The Alumni Association expects several alumni to return to CSU-Pueblo for homecoming events. Photo courtesy of csupueblo.edu

The Alumni Association at Colorado State University-Pueblo is expecting a large amount of alumni to participate in this year’s homecoming events, though there are currently 65 formal registrations.

The schedule of events, which last from Oct. 9 to Oct.11, include the Homecoming Pep Rally that begins at 5 p.m. in the Massari Arena, the Mass Communications 50th Anniversary Celebration at 5:30 p.m. at Pueblo’s Union Depot, the football game which starts at 2 p.m. at the ThunderBowl, along with others that encourage alumni to interact with their former university.

“Currently we have 65 formal registrations for homecoming through the Alumni Office,” said Tracy Samora, director of alumni relations.

Samora said that although the mass communications event is expecting 300 alumni, a lot of the individuals attending have not officially registered for any other homecoming events through the association’s website.

The association is also expecting more than 300 alumni and community members to attend the Alumni and Community Tailgate, which is sponsored by Friends of Football, Samora added.

Samora said many alumni are season ticket holders for football games and that they already regularly attend the games. The Alumni Association tailgates prior to every home football game.

“Homecoming has continued to grow each year over the past few years, so I expect a strong turnout for this year as the event continues to grow.  The success of the football team and last year’s national championship really helps to drive attendance, interest and alumni pride in their alma mater,” Samora said.

There are more individual department events scheduled this year during homecoming than in previous years. With all of the events for alumni happening on campus, students have an opportunity to interact with those who used to be in their shoes as a student and ThunderWolf.

“Alumni are invited to the pep rally and the bonfire. It is also Parents and Family Weekend, so parents and families of current students are invited to the Alumni/Community Tailgate and there is a common seating area for alumni, parents and students,” Samora said.

A majority of the alumni events have a student component. For example, in the Tailgate and Debate event, forensics team alumni will debate against current members of the team.

The Engineering Breakfast gives another opportunity for alumni to interact with current students and the Track and Field and Cross Country alumni event will host the current team and former student athletes.

“The football game provides an excellent atmosphere for students and alumni to interact as well,” Samora said.

A full list of the events can be found at csupueblo.edu or by contacting Samora at tracy.samora@csupueblo.edu.