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Celebrate the University of Kansas’ 112th Homecoming Oct. 14-20, culminating in the KU vs. Houston football game at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 19 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri.
The Homecoming Steering Committee serves as a primary driver of the Homecoming experience by planning a robust experience that enhances Jayhawk pride. Students are selected after an application and interview process organized by the KU Alumni Association.
If you are interested in learning more about the Homecoming Steering Committee, or want to apply, visit the link below.
Three Homecoming awards recognize outstanding students and alumni each year. The Ex.C.E.L. Award recognizes two students with outstanding leadership, involvement and academics. The Jennifer Alderdice Homecoming Award recognizes a student who demonstrate outstanding loyalty and dedication. Finally, the Spirit of 1912 Homecoming Award honors KU graduates for their lifelong commitment to the University. Award submissions are due by Friday, September 27 at 8 a.m. CT.
Near or far, Homecoming is about celebrating what it means to be a Jayhawk and be a part of a community that stands together. Check out ways to support other Jayhawks and KU communities through various community service opportunities.
Help support our on-campus food pantry for KU students, faculty, staff, and affiliates!
The Campus Cupboard was created to address an reduce food insecurity among our campus community. The Homecoming Steering Committee is hosting a food drive to collect non-perishable items for the Campus Cupboard. A list of their most needed items can be found on their website. Here’s how you can help:
Drop off your non-perishable items at the Jayhawk Welcome Center between Oct. 7 -17.
Purchase items from their Amazon Wishlist.
Donate directly to Campus Cupboard through KU Endowment.
Join the Wichita Network Board of the KU Alumni Association in supporting a Virtual Drive to support Simply Hygiene, a Wichita-based advocator in empowering people with essential hygiene products that promote health and hope.
This year, Simply Hygiene has already served over 170 schools, 81 organizations, and is dedicated to distributing more products to local domestic violence shelters, transitional housing, schools, homeless shelters, and food and hygiene pantries. The drive is open until Tuesday, October 15. Here’s how you can help:
Join the Kansas City Network Board of the KU Alumni Association in supporting our 1st generation college students at the KU Edwards Campus at the 2nd Annual Rock Chalk 5K on October 6! The run starts and end at the Edwards campus in Overland Park and will have food trucks, tables with giveaways, and live music. Here’s how you can participate:
Sign up to volunteer and help staff set up, manage water stations, or check in runners.
Sign up to run for the 5K run, the family 1K walk, or our virtual 5K option!
Donate to help funds scholarships for 1st generation students at KU Edwards.
On November 23, 1912, KU played its first Homecoming football game against well-established rivals the Missouri Tigers. At a bonfire in front of Fraser Hall the Friday before the game, the ceremonial burning of a wooden tiger riled KU students. The next day, in front of 9,000 cheering fans, the Jayhawks defeated Missouri 12-3. For years, it was custom to play Missouri for every other Homecoming game.
In 1925, the first Homecoming Queen was crowned at KU, but the ceremony did not become tradition until 1933. A new queen was crowned each year until 1969, when anti-war demonstrations and stormy race relations led to the committee’s decision that it was “more appropriate to recognize those who embody the academic spirit for which this community was established.” The Ex.C.E.L. Award now recognizes two students with outstanding leadership, involvement and academics. Two more awards have since been created: the Spirit of 1912 Award honors KU graduates for lifelong commitment to the University; and the Jennifer Alderdice Homecoming Award recognizes current students who demonstrate outstanding loyalty and dedication. Learn more about and apply for Homecoming awards.
In 1925, the first Homecoming Queen was crowned at KU, but the ceremony did not become tradition until 1933. A new queen was crowned each year until 1969, when anti-war demonstrations and stormy race relations led to the committee’s decision that it was “more appropriate to recognize those who embody the academic spirit for which this community was established.” The Ex.C.E.L. Award now recognizes two students with outstanding leadership, involvement and academics. Two more awards have since been created: the Spirit of 1912 Award honors KU graduates for lifelong commitment to the University; and the Jennifer Alderdice Homecoming Award recognizes current students who demonstrate outstanding loyalty and dedication. Learn more about and apply for Homecoming awards.
In 1956 KU introduced Homecoming themes. The first official theme was “Songs of Victory.” At the time, the theme was incorporated into lawn decorations created by fraternities, sororities and residence halls. Today, the theme provides a basis for Homecoming Week celebrations and guides the week’s events. Past themes include:
2024 – Jayhawks Through the Eras
2023 – Rah Rah Jayhawk
2022 – There’s No Place Like Kansas
2021 – Back in Action
2020 – Rock Chalk Around the World
2019 – Far Above the Golden Valley
2018 – Home on the Hill
2017 – Jayhawks of the Galaxy
2016 – Rock Chalk Superhawk
2015 – Ghosts of Jayhawks Past
2014 – Roll with the ‘Hawks
2013 – Rock Chalk Around the World
2012 – Century Long Tradition Strong
2011 – From Lawrence with Love
2010 – Rock Chalk Road Trip
2009 – Peace. Love. Jayhawks.
2008 – Hail to the Hawks
2007 – Jayhawk Nation
2006 – Once a Jayhawk, Always a Jayhawk
2005 – Hawks on Haunted Hill
A century later, some traditions and events remain while others have become Homecoming lore. Hobo Day was an integral part of celebrations in the 1920s, complete with costumes, pep rallies and street theatre. A student talent show called Jayhawk Follies has evolved into today’s Jayhawk Jingles. The 1971 game against Kansas State unveiled a second KU mascot when Baby Jay hatched during halftime.
Today, students spend Homecoming Week participating in campus activities that build spirit and benefit the Lawrence community. By Saturday, they are ready to cheer the Jayhawks to another Homecoming victory.
In 2011, Rich and Judy Billings of Lakewood, Colo., both 1957 KU graduates, created an endowment to fund future editions of Homecoming.
The KU Alumni Association serves as the primary host of the Steering Committee with the support of the entire KU campus and Lawrence community. The committee consists of 10 students and two advisers from the KU Alumni Association.
We build lifelong relationships that strengthen the University of Kansas and the legacy of excellence embodied by its students, alumni, faculty, staff and friends.
Jayhawk Welcome Center at Adams Alumni Center
1266 Oread Ave., Lawrence, KS 66045
kualumni@kualumni.org | 800.584.2957
Your membership in the KU Alumni Association is the single most powerful way to make all of KU stronger, including the value of your own degree. Through your membership, the Association:
