Cynde Puckett
In Motion Staff Writer
Sponsored by the Alumni and Friends Association, Daytona State College’s first Homecoming event was a four-day success that brought students, alumni, members of the community and faculty and staff together to celebrate Falcon Pride.
Offering delicious food, face painting, live musical performances, costume contest, hayrides, volleyball, badminton, giant slides and more, the Fall Festival and BBQ proved extremely popular. Visitors also had the opportunity to start holiday shopping at the Association of Florida Colleges’ Holiday Bazaar in Bergengren Hall, Bldg. 110. Donations of canned goods and snack items were collected to benefit the Falcon Fuel Food Pantry, Student Government Association’s Basket Brigade and Volusia’s Holiday Feed the Need Campaign. Alumni art, a photography Alumni Reunion, a wide variety of guest speakers, car show and sporting events rounded out the festivities.
Nashad Mackey, a forward on DSC’s basketball team, was happy to attend the Fall Festival and participate in Homecoming. “There’s a really great turn out, a lot of people from the community. Great food. Great weather. It’s a great day to get out of the house. I hope to enjoy many more of DSC’s Homecoming events in the future.”
The first DSC Homecoming king and queen were crowned Mr. and Ms. DSC. Jeremiah Marroquin and Alyssa Gage will serve as ambassadors for the College and work to create positive change in the community. As Mr. DSC, Marroquin’s social platform is to bring all seven campuses together creating peace, love and unity.
“It would be nice to have events that are held on the main campus also take place on the other campuses. I am going to work toward making that happen and I believe I will, because I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” said Marroquin who has also served as president of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes at Pine Ridge High School.
Kat Ieraci, who attended with her daughters, said, “We’re here to learn more about the campus and to see what DSC has to offer. We’ve been speaking with people about the college. Everyone is very nice.” Campus tours were available on the Daytona Beach campus, which gave prospective students a chance to learn more about DSC.
Matt Englund, with the Tabletop Gaming Club, was at the Fall Festival and BBQ promoting his club’s Homecoming charity event “Magic the Gathering,” which raised money for homeless students.
“It’s like a big field day with all the games and slides and food. There are clubs here showing what they have to offer. It’s a big event and really fun.”
To learn more about Homecoming 2016 and to view photos of the event visit https://daytonastate.edu/homecoming2016/ or contact Suzette Cameron, Director of Alumni Engagement and Special events at 506-4506.