As a first-year freshman, Aidan Brown is excited to see how his unique role on campus can make an impact during homecoming week.

Right after his Dog Days student orientation, Aidan joined the Student Involvement Center to support the efforts of the homecoming planning committee. Since then, the biochemistry major has collaborated with student leaders, faculty and staff to plan a week of festivities that celebrates school spirit down to the smallest details.

“Being involved with this team to create a week of memories and celebrations is so rewarding, personally,” Brown said. “I feel like I’m giving back to the campus and building upon this tradition that brings joy to our campus community.” 

With plans of pursuing a career in dermatology, Brown said getting involved on campus has shaped his college experience from the start. “It takes a passionate campus community to make this vision for homecoming become a reality, and I will always appreciate being a part of this side of a campus tradition as a new student.”

Tomauria Harrison, a senior pre-psychology and Africana studies major, is also contributing to the week of events by planning the Bulldog Boo Bash, a Halloween celebration for students at the Lynda and Stewart Resnick Student Union the evening before the homecoming football game against UNLV.

“The events we are planning are what I have always wanted to see happen. Seeing students build community through events makes me feel like I am part of something bigger than myself,” Harrison said, reflecting on her involvement with Spotlight Events, the campus programming board collaborating with the homecoming committee. 

This year’s Homecoming theme, “There’s No Place Like Fresno State,” was selected by the student committee to recognize the distinctiveness and pride points of the university and the Central Valley. “I remember, even as a high school senior touring the campus, how much Fresno State felt like home,” she said.

An exciting new addition to campus will be unveiled during homecoming week – a bronze statue of retired live mascot Victor E. Bulldog III. A ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 25 in front of the Resnick Student Union north entrance, where the statue will be placed.

Brown and Harrison will join students, faculty and staff across the campus in showcasing their campus pride with decorations, discounts and a host of activities for students, alumni and fans Oct. 23 through 28.

For a schedule of events and more information, visit homecoming.fresnostate.edu or follow @FSHomecoming on Instagram.

Homecoming activities:

Ignite the Bulldog Pride
Students, faculty and staff will kick off homecoming week with food, games, giveaways and entertainment (free to attend).
Monday, Oct. 23
Time: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Memorial Garden (in front of the Kennel Bookstore)

Free flu shots
Students (with student ID number) can prepare for cold and flu season by getting a free flu shot.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Oct. 23, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 24.
Resnick Student Union (Room 207)

Red Wave Craft Corner
Entertainment and do-it-yourself school spirit crafts for Fresno State students.
Tuesday, Oct. 24
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Memorial Garden (in front of the Kennel Bookstore)

Tie Dye and Good Vibes
Students can design their own Homecoming tie-dye shirt – perfect attire for the homecoming football game.
Tuesday, Oct. 24
3 to 5 p.m.
Fresno State Student Housing – outside of Graves Hall

Victor E. Bulldog III bronze statue unveiling ceremony
The university will officially unveil a new statue of retired live mascot Victor E. Bulldog III, cast in bronze. Enjoy a meet and greet with Victor E. Bulldog III and IV, photo opportunities and fun giveaways. This event is open to the public (parking will be enforced).
Wednesday, Oct. 25
11 to 11:30 a.m. (program begins at 11:10 a.m.)
Resnick Student Union – North Patio

Game Night at Bulldog Bowl
An evening of Bulldog spirit featuring bowling, billiards, board games, crafts, music, prizes and more, exclusive to Fresno State students.
Wednesday, Oct. 25
7 to 10 p.m.
Bulldog Bowl and Bulldog Zone (University Student Union – lower level)

Recharge for Victory
Hang out for students featuring yard games, music and more.
Thursday, Oct. 26
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Memorial Garden (in front of the Kennel Bookstore)

Homecoming Alumni Mixer with the Fresno Chamber of Commerce
Wear Fresno State gear for this free professional networking opportunity and get ready for the big game with complimentary appetizers, wine tasting, no-host bar, special guest appearances, spirited entertainment and lots of Fresno State prizes.
Thursday, Oct. 26
5 to 7 p.m.
Smittcamp Alumni House (2625 Matoian Way, Fresno)

Live Band Karaoke
An evening of karaoke for Fresno State students, with a twist – you become the lead singer for a live band. Pick your favorite jam to perform.
Thursday, Oct. 26
7 to 10 p.m.
Resnick Student Union – Leon S. Peters Outdoor Event Plaza

Red Friday
Fresno State faculty and staff will get pumped up for the homecoming game with the Fresno State Bulldog Marching Band, cheer, music, games and prizes.
Friday, Oct. 27
9 to 10 a.m.
Resnick Student Union – Leon S. Peters Outdoor Event Plaza

Homecoming Takeover at Crow & Wolf
Fresno State alumni and fans are invited to pack Crow & Wolf with Bulldog spirit. Hangout and enjoy drinks, live music, food trucks and Fresno State flare.
Friday, Oct. 27
5 to 10 p.m.
Crow & Wolf Brewing Co. Taproom (526 Spruce Ave., Clovis)

Bulldog Boo Bash
Spooky festivities, entertainment and competitions for students.
Friday, Oct. 27
7 to 10 p.m.
Resnick Student Union – first floor

Homecoming Pre-Game at the NUTRL Zone
Calling all alumni: the NUTRL Zone will feature NUTRL canned spirits, domestic and import beers, soda and water and a food truck – courtesy of Fresno Street Eats. Live music will be on the stage, and large flat-screen TVs will broadcast games from around the country. Live mascot Victor E. Bulldog IV will be hanging out for a meet-and-greet, so come by say hi, grab a drink and pick up some alumni swag.
Saturday, Oct. 28
4:30 p.m.
Valley Children’s Stadium – White Lot (west of stadium; see map)

Homecoming Student Tailgate
The official student tailgate hosted by ASI featuring music, food, games and giveaways (free for students).
Saturday, Oct. 28
5 p.m.
Fresno State Student Housing – southwest of the University Dining Hall

Homecoming football game vs. UNLV
Tickets on sale now (general ticket and student ticket prices available).
Saturday, Oct. 28
7:30 p.m.
Valley Children’s Stadium

(Story by Andrew Esguerra, marketing and communications coordinator for the Student Involvement Center at Fresno State.)