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Numerous students, alumni, faculty, and staff came out to celebrate and display their Pioneer Pride during ��Ӱֱ�� State College’s 2018 Homecoming and Family Weekend.

On Friday, Pioneers and their families enjoyed fun events at the annual spirit rally and bonfire and the first friendly competitions of the Pioneer Challenge, such as the Not-So-Naked-Half-Mile and tug-of-war, while listening to live music by the ��Ӱֱ�� State Rock Band and eating a number of goodies.

Saturday’s festivities included faculty/staff and Greek chili competitions, a car show, corn hole and pie eating competition, and the eighth annual Carly’s Club Race for a Cure 5K, which preceded the big football game between ��Ӱֱ�� State and the Maritime Privateers.

Also prior to kickoff of the football game, the name of the college’s new ox mascot was announced: Big Blue. The name was decided upon by those who voted in an online poll. Capping off the events on Saturday was magician Daniel Martin, whose award-winning magic captivated and entertained the audience.

Colleen Argentieri, director of Alumni Relations and co-chair of the Homecoming and Family Weekend Committee, said, “We loved the student engagement with the Pioneer Challenge, and despite the intermittent rain early Saturday, attendance for Homecoming was wonderful. Also, the basket raffle was terrific, we had a great crowd during the football game, and we were very fortunate to have Lucky Number – led by Automotive Trades Associate Professor John Garippa – playing at the tent party. Overall, it was a great weekend, and I am proud to be a part of such a hardworking and fun committee.”

Fellow committee co-chair Mallory Morehouse, associate director of Orientation and Family Programs, said, “We were so happy to see students participating in the first annual Pioneer Challenge, and hope this will become a long-standing tradition here at ��Ӱֱ�� State. We were also thrilled to see more students bring their families up to enjoy the spirit rally and bonfire on Friday night. ��Ӱֱ��’s Got Talent was once again very successful and well attended by students and families alike. We had so many great students helping us this year and I have to give a shout out to Kaieel Ward, who is interning with the Recreation Office and did the majority of execution with the Pioneer Challenge. Another great year!”