SXU's 2022 Homecoming Recap
Saint Xavier University (SXU) hosted its annual Homecoming Week the week of September 26, and it was packed with activities for students, faculty, staff, alumni and families to connect in Cougar Pride!
Homecoming Week began with the American Red Cross fall blood drive, where the community kept close the Mercy mission as they donated blood that could save lives. Later, students participated in the traditional Homecoming Week bowling night at Arena Lanes in Oak Lawn.
On Tuesday, Spirit Week continued with Cougar Olympics, an opportunity for students to gather on the Quad for a water balloon fight, tug-of-war competition, sack race, volleyball games, an inflatable bounce house and more! Students also enjoyed Hispanic Heritage Month activities including Latinx Tunes in the SXU Diner and a discussion of the PBS episode "Empire of Dreams."
On Wednesday, the SXU community celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with the second annual Fiesta de la Familia. Students, families and SXU faculty staff gathered outside the Mercy Ministry Center to enjoy a variety of delicious tacos from food trucks, a fun-filled game of Lotería, Mariachi, and more!
"I was honored to be with students and families as we celebrated National Hispanic Heritage Month. Saint Xavier has a vast network of Latinx alumni who are leaders in their fields, and our ongoing initiatives will continue to support our students as they pursue their dreams. We're proud to serve as a partner to families and students in their educational journeys and look forward to continuing our work together," said President Laurie M. Joyner, Ph.D.
On Thursday, students, faculty, staff and alumni gathered in the SXU Diner Atrium to repackage diapers for SWADDLE (Southwest Area Diaper Depository for Little Ends). SWADDLE works to ensure social service agencies have an adequate supply of diapers for families in need and raise community awareness of the diaper need in the area. The SXU community packaged a total of 30,000 diapers!
Later that day, alumni reconnected for a special Homecoming celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month at Unidad, A Latin Kitchen and Bar. They enjoyed delicious Latin American food and music, caught up with old friends, and made new ones!
On Friday, students celebrated with the Cougar Cruise, an opportunity for registered student organizations, student-athletes and SXU bands to cruise around campus in a University parade. The cruise was followed by the annual Homecoming bonfire, where students rallied up for the Homecoming football game and received awesome giveaway prizes. Earlier that evening, families and students gathered for a beginning-of-the-year Spanish Mass. After, they enjoyed pan dulce and hot chocolate.
Homecoming Week went out with a bang with the Cougars' victory at the annual Homecoming football game! The Cougars went up against Roosevelt University and took home the win at 21-20. Students, faculty, staff and alumni filled the stands in a sea of scarlet and gray to cheer on the Cougars. Alumni gathered in the Alumni Tailgate Tent and enjoyed grilled food, conversation and special commemorative T-shirts.
Homecoming 2022 was a great success, filled with Cougar spirit and community connection!