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Pacificans enjoy a homecoming like no other

Prism Concert during Homecoming @ Home.

The Conservatory of Music’s Prism concert shifted to virtual with 37 minutes of various works, including “You’ll Never Walk Alone” sung by Pacific Opera Theater, “Song for Ursa” played by the Pacific Brass Ensemble and “Cielo Rojo” performed by Mariachi Ocelotlan.

Life threw a curveball, but the Pacific Alumni Association still connected for a home run with Homecoming @ Home.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this was a unique and challenging virtual homecoming. But attendees—more than 1,450 Pacificans registered—had praise for the creative celebration.

They attended reunions, sampled cider and wine, got out of bed early for a sunrise from Burns Tower, took part in a run/walk, had coffee with President Chris Callahan and Jean Callahan and so much more. All virtually, of course.

“I am so proud of the Homecoming @ Home committee for coming up with innovative and safe ways for alumni, families, students and employees to enjoy some of the traditional fanfare of Homecoming & Family Weekend,” said Kelli Page ’87, associate vice president for alumni relations. “The Pacific family really showed up to keep the spirit alive and make the most of what we do have, while ensuring the safety of everyone.”

Here’s a look back at a memorable Homecoming @ Home weekend.

Pacific Alumni Twitter post (and photos)

“It was amazing celebrating Homecoming @ Home with Pacific alumni & friends. The celebration does not have to end. Keep sharing your Pacific HC photos and tagging us for a chance to win alumni SWAG!”

Here are photos from the weekend

Festive reunions galore

The Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy had a virtual 65th reunion, as did Alpha Kappa Lambda fraternity. Other reunions included Gamma Alpha Omega, Rho Delta Chi and the Community Involvement Program. Theta Chi fraternity had a long-distance attendee for its 15th reunion: Major Eric Rowland ’09 took part via Zoom—in military uniform—from Afghanistan.

Proof That God Loves Us tasting event

The traditional homecoming craft beer tasting event switched to cider as the featured beverage. Adam Chinchiolo ’05 of Far West Cider Co. was scheduled to make the virtual presentation. Adam and his wife, however, were a bit busy that night with the birth of their second child. His sister, Andrea, filled in, giving attendees a tour of operations and describing Far West’s ciders as those in attendance sipped and enjoyed.

Viewing Pacific Prism … from Wisconsin

The Conservatory of Music’s Prism concert—which was popular as a live event at 2019 homecoming—shifted to virtual with 37 minutes of various works, including “You’ll Never Walk Alone” sung by Pacific Opera Theater, “Song for Ursa” played by the Pacific Brass Ensemble and “Cielo Rojo” performed by Mariachi Ocelotlan. Al and Nancy Herbers signed on from Wisconsin to see the performance of their grandson Jonathan Herbers ’23 (Music Performance, Percussion).

Taste of Pacific

While the traditional “Taste of Pacific” under the stars certainly was missed, attendees enjoyed a virtual event with the help of four wineries run by Pacificans: Lange Twins, Klinker Brick, St. Amant and Barsetti. Pacific Alumni Association Immediate Past President Mary Pietanza ’86 led this year’s program.

CIP honors Dolores Delgado

During the Community Involvement Program’s 50th reunion in 2019, the Mary Aguirre and Jerry Ruiz CIP Legacy Award was established. During Homecoming @ Home, the inaugural award was presented to Dolores Delgado ’84 COP. She was in CIP as an undergraduate and has helped and mentored hundreds of students. She often stops by the CIP study lounge to drop off treats and to encourage students.

Alumni grateful for the entire experience

Alan Cook ’77 on Facebook: “This weekend, I learned about cider and wine, watched by video the rising sun from Burns Tower, took an informative tour of Pacific, attended an amazing virtual concert by conservatory students and met up with AKL brothers at our first virtual reunion. Thank you to the alumni staff for putting on an amazing virtual homecoming.”

Madeline Carpenter ’78: “Thanks for building on the great events we know and love in person. They were still great fun virtually. Thanks for adding the puzzles and bingo and trivia questions, etc.  Had a great time, hope to be in Stockton next year for an in-person event, but if we have to do virtual again, you’re my team!”

LaNor (Miller) Smith ’86, ’87: “Oh my goodness. Everything I attended was so much fun. Different, but fun. Again, tremendous job over the weekend and thank you for all you do!!"

Callahans enjoyed homecoming experiences

President Chris Callahan: “Homecoming @ Home is a fantastic example of the creativity and perseverance of our Pacific team. Despite the challenges, Kelli Page and the entire Pacific Alumni Relations team did a superb job of engaging Pacificans from all over in a celebration of our school.”

Jean Callahan: “I was impressed, but not surprised, by the level and diversity across all demographics of participation and engagement. The alumni team and staff did a fantastic job, offering innovative venues for connection. This was another example of why Pacific is one of the top universities in the United States. I feel fortunate to be an adopted member of the Pacific family.”

Homecoming @ Home by the numbers

  • 10 scavenger hunt winners (T-shirt)
  • 21 bingo winners (T-shirt)
  • 1 movie trivia winner T-shirt)
  • 2 grand prize winners for the leaderboard (wine and sweatshirt)
  • 9 leaderboard runner-ups (T-shirts)

  • 20 trivia question prize winners (pen and tiger-striped mask)
  • 63 total prize winners

Looking ahead to 2021

Mark your calendars: Homecoming & Family Weekend will be Oct. 8–9, 2021.