Sounds of cheering, laughter, and applause permeated the Daytona Beach Campus grounds over the past weekend, as students enjoyed food, cheered on their favorite teams, and participated in a plethora of events during the annual “Falcons Forever” homecoming weekend.
This year, new activities were incorporated in the event line-up, including an open house for the Falcon Esports Center (DSC’s newest facility in the Lemerand Student Center), an all-star flag football game in the intramural field, and a pickleball tournament in the newly constructed Campus Recreational Pickleball Courts.
Photo by Samantha Sibayan
“[Homecoming] is a great opportunity to get students engaged on campus,” Student Life Coordinator Melissa Castorino said. “What we’re hoping for is to get the students out this weekend and get them involved in campus to get to know their fellow classmates and campus mates, and really feel like a campus community.”
The celebration kicked off on Thursday, October 3, with the Falcon Esports Center’s open house. This was followed by a STEMinar by Professor Steven Grant in the Hosseini Center’s Madorsky Theater. Grant is a former Imagineer for the Walt Disney Company, who spoke about what it takes to design theme parks.
Photo by Samantha Sibayan
The night was capped off by free pizza and s’mores in the ECHO Plaza, and a screening of last summer’s blockbuster movie, “Twisters”, in the Lemerand Student Center.
Events continued Friday, October 4, with the Daytona State All-Star Intramural flag football game.
“Flag football is exciting. I mean, who doesn’t love to compete?” said Isaiah Alexis, who is competing for Flag Football MVP. “I love it. Especially since the other team has great talent. Just to be out there to compete [with them] is wonderful.”
Photo by Samantha Sibayan
After the flag football game, revelers gathered in the soccer stadium for the 21+ Alumni and Friends Social before the Daytona State Men’s Soccer team played against Millennia Atlantic University. Millennia Atlantic University won the match, with a score of 2-1.
Later in the evening, students danced the night away in the Hosseini Center, at the Falcon Homecoming Ball, presented by the Falcon Dance Club.
“I love it. I’m glad we all got to do something together,” dance club member, Ronquisha Kendrick said.
Michael Velez, Senator of Academic Affairs for the Daytona State Student Government Association, said of the event, “The school year is hard, so it’s best for everyone to come out and have the best time that they can [by] bringing their friends and just enjoying the night.”
Photo by Samantha Sibayan
The final day of the celebration, Saturday, October 5, was packed with activities. Attendees of all ages took part in the “Catch the Falcon 5K” family fun run/walk in the soccer stadium, and then tested their pickleball skills during the college’s first pickleball tournament.
Following these activities, families could eat to their heart’s content at the free cookout buffet, offered during the Family Friendly Tailgate Party. Held in the soccer stadium parking lot, the party included music, carnival games, a scavenger hunt, club booths, and a 21+ Alumni & Friends VIP Tent.
Photo by Samantha Sibayan
Concluding the celebration, three sporting events took place around campus.
First, the Daytona State Women’s Soccer team played against Pasco-Hernando State College in the soccer stadium. Daytona State College won the match, with a score of 15-0.
Then, the Alumni Association hosted both a softball game in the Halifax Health Softball Stadium, and a baseball game in the baseball complex.
Finally, the Daytona State Women’s Volleyball team played against Polk State College in the Lemerand Athletic Center Gymnasium. Daytona State College won the match, with a score of 3-0.
This year, attendees enjoyed traditional DSC homecoming events, such as sports games, the Falcon Homecoming Ball, family/student gatherings, and the campus’s new offerings. The open house for the Falcon Esports Center, the first Daytona State All-Star Intramural flag football game, and the college’s first pickleball tournament were welcome additions to the DSC campus community.