Homecoming kicked off this year with plenty of events–including student outreach and home game to get the year going strong. The annual event brings student clubs, teams, and alumni together as the fall quarter begins. Events began on Thursday, Nov. 8, and concluded with the men’s basketball game against Bryant at the Showare Center in Kent, Washington.

The first event to start the year was the Red Umbrella Parade. The parade filled the campus with hundreds of umbrellas as the students, clubs, and faculty alike marched and sang the fight song and chatted in preparation of Redfest. Many of the Seattle U clubs and students attend and compete in a banner competition, a fun event in which the clubs compete with one another to design and craft the best banner.

“To me, the parade was not just about the free umbrellas or free food after, but it was about showing Seattle U and our club’s pride,” Senior Grace Gonzaga of the Marianas TaoTao Tano Club said. “Overall, the parade was so fun because I got to see so many people gathered together showcasing pride for their clubs and also for our school.”

Redfest followed the parade and provided food for all. This year the event featured carnival games like skeeball and a strong man strength game. There was a massive hot dog buffet for students to get some grub and socialize, topping it off with a Seattle U red velvet cake for dessert.

Meanwhile, Thanks for Giving Day was held at the student center. The annual event occurs where students create handwritten letters to Seattle U donors.

The first day of Homecoming finished with the men’s basketball game against University of Puget Sound. The Redhawks would kick off the year at the Redhawk Center with a decisive win at 95-67.

The second day of Homecoming was filled with sporting events, beginning with the Women’s Basketball game against Northern Arizona University (NAU) at the Redhawk Center. Coming from a close game previously on Tuesday, the Redhawks had another tight game against NAU, but fell short and did not take home the win.

Seattle U was also the host for the men’s soccer Western Athletic Conference Championships this year at Championship Field. In the first round against San Jose State University, Seattle U fell to SJSU. From a three-goal deficit, SJSU would score three within 20 minutes to hang in for extra-time. Seattle would inevitably lose in penalty kicks, wrapping up the 2018 season.

On Saturday, the first ever Robert Bennedsen Veteran’s Day 5k occurred. All of the proceeds benefitted the Veterans Emergency Fund. In honor of our active duty and military, Seattle U hosted a cake cutting ceremony, lunch, a silent auction, and the 5k. Attendees who made a donation received a limited-edition Seattle U challenge coin.

The Redzone cabinet, student, and alumni volunteers traveled down to SoDo at Lifelong, a non-profit organization, to prepare meals for those in need.

“I had a lot of fun and got to meet alumni,” Nicole Harrison- Redzone director of marketing and outreach- said. “It was a lot of fun getting to give back to the community and spend time with alumni, and get to know them.”

Saturday wrapped up with the Homecoming Court Pageant in Campion Ballroom.

“I am very grateful for this experience and feel blessed to be able to represent my Seattle U community with the help of my various support systems such as MEChA, my first-generation peers, and the faculty and staff members that have taken me under their wing,” homecoming Royal Nayeli Cervantes commented.” MEChA, or the Movimiento Estudiantil Chicanx de Aztlan, is a national political and cultural organization that works with the community to spread awareness and advocate for Latino individuals.

Sunday concluded Homecoming with the men’s basketball game against Bryant University at the ShoWare Center in Kent, Washington. Party buses to the event brought students to the stadium in time for the men’s basketball Mega Rally in hype for the game. Food was supplied by Whole Foods Market, which recently opened across the street from campus on E Madison st. Seattle U would take it home with a decisive 82-59 win to wrap up Homecoming week.

Alexandro may be reached at
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