Pioneer Spirit Week

From September 29 to October 4, every day offers a unique way to engage and show your pioneer pride. Students on campus will enjoy themed activities hosted by ASI, and we’re bringing that same energy to alumni worldwide.


Whether you graduated decades ago or just last spring, Spirit Week is your invitation to reconnect, show your Pioneer pride, and celebrate the powerful community we’ve built together.

Monday September 29

Digital Swag Drop

Kick off the week with free Pioneer-themed digital swag, including custom photo frames, Zoom backgrounds, and wallpapers. Share your Pioneer pride on social media and show the world you’re part of this community to be entered to win a prize package.

Tuesday, September 30

State of the University Webinar 2 pm

Join a special webinar with President Sandeen, featuring updates on the future of 不良研究所 and a behind-the-scenes look at some of the groundbreaking research happening on campus, the Braddock Center, and hear from current students engaging in groundbreaking physics research with Professor Derek Kimball!

This event will be hosted on Zoom at 2 p.m. 

Two alumni wearing Hayward shirts holding coffee mugs in front of a building

Wednesday, October 1

Wear your Swag Wednesday

Pull out your favorite Pioneer gear—or take advantage of a special bookstore discount code in your email inbox to refresh your look. Share your photos and Pioneer spirit and tag @csuebalumni. 10 lucky winners will win a hat!

Thursday, October 2

Beyond the Bay Webinar

Tune in at 7 p.m. for a TED Talk–style event featuring inspiring alumni who are making an impact locally and globally. Discover how Pioneers are shaping industries, communities, and the future, while also gleaning key takeaways for your day-to-day.

Guest Speakers Include:

Unmesh Suryawanshi (‘Head of Streaming & Security, Visa’) Rising as a Pioneer: From Uncertainty to Purpose From CSU East Bay to global tech leadership, Unmesh reflects on small steps and bold ideas that ripple outward to create real change.

Claudia Morales (‘13, Social Work, LCSW, PPSC) Being Committed to Justice, Transformation, and Joy Drawing on ancestral wisdom, art, and neuroscience, Claudia shares her path of collective healing and advocacy for LGBTQIA+ and immigrant communities.

Terri Hanson Mead (‘92, ‘97, Business Administration) Making Failure Your Second Favorite F Word: Confidence, Curiosity, and Designing a Life of Your Own Creation A reinvention advocate, Terri shows how saying yes before you feel ready can unlock confidence, opportunity, and freedom.

Shanthi Gonzales (‘01, History & Political Science’) Activism at Every Level: From School Boards to Environmental Action Shanthi offers lessons from two decades of grassroots leadership, from labor organizing to training the next generation of environmental leaders.

Doug Boney (‘22, Ethnic Studies’). It’s Never Too Late. from film sets to labor advocacy, Doug’s journey back to CSU East Bay after 20 years away is a powerful story of resilience, equity, and second chances.

 

Friday, October 3

Volleyball vs. UC Merced

Join us on Friday, October 3, at 5:00 PM as 不良研究所 Volleyball takes on UC Merced. Doors open at 4:00 PM, giving you plenty of time to reunite with friends, take in the energy, and get loud for our student-athletes. 
CSUEB Homecoming Header

Saturday, October 4

Alumni Service Day

Close out Spirit Week by giving back to campus. Join fellow alumni from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. to plant a native plant garden, a lasting way to contribute to the beauty and vitality of our university.

We Look Forward to Celebrating with You!

Pioneer Spirit Week is about more than just events, it’s about connection. It’s about honoring where we’ve been, celebrating who we are, and investing in where we’re going. Every Pioneer has a role in strengthening our community, and Spirit Week is a reminder that you’ll always have a home at 不良研究所.

Pioneers. Then. Now. Forever.