Pirate Watch Parties Promote School Spirit and Student Engagement

Pirate watch parties are back at the University Center! On Saturday, December 14, Seton Hall hosted a Pirate game watch party to cheer on the Seton Hall Men's Basketball team take on Rutgers. Student Engagement, Campus Inclusion, Information Technology and Athletics came together to host a in the University Center Pirate Cove. Close to 80 students participated in the event, enjoying refreshments and raffle prizes, including Seton Hall hoodies, a Stanley cup, an Owala cup, snacks and other Pirate-themed gifts.

Teresa Manlangit, first-year student majoring in biology, shared “Everyone was able to come together and get excited for our Seton Hall basketball team. Students can connect with things that represent our school. It creates unity and pride. It was an especially exciting game, which made it fun to watch. I would love to watch other sports together too, like volleyball.”  

“Watch parties are a fun way for students to support their fellow students who compete on behalf of the University away from home," said Thomas Chen, senior associate AD for External Relations. "We are thankful for all who came to support the Pirates at the last watch party, which was full of energy with students who were sitting on the edge of their seats with every shot attempt in the second half. We can't wait for the students to return for the spring semester with another watch party, jam-packed with food and prizes, as well as numerous home games at Prudential Center and Walsh Gym for them to attend and cheer on the teams." 

The next Pirate watch party will be a double header the first day back to school. On January 15, the Men's Basketball Team plays Butler at 7 p.m. and the Women's Basketball Team plays Marquette at 9 p.m. The January event will include a DJ, hearty snacks and more raffle prizes, in the Event Room at the University Center. Students are encouraged to RSVP.

“In addition to making athletic games more accessible to our students in a variety of ways, Pirate watch parties are so much about strengthening and building community and giving our students an opportunity to connect outside of the classroom.” Said Ghana Hylton, director of Campus Inclusion. “It’s important for us to develop the whole student; heart, mind and spirit. Games and events are certainly one of the fun parts of that engagement.”

Marc Manapat, a Junior majoring in visual and sound media with a film production concentration, said “The Basketball watch parties give students the chance to support and cheer on our school, even if they can’t be at the games physically. Supporting something as big as our athletics teams creates a sense of pride and competition that truly brings our Seton Hall family closer together. And I know people love a free Seton Hall T-shirt or sweatshirt giveaway!”

Manlangit had a heartfelt message specifically for the athletes: “Keep it up team, the students are supporting you!” Manapat agreed: “No matter the score, and no matter the experience, we see you put your all into what you do. Seton Hall will always be rooting for and supporting the amazing, talented athletes who put such hard work towards the games!”

Pirate watch parties was one of the winners of the Idea Hall initiative from the Office of the Provost and the Office of the President, which offers support to innovative ideas around the university. 

Students can stay engaged by following @hallstudents, review the Calendar Event, email engagement@shu.edu, check out Engage, and following @shu_campusinclusion and @shuathletics. 

Categories: Athletics, Campus Life