[gallery] College Community Celebrates First Annual Homecoming

More than 400 CSI alumni, students, staff, and faculty had the chance to enjoy a new tradition, last Saturday–the College’s first-ever Homecoming. Fortunately, the rain that was forecast for most of the day held off until later in the afternoon, so visitors were able to enjoy the full slate of events that were planned for the day.

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Following registration and a continental breakfast, Homecoming began with a walkathon to benefit the Staten Island Breast Cancer Research Initiative (SIBCRI). Con Edison was the lead sponsor of this event. Walkathon participants, many of whom donned pink t-shirts, enjoyed a refreshing stroll through campus, which included a grand balloon archway and pink water emanating from the College’s water fountains. The SIBCRI also hosted a table where walkers could purchase handmade scarves and other knitted goods to raise funds for the important research and work that the Initiative conducts in the hope of combating breast cancer on Staten Island.

As no Homecoming would be complete without sporting events, other events in the morning included a volleyball game between the CSI Dolphins and a team from the Culinary Institute of America and a tennis match. In addition, there was also Career Speed-networking, which gave members of the Class of 2012 the opportunity to connect with and get career advice from CSI alumni. This event was made possible thanks to the assistance of the Business Department, including Chairperson Professor Thomas Tellefson, and other faculty members, such as Professor George Stearn, who organized the speed-networking event and participated with his business students.

The afternoon’s offerings included an Oktoberfest luncheon at which Ken Tirado of Killmeyer’s Old Bavaria Inn gave a presentation on the origins and history of Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany; a free gelato party and reception with a historic poster display on Italian heritage that was organized by the professors and students from Italian Studies program to commemorate Italian Heritage Month; alumni reunion tables for alumni from the Classes of 1962, 1967, 1972, 1977, 1982, 1987, 1992, 1997, 2002, and 2007; a meet-and-greet with members of the Academy of Retired Professors and current faculty; a report on the College’s progress from CSI President Dr. Tomás D. Morales; and a guided campus bus tour.

There were also more athletic activities on tap as visitors enjoyed a Women’s Soccer match featuring the Dolphins and John Jay, as well as a Men’s Soccer game that pitted the Dolphins against the A-Team of the NYPD.

There was also an outdoor music performance and all-day events, like the WSIA Radio outdoor remote broadcast and children’s attractions, such as a pumpkin patch and face painting. The CSI Alumni Association Board was also on hand with an information table.

In the evening, Homecoming concluded with a WSIA 30th Anniversary Dinner, in honor of former station General Manager, Greg Adamo ‘86. The event gave WSIA alumni a chance to catch up with old friends and colleagues in a light-hearted atmosphere.

Summing up the entire Homecoming experience, which, of course, included the hard work and preparation that went into creating the event, Homecoming Committee Chairperson and CSI Athletic Director Vernon Mummert said, “The first-ever CSI Homecoming Day was a wonderful success! I was so pleased to have the great work of so many colleagues in putting together an event of this magnitude. It was through their spirit of enthusiasm and cooperation that we were able to provide a wonderful experience for our alumni.”