Come home to CSUB

Celebrate Homecoming with week-long festivities

By California State University, Bakersfield

February 7^th, 2020

It’s one of the most highly-anticipated times of the year for students and community members alike – Homecoming Week at California State University, Bakersfield. Between the Alumni Hall of Fame dinner, student-based fun on campus and the Homecoming men’s basketball game, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

In keeping with tradition, the 14th annual Alumni Hall of Fame will kick off Homecoming Week at CSUB on Friday, Feb. 21. Four individuals will be inducted: Blanca Cavazos, Alan Collatz, Colleen McGauley and Louie Vega. The inductees will be recognized for their significant contributions in their chosen field and/or in the community.

“This year we are thrilled to recognize two youth advocates from different sides of the courtroom, a ground-breaking educator and a coach to his athletes,” said Sarah Hendrick, director of alumni engagement. “[Homecoming] should be a fun-filled week spreading CSUB spirit on campus and in our community.”

Monday, Feb. 24, will officially commence the week of activities on campus with clean-up at noon and a Homecoming Kick-Off BBQ to follow. Students can enjoy free food with a DJ, playing their favorite songs with the opportunity of meeting their Homecoming Court candidates.

CSUB and CSUB Antelope Valley will celebrate with Spirit Days by wearing their CSUB gear on Wednesday, Feb. 24. A faculty and staff alumni luncheon will also take place on campus.

On Friday, Feb. 28, the Alumni Association will recognize four Alumni Rising Runners, CSUB graduates of the last 10 years already making a mark in their career and community.

This year’s Rising Runners are:

Zachary Blackhurst (MBA ’10) from the School of Business and Public Administration. He is chief financial officer at Bakersfield Family Medical Center/Heritage Physician Network/Coastal Communities Physician Network;
Gregory Gordon (MA Geology ’09) from the School of Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Engineering. He is a senior geologist and exploration team lead at Aera Energy;
Patrick O’Neill (BA Anthropology and History ’09, MA Anthropology ’13) from the School of Social Sciences and Education. He teaches full-time at CSUB and is co-director of the anthropology program; and
Adrienne Salazar (BA Communications ’15) from the School of Arts and Humanities. She is the press secretary for U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich.

Finally, on Saturday, Feb. 29, the men’s basketball game against New Mexico State will conclude the week of festivities at 7 p.m. in the Icardo Center, with the Homecoming Royalty announcement during halftime. At 5 p.m., a Homecoming BBQ will take place on the Science III lawn to be enjoyed by community members, alumni and their families.

“What an exciting time of the year for our students, alumni and community to celebrate our accomplishments. Our theme, ‘It’s Good to be Home’ is truly a wonderful time to see and visit with faces of the past and present,” said Dr. Thomas Wallace, vice president for student affairs.