Reigniting a Tradition

A recently revived tradition returns later this month with Seattle University's Homecoming.

The long dormant celebration came back to life last year. This year's Homecoming, which takes place Feb. 28-March 2, is packed with festivities that will appeal to all members of the SU community, whether that be alumni, students or faculty and staff.

Some of the weekend activities will include established events such as Battle of the Bands (Friday, Feb. 28, 8-11 p.m., Campion Ballroom) and Leadership Blitz (Saturday, March 1, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.). Other events have been created specifically as part of Homecoming such as the Homecoming court who will be announced on Friday (C Street, 12:30 p.m.) and "royals" who will be crowned during halftime at Saturday's men's basketball game vs. Idaho (7:10 p.m., KeyArena). The basketball game, by the way, will be sandwiched by a pre-game rally, 5-7 p.m. (Club Live at KeyArena) and a post-game social (T.S. McHughs). Sunday's proceedings include Alumni Mass at 11 a.m. in the Chapel of St. Ignatius and the Hall of Fame Luncheon from noon to 2:30 p.m. You can find details on all of these events at Homecoming.

"We would really love involvement by the whole Seattle U community, and certainly faculty and staff," says Corinne Pann, associate director of Alumni Relations. "Homecoming is about building campus pride. That's something Student Development has really been doing on the student side (with Redzone and events like "Rock the Red"). We want to do the same for faculty, staff and alumni"

Last year's Homecoming was the first event of its kind in nearly four decades. "It was fun to hear some of the older alums tell stories about what they did (during Homecoming years ago). This event really resonates with them."

Organizing Homecoming has been a team effort involving many offices on campus. "It's been a real partnership between Alumni Relations, Student Development and Athletics."

Pann and her colleagues plan to expand programming for the event in future years. "We're really trying to build this out as a signature event for the university. We might be in the early stages, but this is a great way for everyone connected to SU to show their pride."

Are you interested in volunteering during Homecoming Weekend? There are many opportunities for faculty and staff to help out at events such as Battle of the Bands, the pre-game rally and the Alumni Mass. Click here for more information.