Image: Second year student Courtney Reeves (left) and post-baccalaureate student Shelby Wilson pose next to the lit up “I” on March 1, 2024. Both of the students have attended the Lighting of the “I” before and were very excited to continue the tradition this year. Photo by Giovanna Triguis.
Story and Photo by Giovanna Triguis | Translation by Victoria Escobedo
The annual Lighting of the “I” ceremony took place on Friday, March 1, 2024 on the East Lawn as part of Islander Homecoming Week. The event included photo opportunities, cheer and dance performances, a DJ, the men and women’s basketball teams, light up leis, and so much more.
“I’d say it’s an important tradition,” third year student Omar Escudero said. “This is one of the only times of the year that I get to see my friends from freshman year right here, so it’s really special to me.”
The Lighting of the “I” is a campus tradition, which commemorates the Islanders that came before and the current students attending TAMUCC.
“This is my first semester here, so I thought it would be nice to come check it out,” third year student Benjamin Allen said. “I’ve heard a lot of people say they really like it, which made me want to come, and I also really liked it.”
The campus tradition amps up students for the upcoming homecoming basketball game the next day at the American Bank Center. The University President, Dr. Kelly M. Miller, lit the I as the crowd cheered in support and excitement.
The moment I see the ‘I’ getting lit up, it reminds me of good times here,” Escudero said.
This year, Islanders celebrated 76 years of commemorating homecoming week. The week consisted of various events such as Islander Clean, Anchors Aweigh, Islanderino, Homecoming Block Party, and other events.
“Just getting to see the ‘I’ light up was pretty cool,” Allen said. “It was a unique experience that I’m glad I got to participate in.”
The campus tradition is important to Islanders as it encourages them to show their school spirit and pride. By coming together, Islanders are able to make new memories, honor past graduates, and embolden both basketball teams for the homecoming basketball games.