Brennan AngelIf there ever was a time to engage in some Mustang spirit, Homecoming weekend is it. As parents, alumni and honored guests flock to San Luis Obispo to participate in this age-old tradition, it provides a chance for different generations of Cal Poly students to connect.
This year’s Homecoming and Parent Weekend is especially significant, marking the 100-year anniversary of the homecoming tradition.
As part of the Grand Reunion program to honor alumni, the class of 1957 will be honored in celebration of their 50-year reunion.
“It’s their golden anniversary and we’re honoring them because of that distinction,” said director of Alumni Relations Kim Gannon.
The graduating classes of 1957 and earlier were personally invited to attend the homecoming festivities that began with yesterday’s reception at the Quality Suites.
Today’s alumni opening breakfast and welcome is at 8:30 a.m. at the Robert E. Kennedy Library, followed by “back-to-class” programs during which guests can learn the ins and outs of the Cal Poly community.
Different colleges will be on display Friday afternoon to ticket-holders, including a tour of the Cal Poly Solar Decathlon house and a presentation from the human-powered vehicle team.
“(Alumni) can hear what’s happening at the university and hear from professors and administrators,” Gannon said of the campus tour programs.
“It really helps them feel more connected with the university.” After a celebration lunch and bus tour of campus, at 5:30 p.m. the Grand Reunion Reception and Dinner at the Madonna Inn will recognize seven honored guests.
The deans of each academic college chose one alumni to honor and recognize at the reception.
The Homecoming game between the Mustangs and North Dakota State takes place 4 p.m. Saturday.
“We lost to them last year and beat them two years ago,” associate athletic director Chris Baker said.
“They’re a great team and so are we; it’s going to be a great game and a great atmosphere.”
Thought the Alumni Association sponsors a tailgater requiring tickets, the Mustang Maniacs will be throwing a free pre-game tailgate party for students before the game in front of Chase Hall.
“Students can just show up to that one,” Baker said.
Tickets to the Cal Poly Alumni Association Wine Tasting and tri-tip tailgate party on the Richard J. O’Neill Green before the game are sold out, as are general public tickets to the Homecoming game.
However, more than 3,500 seats have been reserved in the Alex G. Spanos Stadium for students, who get in free with their PolyCard.