Dance squad performing right in front of the North Lawn. Photo by Efren Gutierrez Feb. 19
By Efren Gutierrez & Nis Guzman staff writers.
Last Saturday, Feb. 19 CSUDH hosted Homecoming from 9 am to 7:30 pm. Although CSUDH has hosted previous Homecoming events, it is the first time in history that the office of alumni relations organizes this event. Homecoming lasted almost the whole day and was filled with current students, alumni, and many stations where attendees were able to participate in activities, such as riding the bull, rock climbing, painting designs, and a jumper. Some students were new to campus, some alumni were there for the first time in many years.
Alumni like Winifred Carter who is now 102-years old is the oldest CSUDH alumni up to date. She attended CSUDH from 1989-1997.
According to Felicia Hernandez, the director of alumni relations said she anticipated for homecoming to be a memorable event.
“Homecoming is going to be fun and memorable, the beginning of a new tradition,” Hernandez said.
Felicia graduated from CSUDH in 2013 and came back to give the new incoming students scholarships. Gilbert Hernandez, who graduated class of 2009, is the Senior Coordinator of alumni relations and had been excited since last year when the fall semester began.
Unfortunately, the softball and the baseball team couldn’t bring the victory home. Point Loma University showed the Toros why they are the No. 9 ranked team in the nation. While Cal Poly Humboldt the visitors took the win for the softball team with 9-6.
One of the biggest activities hosted by alumni relations is the Esports Tournament. The Esports Tournament between the Toros and CSUSB Coyotes, where players competed in the new Innovation and Instruction Auditorium and played the video game Valorant, concluded with the Coyotes defeating the Toros and winning a pair of high-end Hyperx gaming headphones.
Syler, who is a first-year, says that he was really impressed that CSUDH hosted tournaments for video games. Sylar was happy that he was in the tournament (Super Super Smash Bros Ultimate) he said that he made the right choice by applying at Dominguez Hills.
The players were not the only winners to take home prizes. Tickets were handed out to guests upon entering the auditorium for a live raffle taking place at the end of the tournament. Winning tickets were drawn and a few lucky fans in attendance went home with prizes such as mousepads and t-shirts.
Upon arriving at the Food Fair and Family event on the north lawn, guests were required to check-in and everybody received a complimentary bag and recyclable water bottle with an additional two tickets to get food and drinks. The field was full of activities for all ages, food trucks, moon bounces, face painting, and a DJ.
Michael Perez, who is a first-year student says that the best part was the food and the games.
“I dorm so I decided to come down and check out the activities. I didn’t win the raffle but I am enjoying time with my friends,” said Perez.
With the support of all students and alums, the women took the win against San Francisco State (70-61). Getting warmed up just before the CCAA Tournament that begins in two weeks. Victory after victory, the men’s basketball team also brings a winning home (67-56) starting off the upcoming season.
For many of the students and guests at Homecoming, it’s safe to say it was a memorable event.
