Homecoming took place March 5-6 at California Baptist University. This year, because of the restrictions in place during the ongoing pandemic, the Homecoming events occurred in a virtual format.
“I have participated in Homecoming for many years,” said Cassandra Roberson, sophomore elementary education major. “2019 was my first year attending as a freshman. They are amazing and fun events and I enjoy going to them with friends. I think that even though the (virtual) events might not be as extravagant or fun, they are still an amazing opportunity to get involved in the school and meet people.”
Although past years included on-campus and in-person activities during Homecoming week, Homecoming 2021 featured virtual events including a video displaying CBU throughout the decades on March 5 and slideshows for the classes of 1971, 1996 and 2011 to honor these classes 50, 25 and 10-year reunions. On March 5-6, the CBU men’s basketball team played against Seattle University, and the game could be livestreamed through different formats.
“We are encouraging Lancer Nation to livestream the game and cheer on the Lancers from home with friends and family,” said Rachael Solis, coordinator of alumni events and affinity groups. “Friday night’s game [was] picked up by ESPN+, so a subscription [was] needed to livestream that game, but Saturday’s game [was] available to all of Lancer Nation.”
The Office of Alumni and Parents Relations also featured activities such as giveaways and opportunities to win prizes throughout Homecoming weekend through Instagram @alumnicbu. Also, an online CBU Homecoming store was available to people interested in purchasing Homecoming Spirit Packs featuring special Lancer products.
“This Homecoming, we wanted to make it possible for alumni to connect with their alma mater from wherever they are,” Solis said. “We hope all who participate will enjoy the content we have put together for them, be it the videos, social media activities and giveaways or the Spirit Packs, and that they would be eager to return to campus to celebrate with us in person next Homecoming.”
While the school plans to hold Homecoming events in future years in person, Solis said that adapting to an online format might lead to more online elements in future years.
“We have already received feedback from alumni who live out of state and abroad thatare very excited to participate in virtual homecoming this year,” Solis said. “The Alumni Office hopes to create more opportunities for CBU alumni to connect from near and far for years to come.”
Josh Moss, senior director of Alumni, Parent and Donor Engagement, said that the school is excited to resume and plan for in-person activities for Homecoming 2022.
“While we are deeply saddened that we cannot welcome alumni, parents and families to campus to celebrate in person this year, we look forward to inviting Lancers to campus next year for Homecoming 2022,” Moss said.
