Nichelle Trulove -- The Homecoming BLock Party provided many ways for students, alumni and the Riverside community to have fun!
Students, alumni and the Riverside community members covered the campus grounds as California Baptist University celebrated its annual homecoming festivities. In honor of the 15th anniversary of International Service Projects, the theme of the weekend was “One World, One Mission.”
The eventful weekend was sponsored by Altura Credit Union. There were various events and activities for attendees to partake in. The main attraction of the weekend was on Saturday, Feb. 18, in which students, alumni, friends and family gathered for a block party celebration.
Students had a chance to take part in the 2nd annual Lancer 5000, a fun run/walk that started and finished on CBU campus. This took place Saturday morning at 8 a.m. and was proceeded by an awards ceremony at 9:15 a.m. All proceeds from this event went to supporting the cross country and track programs.
The block party took place on the front lawn of CBU, and lasted from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. It included: CBU club and department booths, carnival foods, a stage with student performances, rock climbing, a velcro wall, off road racing and more.
“The homecoming block party is my favorite event of the year. It gives everyone a chance to gather and see just how God has blessed this campus,” Danielle Sands, sophomore, said.
During the block party, several artists were able to show their talents in the Artisan Walk, which took place in the Great Commission plaza at the front of the Yeager Center. There was a broad range of talents from paintings to jewelry and knit scarves.
The block party preceded the “Smokin’ Hot Lancer Lot” tailgate party for the men and women’s basketball games. The tailgate party took place in front of the Van Dyne Gym, and had free food for students.
“This tailgate party was loads of fun. I’m so excited for tonight’s games,” Christian Lowe, sophomore, said.
The women’s basketball game started at 5:30 p.m. The team played a close game against Dixie State, narrowly winning with a score of 71-67.
“I love attending the women’s basketball games,” Tayler McClellan, sophomore, said. “You can always tell they are playing their hearts out.”
Following the victory of the women’s basketball team was the defeat of the men’s basketball team. The men’s game ended in a score of 67-70 against Dixie State.
“The guys put up a great fight. Although they lost, they had a crowd full of supporters cheering them on. That must have felt great,” McClellan said.
While the basketball games were taking place, parents and family had a chance to enjoy a taste of delicious barbecue on the front lawn of CBU from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
“I had an amazing time. CBU has done a great job welcoming all of us,” CBU parent Sheileta Jelks said.
CBU alumni were shown appreciation during an Alumni Awards Banquet in the Copenbarger Dining Room from 5:30 p.m. – 7:45 p.m.
The Homecoming Block Party concluded with a concert featuring alternative music group, The Daylights, from 8 p.m. – 10 p.m. on the front lawn of CBU.
