Fourth Estate/Emma Schaible

An action-packed week filled with adventures and memorable experiences

BY KATIE KOHLER, STAFF WRITER

Mason celebrated its Spring 2025 homecoming with a week full of festivities, community service and school spirit. The annual tradition,  running from Jan. 31 to Feb. 8, brought together students, alumni, faculty and the Mason community.

The week started with a lip-sync battle presented by the Patriot Activities Council, everyone who attended received a free Homecoming 2025 shirt. Banditos Tacos and Tequila, a Mexican restaurant in University Mall, hosted Taco Tuesday Trivia on Feb. 4. A Day of Service followed on Wednesday. Student volunteers helped prepare food boxes for the Patriot Pantry and Food for Others, two local organizations dedicated to fighting food insecurity. On Thursday, Saturday Night Live star Sarah Sherman headlined this year’s homecoming comedy show.

Students, alumni and fans all gathered in Lot L for the Homecoming Tailgate on Saturday ahead of the men’s basketball game. Registered Student Organizations (RSOs), fraternities and sororities set up tents where members were able to reconnect with alumni. 

Mason Athletics, Student Involvement and Alumni Relations also hosted booths with backyard games such as basketball, Jenga Giant and corn hole, where participants received Mason-themed prizes and spirit wear. Everyone enjoyed an afternoon filled with food, music and a basketball game to top it off. 

Many attendees brought grills to cook hamburgers and hotdogs and passed them out to people walking by. Laughter and conversation filled the air as students, alumni and faculty bonded over their shared Mason pride. 

Fourth Estate/Katie Kohler

The Green Machine drumline welcomed guests as they arrived at the tailgate festivities. The Patriot mascot also joined the festivities as he made his way through the lot, stopping for photos and dancing with fans. 

The week ended with a victory from the men’s basketball team on Feb. 8. The Mason Patriots played against the University of Rhode Island Rams and secured their ninth consecutive win. A sea of green and gold filled the EagleBank Arena as Mason Nation cheered on the men’s team. The Patriots took an early lead in the first quarter and maintained it for the rest of the game with senior guard Darius Maddox leading the team with a career-high 24 points 

At halftime, men’s basketball alumni were recognized, along with current head coach Tony Skinn. In the second half, the Patriots strengthened their defense, preventing the Rams from closing the gap and extending their lead. The game ended with a final score of 82-67. Fourth Estate will continue to cover the Patriots win-streak, match by match, in the sports section located here. 

Homecoming 2025 united the Mason community through a week of events, school spirit and a thrilling basketball win, making it a homecoming to remember.