homecoming

a crowd gathers at a bonfire at dusk

Building the bonfire from scratch

At UMBC, we’re still young enough to be making traditions. Meet Thomas Locastro, biological sciences alumnus, who knew from day one on campus in 2003 that he wanted to leave behind a lasting legacy. Locastro joined the newly-made First Year Council, designed to help students view themselves as co-creators of our campus community. “They were encouraging us to pick something to do,” Locastro explains. “How do you leave your mark?” Locastro brainstormed an idea that would be exciting for students but still relatively inexpensive, and therefore hopefully repeatable. He landed on a bonfire. In the center of campus. Understandably, there… Continue Reading Building the bonfire from scratch

Two individuals stand smiling indoors wearing gray UMBC Homecoming t-shirts.

A love letter to Homecoming

When you think about UMBC’s Homecoming, you undoubtedly conjure images of carnival rides, black and gold decorations, and the beloved Puppy Parade. But what Homecoming is really about, for us, is the people. We asked social media intern Allison John ‘24, psychology, to share what it was like to walk a mile (or more accurately, many, many miles) in her shoes during this year’s Homecoming. Continue Reading A love letter to Homecoming

musicians play in front of a carnival at homecoming

Celebrate Your Retriever Spirit at Homecoming 2023

Homecoming this year is full of fun events for canine and human Retrievers alike, whether they’re students, staff, faculty, alumni or friends and family. The week kicks off with the women’s soccer game on October 8, followed by a Maryland-themed dinner event and the Homecoming Bonfire.  Homecoming Saturday on October 14 has something for all the good pups on and off campus. While dogs have always been a large part of UMBC’s culture, UMBC has been creating new traditions with its furry friends in the past few years, like the RAC’s new Laps with Officer Chip and the now annual… Continue Reading Celebrate Your Retriever Spirit at Homecoming 2023

black and gold flags span across academic row

Standing Ovation for Outstanding Retrievers

At UMBC, we celebrate the accomplishments of our alumni community year round, but our annual Athletics Hall of Fame induction and Alumni Awards ceremony and reception give us a chance to cheer extra loud for the outstanding Retrievers among us.  Stanyell Odom, director of alumni engagement, says it best about the incoming class of awardees: “These award winners embody so many of the characteristics that make UMBC such a special place. They are leaders in their professions and fields—innovative teachers, educators, and scientists—and are engaged and proud members of this UMBC community.” The 23rd Hall of Fame induction  Coming up… Continue Reading Standing Ovation for Outstanding Retrievers

Homecoming 2018: Magic Retriever Moments

This year’s Homecoming brought Retrievers of all ages back to their alma mater. In many ways, Homecoming represented the very best of what UMBC has to offer, from reunions with lifelong friends spanning all of the university’s 52 years, to celebrations of the life of the mind, as well as plenty of fun on and off the field. Here are some highlights from this year’s Homecoming, held October 4-14, 2018. See the full collection of Homecoming 2018 photos here. 30th Anniversary of the Alumni Awards To celebrate 30 years of alumni excellence, UMBC greeted a packed concert hall full of… Continue Reading Homecoming 2018: Magic Retriever Moments

Cheering on the team at Retriever Soccer Park

Homecoming Offers Black and Gold Fun for All

Black and gold streamers are flying across campus and pathways are covered in paw prints. That can only mean one thing: Homecoming 2018 is here. Running October 4 through 14, Homecoming is a great opportunity to reconnect with friends and the Retriever community while enjoying dozens of events from long-standing favorites to new traditions. The festivities kick off on Thursday, Oct. 4, with the 30th Annual Alumni Awards Ceremony, honoring outstanding alumni and faculty members for their contributions to the university. This year, UMBC will recognize alumni Kimberly Ellison Taylor ’93, information systems; Saira Khan ’09, English; Mark Doms ’86, mathematics and economics; Wanda Keyes… Continue Reading Homecoming Offers Black and Gold Fun for All

Video: Top 5 Reasons to Catch Retriever Fever

From the bonfire and Alumni Awards, to our soccer game and annual Comedy Show featuring Trevor Noah, UMBC Homecoming is not to be missed! What are YOUR top five reasons for catching Retriever Fever? UMBC Homecoming 2017 runs October 5-14, right here on campus! Learn more at homecoming.umbc.edu. Video by Jenny O’Grady.

Fall Fun for Alums!

Spend some time with fellow alumni at these great fall events: Annapolis Lighthouse Cruise with CYA Saturday, September 20, 4 p.m. check-in, 4:30 – 6 p.m. cruise Watermark Cruises, Annapolis MD Join fellow UMBC alumni and friends as we explore and cruise by the Thomas Point Lighthouse, the most recognized lighthouse in Maryland. The event with take place on a 65′ yacht, the Cabaret II where you will enjoy a close-up view of this iconic treasure. Check in begins at 4 p.m. and the ship departs from the City Dock at 4:30 p.m. There will be an informal alumni happy… Continue Reading Fall Fun for Alums!

Homecoming Wrap Up: Thank You!

A huge thank you to our faculty, staff, students and alumni for making Homecoming a big success! We’re already looking forward to next year. Be sure to keep checking our Flickr account for pics of all the fun! And if you could take a moment to share your thoughts, we’d really appreciate it.

Over Coffee – Fall 2011

UMBC Homecoming has undergone major changes over the past three years, and a trio of dedicated staffers who lead the university’s Homecoming Committee – Kevin Gibbons O’Neill ’86, economics, assistant athletic director, Jen Dress, coordinator of major events in the Office of Student Life and Stanyell Bruce, associate director of alumni relations – have spearheaded the makeover. We got them together to talk about why the university has spent so much time and energy improving the Homecoming experience – and just what’s in store when you visit us over the weekend of October 12 through 15! * * * *… Continue Reading Over Coffee – Fall 2011

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