecoming holds a special place in my heart.