Homecoming this year is full of fun events for canine and human Retrievers alike, whether they’re students, staff, faculty, alumni or friends and family. The week kicks off with the women’s soccer game on October 8, followed by a Maryland-themed dinner event and the Homecoming Bonfire. 

Homecoming Saturday on October 14 has something for all the good pups on and off campus. While dogs have always been a large part of UMBC’s culture, UMBC has been creating new traditions with its furry friends in the past few years, like the RAC’s new Laps with Officer Chip and the now annual tradition of the Homecoming Puppy Parade. The parade first began in 2016 to celebrate the university’s 50th birthday, but it wasn’t until 2019 that it was brought back to stay. Each Homecoming since then, around one hundred dogs participate, showing that the puppy parade has become a very well-loved tradition for the UMBC community. 

“I would say that it has become a highlight of Homecoming Saturday,” says Candace Martinez-Doane, the assistant director of student engagement and organizer of the parade. “The participants are alums, students bringing their family pets, and community members who all look forward to coming together and participating in a very cute event.”

Something for Retrievers of all generations

The carnival will open up first as a preview event for students on October 13, and then to the rest of the community on Saturday, October 14. In addition to the rides and games, the day will be full of activities, starting with the Retriever Dawg Chase 5K and Fun Run and ending late that night at the brand new Greek Life Alumni and Friends party. Whether you plan to stop by the Alumni & Friends Tent for snacks, ride the rides and play the carnival games, or just enjoy the food trucks and petting zoo, Homecoming is a great time for bringing Retrievers of all generations together. 

“What’s most exciting about Homecoming is it truly embodies UMBC’s definition of community,” says Jess Wyatt, associate director of Alumni Engagement and one of the event organizers. “Many of the staff who execute the activities throughout the week also bring their family and friends to the big carnival day. It’s become a tradition in so many families including my own! My kids look forward to seeing their ‘Homecoming friends,’ which includes many of my colleagues and their kids.”

Celebrate the achievements of UMBC’s student-athletes and alumni at the Athletics Hall of Fame induction on October 13. And if you love lacrosse but prefer watching it from the stands, join the women’s lacrosse team for a potluck breakfast on October 14. The whole week leading up to the carnival is full of opportunities to cheer on our student-athletes as they take the field. 

Homecoming gives us the chance to celebrate our community of Retrievers off the field as well. GRIT-X Talks features alumni and faculty speakers highlighting compelling aspects of UMBC’s advancements in research and creative achievements. Keep an eye out for social events throughout the week, like the Deans and Donuts mix-and-mingle in the Sports Zone or other affinity group meet-ups.

A PAWsitively BARKING good time

And of course, around 1 p.m. on October 14, start listening for “Who Let the Dogs Out” and watch as dogs and their owners proudly display their costumes and UMBC pride to everyone on Erickson Field. After the parade, winners of the costume contest will be chosen in four categories: most UMBC spirit, most creative, best owner and pet combo, and best overall. 

“The spirit and joy that the puppy parade brings to the participants and spectators is really special,” says Martinez-Doane. “It’s such an adorable event that speaks to the uniqueness that is UMBC.”

Advising & Clearance for ECON and FIEC majors is now open.  

Retriever Essentials, represented by student volunteers Nhi Nguyen ’25, biochemistry and bioinformatics, and Ben Bhattarai ’23, biology and psychology, is a second place finalist in the 2023 Wilbur Ellis Innovation Award. Announced at the end of September, the honorable mention award—given to only four schools—recognizes the student teams with the most innovative strategies for providing food for a growing world population.

Nguyen and Bhattarai’s proposal aimed to address the water scarcity in agriculture which affects the ability to feed a growing world population sustainably. Their project proposed the use of halophytic (salt-tolerant) algae to desalinate saltwater in order to increase freshwater availability to enhance agricultural yields and to create highly nutritious food products. Nguyen and Bhattarai believe their project also may help resolve some of the impacts of global warming on food production and transportation, including the growth of algae; limited fossil fuels; and ocean acidification due to high carbon dioxide. Both hope to continue their research into ways to eliminate food insecurity.

The $5,000 award for second place will be used to help buy food for the Retriever Essentials pantry, and help kickstart research on the algae, says Ariel Barbosa, program coordinator and a master’s student in community leadership.

The students’ work was a collaborative endeavor during the spring 2023 semester, with input from UMBC faculty in the sciences and public health: Lauren Clay, associate professor and chair, emergency health services; Erle Ellis, professor, geography and environmental systems; Andrea Kalfoglou, associate professor, sociology, anthropology, and public health; and Stephen Miller, associate professor, biological sciences. 

“We worked so hard on this proposal,” says Nguyen. “The contest was a chance to share my knowledge and creativity…to go out of our own bubbles and be confident with whatever we have to offer to help the community.” 

“Retriever Essentials is one of the most welcoming, friendly, hospitable places at UMBC, where I profoundly enlarge my connection to students, staff, and faculty,” Nguyen adds. “I feel thankful for being a part of UMBC, where I am surrounded by many brilliant and cool people, who always offer me not only academic help but also emotional support. Thus, I would recommend to UMBC students one thing: ASK.”

Bhattarai shares, “It is an exciting feeling to know that our project is being recognized for its potential in revolutionizing agriculture and in solving food insecurity. This experience also motivates us to continue our research in innovative ways. Volunteering with Retriever Essentials has been a great learning experience, to see the impact of food insecurity on campus and how a motivated teamwork and collaboration can make a difference in the community.”

 “I am so proud of our students and their commitment to Retriever Essentials—and to global food insecurity and injustice,” says Barbosa. “This award could not have come at a better time, as we see increased numbers of students and inflation increases the cost of food. Hundreds of students visit Retriever Essentials spaces each week, and we are often low in food.” 

Lacking a steady source of nutritious meals can affect students’ physical and mental health, grades, and ability to engage in campus life. Barbosa adds, “As more members of our community in need learn about us, we need increased financial support as well as donations of food and supplies. It is because of our university community and leadership that we have come this far to support so many students.”
Retriever Essentials is a faculty, staff, and student partnership to tackle food insecurity in our UMBC community. Learn how to make a financial donation or via the Amazon wish list, as well as volunteer opportunities.

-Eleanor Lewis, communications manager, Student Affairs