CSUMB celebrates unique homecoming with RAFT Weekend

By Caitlin Fillmore

Carnival games, food trucks, drag shows, lots of “Otter Dad” T-shirts and even a mechanical shark brought students, alumni and the Monterey Peninsula community together this weekend for Cal State Monterey Bay's annual RAFT celebration. RAFT stands for Reunion and Family Traditions and represents a traditional campus homecoming event.

Unlike other homecoming events, RAFT Weekend attracts community members who may not have a direct connection to the college. Many attendees were families with young children looking for free weekend entertainment on what was a sunny day. Some were local prospective students interested in CSUMB. One couple was in town for a wedding and added an impromptu campus visit. They were scoping out snack options at Otter Express and planned to report back to their high school daughter at home in Los Gatos.

For Amber Dimassimo, CSUMB approaches the idea of homecoming in a fresh way. For three years, Dimassimo has served as student lead for MB Madness, RAFT weekend’s community carnival. MB Madness is a signature event of Associated Students, CSUMB’s version of a student council.

“Years ago, our campus held a more traditional homecoming,” Dimassimo said. “But now the weekend is not just focused on sports. It’s family-centered, open to all and free.”

RAFT Weekend kicked off Thursday with the silent disco, where students danced to their own soundtracks via wireless headphones. On Friday, the Otters took on defending conference champions Cal Poly Pomona in an exciting home volleyball game in the Kelp Bed, followed by the return of the popular Werk Witch Drag Show. Saturday’s highlights included Monte’s 5K and the Concert Under the Stars, a new event this year.

“I’m excited for the new Concert Under the Stars,” Dimassimo said. “Campus involvement has really grown this year. I hope it keeps getting bigger and better.”

Nearly 500 people attended Saturday afternoon’s MB Madness, trying their luck at games – such as a football toss or a giant chessboard – that were stretched across the main quad. The bravest attendees could climb onto a twirling mechanical shark, holding on before getting tossed into the inflatable waves. Carnival game winners received small prizes or, new this year, a raffle ticket for a chance to win housewares or digital cameras—a resurgent trend with college students. Attendees could try local food trucks or the various campus dining hall options, offering weekend specials catered to visiting families.

Laughter, cheering and applause filled the air at MB Madness, often in front of the dunk tank. The idyllic, sunny weather made this splashy attraction a draw—even though the dunk-ees said they would have participated, rain or shine.

“There’s a lot of families here,” said senior Sean Tubo, who was drying off from his latest round in the tank. “It’s nice to see all the families dunking me. It really brings people together.”

Tubo and his dunk tank partner, Andrew Nino, both volunteered in the tank last year, but they agreed on a gentler approach for 2025.

“You catch more flies with honey than vinegar,” Tubo mused. “And we always let the kids automatically dunk us.”

The Idhe family from Chino Hills watched Tubo and Nino splash down several times while they soaked up the abundant sunshine during RAFT Weekend. The Idhe family has made RAFT Weekend their own family tradition for the last three years.

“I come every year to see my daughter,” said Gina Idhe, mother of CSUMB senior liberal studies major Allison. “October is a time when I need to see her. We like to spend as much time together as we can.”

Allison, who plans to be an elementary school teacher, agreed the event was not a traditional college homecoming, but she appreciated RAFT’s focus on families.

“It’s important to keep students tied to families,” Allison said. 

RAFT Weekend wrapped up on Sunday with the free annual Brunch with the President. This casual meal is open for students, their families and the entire community. 

“We want people to be active on campus,” said Dimassimo, a senior kinesiology major. “And I love watching people have fun.”