By Carmen Pescatrice (A&S ’11)
Carmen Pescatrice and friends represent their school at a “Bearcats at the Ballpark” Cleveland Indians game this summer.
I remember my first UC Homecoming as a freshman. Still sleeping in Siddall Hall at about 9:30 Saturday morning after a long week of classes, I was awakened by several marching bands lining up in Siddall Circle for the Homecoming parade. Seems I’d missed the Homecoming memo altogether. I went back to bed hoping the music would stop; when I awoke, it seemed like any other Saturday.
Now, you might be thinking, “How could you miss Homecoming!?” To be honest, I’m not sure how I did — but I made sure not to make the same mistake twice.
My sophomore year, I joined Pi Kappa Alpha (PIKE) and learned what Homecoming was all about — meeting many alumni, hearing their stories and making new connections. I also rode the fire truck in the parade and saw firsthand that Homecoming was much more than just a football game. I could feel the family atmosphere as Bearcats from years past were welcomed back to campus.
I attended my first post-graduation Homecoming a few years later and thought, “I can’t believe I’m an alumnus already!” It was even better than my student experience — reuniting with fraternity brothers and friends plus meeting more seasoned alumni, I learned what made their collegiate experience some of the best years of their lives.
As alumni, sometimes we underestimate the importance of Homecoming. Maybe we think, “I enjoyed it when I was in college, but that’s not for me anymore.” Yet Homecoming lets us connect with current students — share advice, opportunities and stories with a younger generation. Most of us can remember a few specific alumni who encouraged us. Such experiences played an important role in making me the man I am today. Homecoming is the time to pay it forward.
An Emotional Trip ‘Down the Drive’
Carmen Pescatrice helped UC President Santa Ono deliver the UC message at this year’s Northeast Ohio #HottestCollegeinAmerica Tour stop.
Feeling the buzz of the entire campus, watching the parade and feeling the roar of Nippert Stadium as the Cats take the field are just a few of the Homecoming highlights. Yet what truly sets the experience apart is that “family feeling.” Every time I head “down the drive” from Cleveland, it starts to feel like a family reunion.
And that is why I’m so blessed and proud to serve our alumni network in Cleveland. Each year, the UC Alumni Association hosts a Network Leader Conference on Homecoming weekend. These passionate alumni volunteers share ideas as we strive to grow our respective alumni networks in 30+ cities around the nation. I’m looking forward to attending this year’s conference and collaborating with our executive board to move the Northeast Ohio network forward to reach more alumni, families and friends of UC. So far this year, we have enjoyed connecting area Bearcats through a variety of activities, from watch parties to baseball games.
My encouragement to you is simple: As you’re reflecting on your UC experience I hope you decide to attend Homecoming Zinzinnati! 2014. While it will be different this year being downtown instead of on campus, I’m confident you’ll feel the same energy. If you can’t attend, connect with our Alumni Association and inquire about an alumni network in your area. Arrange a watch party and get together with fellow Bearcats to create your own Homecoming away from home experience. I guarantee you’ll enjoy your time and make new connections.
There are a lot of universities out there, but there’s something different about UC: We are all part of the family of the #HottestCollegeInAmerica, which sets us apart from any other school in the nation. And I eagerly anticipate celebrating UC’s Bicentennial in 2019 and Creating our Third Century.
Proud to serve our alma mater — “Thy loyal, loyal children…we…will…be!”
Carmen Pescatrice (A&S ’11)
Northeast Ohio Alumni Network Leader
Categories: Alumni Features, Cincinnati Events, Events
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