The 'We Love Quinnipiac Tour' is a nationwide initiative, bringing alumni, students, parents and families together. This tour spans the entire month of February for various social events and watch parties.

Brittany Stanchak, director of regional alumni engagement, emphasized the need for a space where Bobcat pride can be shared and celebrated beyond the university's campuses.

“The tour was inspired by the strength of the Quinnipiac community,” said Stanchak. “Alumni consistently tell us how much they value staying connected and getting involved, so we created a way to bring Quinnipiac to them — no matter where they live!”

Andrew Mayer ‘09 is one of approximately 300 alumni who attended one of the 18 Quinnipiac versus Yale watch parties through the We Love Quinnipiac Tour.

“Honestly, it doesn’t take much to pull me back into the Quinnipiac community,” said Mayer. “The 'We Love Quinnipiac Tour' just felt like a great way to reconnect with something that shaped so much of my early adult life. Life moves fast, and getting involved in events like this is a fun way to stay close to the university and to people who understand the Quinnipiac experience.”

At the watch party Mayer attended in Atlanta, he met new members of the Bobcat community. He emphasized how quickly and easily it was to make that Quinnipiac bond with other alumni, even after meeting for the first time.

Christine Smaltz ‘16, a self-proclaimed hockey fan also attended a Quinnipiac versus Yale watch party, but for her it wasn't just about hockey, it was about connection.

“Supporting the Bobcats alongside fellow alumni brings back so many memories of my time at Quinnipiac,” said Smaltz. “I have been helping with watch parties for the past three years, and I will never forget the emotion and pride we all felt during the 2023 national championship men's ice hockey game.”

Smaltz relayed the instant shared connection she felt when she walked into the watch party.

“Even if you’ve never met before, there’s an immediate sense of familiarity and pride,” she said.

Seeing graduates from 2007 and 2008 reunite after being apart for so long was a moment that stood out to Smaltz.

“It’s really important. Having that shared connection where you live creates instant community,” said Smaltz. “It’s meaningful to know that no matter where you are, there are fellow Bobcats nearby.

Mayer and other alumni carry their Bobcat pride with them everywhere.

“Being a Bobcat today is about carrying forward a sense of pride, resilience and connection,” said Mayer. “Quinnipiac helped shape who I am — personally and professionally — and that identity stays with you long after you leave campus. It’s about belonging to something bigger than yourself.”