“This year’s Homecoming is once again full of activities that welcome and embrace the spirit of HSU,” said Christy Khattab, Director of Alumni & Engagement. “We are always excited to welcome alumni returning to visit their alma mater, including our Golden Graduates from the class of 1965. It’s also exciting for families visiting their students for the first time since move-in day and for community members showing their pride about the university.”
Alumni, current students, and their families, along with community members will assemble Saturday afternoon for an annual highlight, the Homecoming football game. The Lumberjacks, already 2-0 on the season, host South Dakota School of Mines and Technology at 6 p.m. Saturday in Redwood Bowl. Cost is $5 general admission and $3 for children and non-HSU students. Humboldt State students are admitted free.
Before that excitement, and continuing after the game, are festive events throughout the campus and community. It all begins at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 3, with a Clubs Fair on the UC Quad. Official check-in and registration for attending families will also take place on the Quad, starting at 11 a.m. and continuing to 4 p.m.
Another impressive assembly of floats, walking groups, and entertainers will participate in the parade, an event revived amidst much fanfare last year. The route begins on the campus events field at 4:15 p.m., continues to the Arcata Plaza, then returns to HSU. Those wishing to join a walking group should contact Humboldt Alumni at 707-826-3312.
“The parade is a tradition that we are happy to continue this year and we’ve added awards for the best of the best,” Khattab said. “It’s a great event for the community and we encourage everyone to get involved.“
This year’s parade theme is “Living the Pledge,” in honor of HSU’s Graduation Pledge of Social and Environmental Responsibility. Originated at HSU in 1987, the pledge has now been adopted at more than 100 institutions. Participants are encouraged to use materials reflecting the pledge.
Later that evening, Humboldt State Athletics will honor this year’s inductees into its Hall of Fame following a 6 p.m. dinner in the Kate Buchanan Room of the University Center. Ticket price for the event is $40.
Meanwhile, the Quad will reverberate with sounds of spirit during a Pep Rally that begins at 7 p.m. and continues until 9.
History and entertainment combine when the HSU Theatre, Film & Dance department presents “Her Own Way,” a radio-style reading of the first play ever performed at Humboldt State, way back in 1914. The production begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Van Duzer Theater, and will be presented again Saturday in a 2 p.m. matinee. Admission price is $5 general and free for students and seniors.
After visiting and enjoying the Farmer’s Market on the Arcata Plaza on Saturday morning, homecoming revelers can head into Eureka for “seal’s eye view” of Humboldt Bay via kayak. The first two-hour tour hosted by CenterActivities departs at 9 a.m. and another will launch at noon. Cost is $25 general and $20 for students and seniors. Sign up by calling (707) 443-4222 by Oct. 1.
At 11 a.m., a special alumni function, the Golden Grad Brunch, will honor the HSU class of 1965. Those wishing to attend should gather at Windows Café, next to the bookstore in the University Center. Cost of the brunch, scheduled from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., is $25. More information is available at the Humboldt Alumniwebsite.
Pregame excitement starts with a Tailgate Party, scheduled from 3-6 p.m. in parking lot G11. Entry is free and if you don’t want to fire up your own barbecue, food trucks will be on site for snack purchases.
Humboldt State’s volleyball team will be in action in nearby Lumberjack Arena. First serve against California Collegiate Athletic Association rival Cal Poly Pomona is scheduled for 7 p.m. Cost is $5 general admission and $3 for children and non-HSU students. Humboldt State students are admitted free.
Across campus in the Fulkerson Recital Hall, the Jazz Orchestra and Symphonic Band adds to the schedule of events with a performance beginning at 8 p.m. Cost is $8 general admission, and $5 for students and seniors.
More sports action is set for Sunday at the College Creek Field. A soccer doubleheader begins with the Humboldt State women’s team facing San Francisco State at 11:30 a.m., and is followed by the HSU men’s squad taking on the SFSU Gators at 2 p.m. Cost is $5 general admission and $3 for children and non-HSU students. Humboldt State students are admitted free.