Feb. 19-25: Celebrate 75 years of Islander Tradition and Spirit During Homecoming 2023

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi is celebrating 75 years of Islander tradition, academic prestige, and student success during the Island University’s Homecoming 2023, held Feb. 19-25. This year’s homecoming theme is “Anchored in Tradition.”

“Homecoming is a great opportunity for alumni to relive memories of the place they built their future and see how we are helping today’s students build theirs,” said Elvia Aguilar, Interim Executive Director of Alumni Engagement. “We look forward to seeing our alumni, community members, faculty, staff, and future students for this fun-filled week.”  

Everyone is invited to show their Islander Spirit and join in the festivities through the annual Lighting of the “I”, basketball games, the annual Homecoming Block Party, food trucks, and more! 

The week-long celebration includes:

Sunday, Feb. 19

• Islander Clean – The TAMU-CC Student Volunteer Connection, along with campus representatives, will beautify Ward Island with a spring cleaning. The event starts at 9 a.m. at the University Center roundabout and continues on the Hike and Bike Trail and throughout campus.

Tuesday, Feb. 21

• City-Wide Bluesday Tuesday – Everyone in the Coastal Bend is invited to wear the color blue on Tuesday, Feb. 21, for a city-wide proclamation of Bluesday Tuesday. The proclamation will be read at 11 a.m. in Corpus Christi City Council chambers.
  
  
• Blue Fest and Anchors Aweigh – The Island campus will showcase their Islander Spirit at the inaugural Blue Fest, happening on East Lawn. The event includes games, snacks, music, and the ceremonial sealing of the 75th anniversary time capsule. In nearby Anchor Plaza, the Islander Alumni Association invites the campus community to learn more about TAMU-CC’s oldest tradition, the painting of the anchor at Anchors Aweigh. Both events take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dr. Kelly M. Miller, University President, will give remarks at noon.

Wednesday, Feb. 22

• Student vs. Faculty/Staff Basketball Game – The always-entertaining students vs. faculty/staff basketball game will take place at the Dugan Wellness Center at 7 p.m. and will feature an all new three-point shootout and knockout game.

Thursday, Feb. 23

• Islanders Double-Header vs. Texas A&M-Commerce – The Islanders Men’s and Women’s basketball team will play against Texas A&M-Commerce at the American Bank Center. Women’s tip-off is at 5 p.m. followed by the men’s tip-off at 7:30 p.m. Students are admitted free with a current SandDollar$ ID.
  
  
• Islanderino – Students can test their luck during Islanderino, sponsored by Campus Activities Board. The event runs 9 p.m. to midnight and is a glow casino-inspired night that invites students to wear their best blue and green attire.

Friday, Feb. 24

• Lighting of the “I” – The beloved tradition kicks off at 6:30 p.m. on the East Lawn. Free popcorn and homecoming themed buckets to the first 500 in attendance!
  
  
• Homecoming Honors Banquet – The Islander Homecoming Honors Banquet will take place in the University Center Anchor Ballrooms beginning at 6 p.m. and will recognize the achievements of three Islander alumni as well as one Islander Athletic Hall of Honor inductee.

Saturday, Feb. 25

• Islanders Women’s Basketball vs. Northwestern State – Islanders Women’s Basketball will face off against Northwestern State with a tip-off time of 1 p.m. Students are admitted free with a current SandDollar$ ID. For ticket information, go to GoIslanders.com or call 361.825.BALL.
  
  
• Islander Block Party – The official Homecoming Block Party will take place at the American Bank Center parking lot between 2-4 p.m. The public is invited to join the Islander faithful as we cheer our teams on to victory. This free event is family-friendly and will include games, inflatables, a petting zoo, live music, and more!
  
  
• Islanders Men’s Basketball vs. Northwestern State – Head inside the American Bank Center to cheer on Islanders Men’s Basketball as they take on the Northwestern State Demons starting at 5 p.m. Tickets are free for students with a current SandDollar$ ID. For ticket information, visit GoIslanders.com or call 361.825.BALL.

For a full list of alumni-related Homecoming events, visit islanderalumni.org. 

The 2023 Kleberg Bank College Classic is also scheduled to run during Homecoming Week at Whataburger Field. The tournament, to be held Feb. 24-26, pits Islanders Baseball against teams from Houston, Utah, and The University Incarnate Ward. For tickets, click here or call 361.561.HOOK (4665).