- Give
- Programs & Networks
Programs & Networks
Career
Find Your Network
- Stories & Events
Stories & Events
- Resources & Info
Resources & Info
About Us
Advertisers & Partners
- Jayhawk Welcome Center
Jayhawk Welcome Center
- Connect
Presented by
Celebrate the University of Kansas’ 114th Homecoming Oct. 19-25, culminating in the KU vs. Baylor football game on Saturday, Oct. 24 at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium!
KU Homecoming is presented by Central Bank.
The Homecoming Parade is back for the first time in seven years! Line Jayhawk Boulevard, cheer on your favorite floats, and celebrate Jayhawk pride with the whole KU community.
Celebrate Homecoming with fellow fans! We’re opening our pregame tailgate at the Jayhawk Welcome Center to all KU alumni for this milestone weekend. Join us for food, drinks and the traditions that make Homecoming in Lawrence so special.
Pack David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium as the Jayhawks take on Baylor this Homecoming! Grab your tickets now and be there for the roar of the crowd on Saturday, October 24.
Celebrate the Jayhawks making a difference on campus and beyond. Nominate a student, alumnus, or organization for a Far Above Award and help us honor excellence this Homecoming.
The three-day celebration will spotlight the University of Kansas, its student-athletes and the Lawrence community, while highlighting the partnership between Kansas Athletics and the Big 12 Conference.
KU student groups are invited to create their own banners to celebrate Homecoming!
Homecoming is a celebration of what it means to be a Jayhawk—and part of that tradition is giving back. This initiative unites alumni, students, faculty, staff, and community members in service projects that strengthen the communities supporting KU. These efforts extend the spirit of Homecoming beyond campus, ensuring that Jayhawk pride and impact are felt wherever we call home. These opportunities continue beyond Homecoming with events nationwide for the KU Cares Month of Service.
Check out opportunities below!
Tuesday, October 28
10-11:30 a.m.
5440 N. Mill Heights Drive, Park City, KS 67219
Join fellow Jayhawks in giving back during Homecoming by volunteering or donating hygiene products to Simply Hygiene in Wichita. Volunteers can volunteer at the Simply Hygiene facility, or purchase and donate hygiene products that can be packaged and sorted to the Wichita community.
Here’s how you can help:
Please reach out to Danielle Hoover, senior director of donor relations, at dhoover@kualumni.org to coordinate drop off of donated items.
Wednesday, October 29
5-7 p.m.
Dole Institute of Politics Parking Lot, 2350 Petefish Dr, Lawrence, KS 66045
Come join the Center for Community Outreach for their annual Trunk or Treat. This event takes place on Wednesday, October 29 from 5-7 p.m. in the Dole Institute of Politics Parking Lot. Sign up to host a trunk at this event now! This event includes activities such as: Games, Food Trucks, Costume and Trunk Contests, and a live DJ!
Thursday, October 30
1220 Timberedge Road, Lawrence, KS 66049
Potential Pre-Volunteering Tour: 3:30-4 p.m.
Volunteer Session 1: 4–6 p.m.
Volunteer Session 2: 6-8 p.m.
Join fellow Jayhawks in giving back during Homecoming by volunteering at the Harvesters Community Food Network. Volunteers will help sort and repackage donated food to support families in need across Kansas. This is a great way to share the spirit of KU while making a direct impact in the community.
All volunteers must register in advance, be at least 12 years of age, and complete a liability waiver prior to participation. Volunteer tasks are assigned based on product availability and project prioritization. Volunteer opportunities include sorting fresh produce, sorting and boxing bread, packing Senior Commodity Food Boxes, and sorting nonperishable food drive donations.
Thursday, October 30
3801 Topping Avenue, Kansas City, MO 64129
Volunteer Session 1: 4–6 p.m.
Volunteer Session 2: 6-8 p.m.
Join fellow Jayhawks in giving back during Homecoming by volunteering at the Harvesters Community Food Network. Volunteers will help sort and repackage donated food to support families in need across Kansas. This is a great way to share the spirit of KU while making a direct impact in the community.
All volunteers must register in advance, be at least 12 years of age, and complete a liability waiver prior to participation. Volunteer tasks are assigned based on product availability and project prioritization. Volunteer opportunities include sorting fresh produce, sorting and boxing bread, packing Senior Commodity Food Boxes, and sorting nonperishable food drive donations.
3 p.m.
David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium
Friday, October 23, 6 p.m., Jayhawk Boulevard
KU Student Affairs is excited to announce the return of the 2026 University of Kansas Homecoming Parade, the first KU homecoming parade in seven years. The Homecoming Parade will be led by Student Affairs in partnership with KU Alumni, Kansas Athletics Inc., and Jayhawk Community Partners.
Interested in participating? Learn more and apply below.
Homecoming awards recognize outstanding students, faculty, staff and alumni each year. Apply for an award today, or nominate a fellow Jayhawk!
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.
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.
Homecoming awards recognize those who represent the best of KU.
Outstanding students, faculty, staff and alumni are invited to apply or nominate a peer to be recognized during Homecoming week, including at the Far Above Awards ceremony.
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, Homecoming is celebrated by inviting alumni back to their “Home on the Hill” rather than a yearly theme. 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
Over 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.
In 1971, Amy Hurst, c’74 and KU Alumni “hatched” a plan for a new, second mascot. The 1971 Homecoming game against Kansas State had a halftime show with the debut of Baby Jay.
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. KU Alumni 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 KU Alumni.
Your gift to KU Alumni is the single most powerful way to make all of KU stronger, including the value of your own degree. Through your support, KU Alumni:
