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Celebrate the University of Kansas’ 113th Homecoming Oct. 27-Nov. 2, culminating in the KU vs. Oklahoma State football game on Saturday, Nov. 1 at 3 p.m. at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium!
Student organizations interested in participating in the Homecoming Competition can register below.
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
KU Mentoring+, the university’s networking platform, connects you to thousands of other Jayhawks who can help you explore careers, industries, and opportunities.
View a list of businesses owned or led by Jayhawks, and apply to have your own business listed.
Read career news and updates from KU alumni, and submit your own to be featured in a future edition of the alumni magazine.
Search for a job on the KU Alumni job board, or post your opportunities for fellow Jayhawks.
Find additional resources such as campus career centers, LinkedIn groups, and more to help connect you with fellow Jayhawks.
HireJayhawks.com helps connect KU students, employers, career services offices, faculty and staff to help students achieve their career goals.
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.
Homecoming awards recognize outstanding students, faculty, staff and alumni each year. Apply for an award today, or nominate a fellow Jayhawk!
Award submissions are now closed. Thank you to all who applied and nominated!
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.
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.
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 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:
