A new tradition on CSUMB’s campus was born on the afternoon of Feb. 2, 2023, with the first ever Otter Thursday.

The event brought folks from campus together over music, snacks, games, swag (including Monterey Bay Aquarium passes) and fellowship, in the courtyard of the Otter Student Union.

There, members of the Otter men’s basketball team handed out t-shirts with “Make Waves” and “Support Each Otter” messages on them, while the women’s basketball team engaged people in games like Connect Four and a cornhole toss.

Monte was there, dressed head to toe in CSUMB gear, posing in selfies; a DJ pumped music into the air while Patterson Emesibe of the Alumni Association emceed the event; and cookies were handed out. And just by virtue of in-person events piling up, the Recreation Department and campus Greek organizations were nearby tabling and encouraging participation.

“I think it was a great start,” said Kirby Garry, CSUMB’s Athletics Director. “The OSU is the perfect environment to enjoy each others’ company and build a sense of pride and belonging.”

And the event seemed to have worked.

“We got shirts, there were games,” said  Katelyn Dominguez, a first year student, who was there with her friends. “It was easy to see this just by walking by.”

Part of the aim was to build school pride and spirit, but also to promote Otter Athletics.

Garry reported that the men’s and women's basketball games later that evening, where attendees got free pizza and t-shirts, had a better turnout: “We had a thrilling men’s game with great spirit and support. We are looking forward to the next Otter Thursday game on Feb 23!”

There will be more Otter Thursday events before that one; they are slated to happen every week.

Jeff Rensel, director of the Otter Student Union, is one of the organizers.

“Our goal is to build the Otter Thursday tradition and encourage the CSUMB community to wear Otter gear and showcase school spirit every Thursday,” Rensel said. He continued that in future iterations people can expect free giveaways, student performances, and free food.

With time, these are poised to be a recipe for spirit, pride and, finally, tradition.

The next Otter Thursday is 12 - 1:15 p.m. Feb. 16 at the plaza of the Otter Student Union, with free snacks and more giveaways.