(GREENSBURG, Pa.) — “SHU always goes out of their way to ensure their students, faculty, alumni, and families feel a part of a community,” said a Seton Hill University alumni, Maria Blasioli.
Seton Hill University invited alumni and parents to participate in a variety of events Friday through Sunday to commemorate homecoming weekend.
“I thought it was great and so nice to be able to see everyone in person again, post COVID-19. Despite the cold, the events were fun and something I want to continue to be a part of,” Blasioli said.
Bre Bianco, an alumni of the SHU marching band, enjoyed seeing the band and the football team at the game Saturday, despite their loss to Gannon University. “The team may have lost the game, but you could tell they were fighting for it,” said Amanda Filotei, a sophomore education major.
Filotei’s parents came up for the weekend to see the team play and to participate in events. “We were very excited to be invited to the homecoming weekend. It is very difficult when your children move away to college. We were thrilled to be able to be a part of the Griffin family,” said Filotei’s mother.
Filotei’s parents registered for other events, but could not attend. “It was a nice idea, but the game ran late so we couldn’t go,” said Filotei’s mother.
“The team work displayed by the players and staff was very impressive; it was so nice to see a great group of athletes perform. The cheering in the crowd shows the support for this group,” Filotei’s mother said about the game.
“The best part was everyone coming together again and our school spirit at the pep rally. All the teams talked about their seasons and the homecoming court was also announced,” said Filotei.
Chloe Walls and Tsamara Roberts were crowned as homecoming royalty at the rally out of the ten nominees.
“Winning homecoming royalty did not really feel real at first. A lot of people were coming up to say they voted for us, but I assumed everyone else was having the same experience. Then, when they called Tsamara’s name I knew I would be next. Overall, I’m really honored and thankful the SHU community picked us as their royalty,” Walls said, who is a Head Resident Assitant, the Feminist Collective president, co vice president of Pride, and an officer for the class of 2022. “It means a lot to me that two LGBTQ+ women of color would win homecoming together. I think us winning as a couple shows how SHU can work towards positive change while still maintaining a catholic identity.”
Roberts said that her and Walls’ homecoming win “is a great reminder that people from all backgrounds are not just welcomed at Seton Hill, but they are celebrated!” “My homecoming court experience was awesome. I got the opportunity to represent the senior class and embody Seton Hill spirit. The pregame activities and pep rally were really fun and they all brought the Seton Hill community together as one big family,” said Patrick Wu.
Filotei’s mother said she was proud to listen to the list of accomplishments of all the homecoming court candidates, and it was “fantastic” what they achieved.
“Homecoming Weekend is one of my favorite Seton Hill traditions. There’s fun events for students all week and we get to see alumni that have gone through the SHU experience,” said Walls.
Blasioli and Bianco attended the post graduation bash together and said it was “really nice getting to dress up and have a nice lunch at the Regina house and talk to everyone.” The weekend’s festivities included a barbecue dinner featuring Duelling Pianos International, SHU historical ghost tour, homecoming pregame party, 5k fun run, and an art after dark party.
Conflict of interest: I am reporting a story about my own school, which could lead to bias.
Written by: Emma Zuder