Oct 16, 2024 CSUCI to host its first-ever Homecoming Week with parades, pep rallies, comedy and a street fair

Oct. 16, 2024 - CSU Channel Islands welcomes back all university alumni beginning Monday, Oct. 21 through Saturday Oct. 26 for its first-ever Homecoming Week.

The week will be packed with a pep rally, golf cart parade, sunset kayaking, a movie night, food festival, car show, block party, a street fair, and a performance by former "Saturday Night Live" comedian Jay Pharoah - to name just some of the Homecoming events.

"As we celebrate our 22nd year, our first-ever Homecoming signals a milestone in the maturity of our campus," said Vice President for Advancement Ritchie LeRoy. "With over 26,826 alumni, this moment is about more than just nostalgia-it's about building on tradition and deepening the connection between our alumni, our mission, and our students."

Alumni, students, faculty and staff will launch the week with a pep rally in the Central Mall from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday. The rally will include a performance by CSUCI's cheer team and a parade of golf carts decorated by members of the campus.

Tuesday, Oct. 22 is "Foodie Tuesday" in the Central Mall, which will be ringed with food trucks with names like "Rice Balls of Fire," "Kaylie's Frutas," and "Bake Me Happy," with a free food ticket giveaway for the first 250 students.

Other activities throughout the week include a "Float and Sip" with root beer floats in a limited-edition Homecoming mug, a Dolphin Brunch, farmers market, and "Robots, Unveiled," a robot parade to showcase CSUCI's cutting-edge robotic program.

On Wednesday, Oct. 23, all are welcome to attend the free, outdoor movie night where "Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire" will be screened in the South Quad from 7 to 10 p.m.

The 21st Annual CSUCI Graduate and Professional School Fair will take place on Thursday, Oct. 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Broome Plaza in front of the John Spoor Broome Library, followed that night by "Burton's Wonderland: A Homecoming Block Party" from 8:30 to 11:30 p.m. in the Student Union Treehouse Courtyard.

Costumes are encouraged but not required for students and alumni joining in the Haunted Homecoming Sunset Kayak on Oct. 25 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the CSUCI Boating Center at 3880 Bluefin Circle in Oxnard.

The "Alumni & Friends" Social on Friday, Oct. 25 from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. will usher in Comedy Night in the Grand Salon, featuring a performance by Saturday Night Live alumnus Jay Pharoah. The show begins at 7 p.m. and is free to attend, but seating is limited, and students and alumni will be given preference.

Homecoming Week wraps up Saturday, Oct. 26 with free sailing, paddleboarding or kayaking at the CSUCI Boating Center from 10 a.m. to noon. The entire family is welcome to come enjoy free watersports along with a picnic, music, and on-land games for landlubbers. All safety gear and instruction will be provided.

The Central Mall at CSUCI comes alive from 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday with a street fair featuring food, music, a classic car show and entertainment, including the rock band Ozomatli among other entertainment.

"We will have food trucks, rock climbing walls, human Foosball, and we'll have a deejay opening for a local band called The Remedy," said Director of Orientation and Engagement Programs Ariana Robles, who co-chaired the Homecoming committee with Director of Career Development and Alumni Engagement Amanda Carpenter.

Homecoming Week is about affinity, connection, spirit and tradition, according to CSUCI Vice President for Student Affairs Eboni Ford Turnbow.

"It's been extremely rewarding to see this vision become a reality for our campus," Ford Turnbow said. "What's even more exciting is I know this is only the beginning. Five years from now, it will be the premiere experience for our students, faculty, staff and alumni. Once a dolphin, always a dolphin!"

For a complete schedule and more details, visit the CSUCI Homecoming website.

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