KU Alumni Association announces events for Homecoming 2021

The University of Kansas will celebrate its 109th Homecoming Oct. 13-16, culminating in the KU football game against Texas Tech Oct. 16 in David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. The theme for this year’s event is “Back in Action.”

After canceling in-person events last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Alumni Association has scheduled the return of several popular Homecoming traditions and also will debut new activities, all of which aim to celebrate KU and connect all Jayhawks.

The week’s festivities include:

Oct. 13, 7-10 p.m.: Homecoming Kickoff—A two-part event featuring food and giveaways, followed by a movie in the Kansas Memorial Union 4th floor lobby.

Oct. 13, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.: Homecoming Sign Virtual Competition—A daylong activity in which students design original Homecoming-themed banners, posters and other graphics, which will be highlighted on Instagram.

Oct. 14, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.: Chalk ’n Rock—An annual event that encourages students to show off their Homecoming spirit and artistic talent by creating chalk drawings on Wescoe Beach.

Oct. 14, 3-5 p.m.: The Connect: Homecoming Edition—An opportunity for students to learn about campus organizations and resources and connect with fellow Jayhawks.

Oct. 14, 6-8 p.m.: Jayhawk Jingles—A lively tradition that invites all students and campus organizations to showcase their performance skills and talents in a skit-based competition.

Throughout the week, Jayhawks around the globe will have opportunities to connect during Kyou Networking Week, a series of industry-focused events for students and alumni in a variety of fields. In addition, the winners of the Excellence in Community, Education and Leadership (ExCEL) Awards and the Jennifer Alderdice Award will be announced at the conclusion of the week.

The executive director of the student-led Homecoming Steering Committee is Madison McGuire, a senior from St. Louis, majoring in human biology. She is joined by Katherine Hanselman, a senior from St. Louis, majoring in biochemistry; Kayla Hernandez, a junior from Eudora, majoring in strategic communications; Johnny Meehan, a senior from Lenexa, majoring in strategic communications; and Sophie Schmidt, a senior from Olathe, majoring in chemical engineering. They will work with Alumni Association staff member Paige Freeman, who joined the Association in summer 2021 as director of student programs.

This year’s celebration is sponsored by Best Western Plus West Lawrence, KU Bookstore and Truity Credit Union. Jayhawks will be able to purchase Homecoming T-shirts while supplies last at the KU Bookstore and online at kubookstore.com.

For a complete schedule of Homecoming week activities, visit kualumni.org/homecoming.