Dear Campus Community,
One of the advantages of working at UC Riverside is the opportunity to be part of the Highlander community. Though we all bring our unique personalities, skills, and opinions to our roles, we align around a mission rooted in higher learning. UCR typically attracts people who are curious and seek to make the world better. Our shared values, traits, and interests create common bonds, enhancing our ability to form connections.
The pandemic limited this benefit with requirements for distancing and isolation. But this fall, as we renew relationships and welcome new staff and faculty, we have exciting ways to connect with colleagues.
Homecoming 2022
This year, Homecoming is back and bigger than ever with two days of events, Friday, November 18 through Saturday, November 19. While the weekend is designed to reconnect UCR’s more than 136,000 alumni with their alma mater, staff and faculty are also invited to participate in many of the activities.
Building on the theme of “Through the Decades” to celebrate UCR past, present, and future, the weekend features a free, live afternoon concert by The Beach Boys — exclusively for UCR alumni and their registered guests.
On Saturday, November 19, kick off the morning with some friendly competition in the 17th Annual Spirit of the Tribes 5K Run/Walk. This fundraising event supports student scholarships at UCR and is hosted by the office of Native American Student Programs.
Join me as we cheer on our Highlanders at 4 p.m. in the Student Recreation Center Arena as Men’s Basketball takes on the Occidental Tigers. Support the Women’s Volleyball team as they face off against the Gauchos of UC Santa Barbara at 7:15 p.m. Be sure to wear your Highlander pride in blue and gold or UCR gear.
Or dine and dance the night away at special evening festivities supporting students. The Chicano Student Programs 50th Anniversary Gala in partnership with the Chicano Latino Alumni Chapter happens on Friday night. Saturday events include the Black Alumni Chapter Scholarship Gala celebrating the 50th anniversary of African Student Programs and School of Medicine Education Gala.
The weekend also includes the Homecoming Odyssey event for students, a classic car showcase, a CHASS alumni event, and a UCR parent and family meeting. More information is available at homecoming.ucr.edu. Registration required.
Lunch at the Barn
Earlier this month The Barn expanded hours to include lunch. The Grill is now open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday. Three other dining counters with deli, salads, and hot options will open later in the quarter. More information about hours and offerings are available on the website and Instagram account, along with details about upcoming events.
Now Playing: The College Tour starring UCR
As I wrote a couple months ago, UC Riverside has been featured on an episode of Amazon Prime’s The College Tour series. Series host Alex Boylan and 10 UCR students lead viewers through a tour of campus while highlighting our world-class faculty, student support services, research opportunities, and extra-curricular activities.
After a premiere party and virtual screening earlier this month, the full episode is now available for streaming on YouTube ahead of the Amazon Prime launch early next year. So, grab some popcorn, click play, sit back, and take pride in your university.
The conversations, new ideas, and laughter, that arise when we connect enrich our lives, the environment we provide for students, and ultimately, our service to our broader community. Thank you for bringing your Highlander spirit to UCR.