A Spooktacular Affair at USD Homecoming
When homecoming and Halloween coincide, it’s bound to be a spooky good time. The annual University of San Diego Homecoming and Family Weekend featured more than a dozen events across campus on Oct. 27 and 28.
USD President James T. Harris III, DEd gave his State of the University Address Friday morning, providing an overview of current and upcoming strategic initiatives, projects and recent university news.
The annual Legacy Pinning was held in the Degheri Alumni Center courtyard and celebrated dozens of families’ lifelong connection to USD. Forming a large circle, current and former Toreros recited the legacy pledge and took turns pinning their family members.
“When I first stepped foot on campus, I knew in my heart that I belonged here,” said Interim Senior Director of Alumni RelationsKara Marsh Proffitt ’04. “I imagine as legacy families that you share that sentiment. You wouldn’t have entrusted us to your greatest treasures — your family members — if you didn’t. On behalf of all of us at USD, know that we are glad you are here today. We are glad that you’re home.”
USD also welcomed the latest Golden Toreros — the Class of 1973 — for a reception and dinner to celebrate their 50th reunion.
"Today, we are celebrating you and all that you experienced as students and as a class," said Harris. "We are excited to have you back on campus. It’s my honor to bestow upon you, a Golden Torero medallion. You will forever be a part of our story and a part of our history."
As the sun set and a full moon rose into the October sky, the Halloween spirit kicked into high gear on the west side of campus with the Fabulous Torero Casino Night and the Big Blue Bash Student Concert.
On Saturday, the College of Arts and Sciences hosted its 3rd annual Arts and Culture Festival, celebrating the creativity and imagination that is at the heart of USD. The event featured a diverse array of live music, dance, theatre, visual arts, creative writing and crafts from across the community. Click here for a look inside the festival.
Dr. Emilie Amrein, USD professor and chair of music said the gathering is an important reminder of what it means to be human.
“When we create space for people to tell of themselves, whether that is through storytelling or through poetry, or through cultural practice, dance and music, it allows us to see one another as fully human, to be seen, and to celebrate the vast diversity of cultural experiences that exist here in our community.”
The Knauss School of Business and the Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering also held open houses for the USD community.
The Spooktacular Torero Tailgate in the Alcalá Vistas Park Lot showcased Toreo Pride at its finest and also some excellent Halloween-themed fun ahead of the homecoming football game against Morehead State.
The final day of homecoming week was reserved for the annual Alumni and Family Mass in The Immaculata. Homecoming and Family Week 2023 provided a plethora of lasting memories as the USD family came together to celebrate the spirit and tradition of being a Torero.
— Story by Matthew Piechalak, video by Alé Delgado, photos by Piechalak and Michelle Kennedy