Homecoming

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 David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium in Lawrence, KS!

KU Alumni welcomes you to submit your organization or department’s programs and events for our Homecoming events calendar.

Oct. 27-Nov. 2

Various

University of Kansas

Events

Sunday, Oct. 6

8 a.m.

KU Edwards Campus BEST Building

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Monday, Oct. 14

8 a.m. 

Various Locations

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Tuesday, Oct. 15

1 p.m.

Wichita, KS

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Monday, Oct. 27

10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Wescoe Beach

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5-8 p.m.

David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium

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9-11 p.m.

David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium

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5 p.m.

KU Edwards Campus Regents Center

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Tuesday, Oct. 28

10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Wescoe Beach

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3-6:45 p.m

Virtual hosted by KU Edwards Campus

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3 p.m.

Kansas Union Level 4, Traditions Area

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Wednesday, Oct. 29

10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Wescoe Beach

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3-6:45 p.m

Virtual hosted by KU Edwards Campus

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5:30-9 p.m.

Abe & Jake’s Landing

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7-9 p.m.

Kansas Union Ballroom, Level 5

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Thursday, Oct. 30

10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Wescoe Beach

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4-6 p.m.

KU Edwards Campus, Hawks Nest

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6 p.m.

Rock Chalk Park, Lawrence, KS

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7-8:15 p.m.

Dole Institute of Politics

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10 p.m.-12 a.m.

Royal Crest Lanes, 933 Iowa St

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4-6 p.m.

KU Edwards Campus, Hawks Nest

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6 p.m.

Rock Chalk Park, Lawrence, KS

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6 p.m.

Rock Chalk Park, Lawrence, KS

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Friday, Oct. 31

10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Wescoe Beach

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12-3 p.m.

Spencer Museum of Art

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2-4 p.m.

Crimson Corner, Daisy Hill

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3-5 p.m.

Kansas Union Jayhawk Ink, Level 2

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4-7 p.m.

Clyde’s Saloon

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2-4 p.m.

Crimson Corner, Daisy Hill

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3-5 p.m.

Kansas Union Jayhawk Ink, Level 2

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Saturday, Nov. 1

2 hours before kickoff

David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium

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2 hours before kickoff

David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium

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2 hours before kickoff

Dole Institute of Politics

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Time TBA

David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium

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Chalk N Rock

KU Mentoring+, the university’s networking platform, connects you to thousands of other Jayhawks who can help you explore careers, industries, and opportunities.

Homecoming Banners

View a list of businesses owned or led by Jayhawks, and apply to have your own business listed.

Homecoming Pickleball tournament

Read career news and updates from KU alumni, and submit your own to be featured in a future edition of the alumni magazine.

Homecoming Late Night at the Lanes

Search for a job on the KU Alumni job board, or post your opportunities for fellow Jayhawks.

Homecoming awards

Find additional resources such as campus career centers, LinkedIn groups, and more to help connect you with fellow Jayhawks.

Homecoming Football game

HireJayhawks.com helps connect KU students, employers, career services offices, faculty and staff to help students achieve their career goals.

Sponsors

Title Sponsor

Presenting Sponsors

Supporting Sponsors

Title Sponsor

Presenting Sponsors

Supporting Sponsors

Flying Jayhawks

Title Sponsor

Presenting Sponsors

Supporting Sponsors

Flying Jayhawks

Homecoming Steering Committee

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

Homecoming awards recognize outstanding students, faculty, staff and alumni each year. Apply for an award today, or nominate a fellow Jayhawk!

 

Award submissions are due by Friday, Sept. 26 at 11:59 p.m. CT.

Join the Action

Homecoming Community Service

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.

 

Check out opportunities below!

Wichita - Simply Hygiene
Wichita - Simply Hygiene

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:

  • Register to volunteer on Tuesday, Oct. 28 by completing the online wavier.
  • Donate hygiene products to be brought to sort and package (this month’s highest needs are Body Wash, Deodorant, Toothpaste, and Toilet Paper).
  • Purchase products from Simply Hygiene’s Amazon and HDI Wholesale wish lists.

 

Please reach out to Danielle Hoover, senior director of donor relations, at dhoover@kualumni.org to coordinate drop off of donated items.

Lawrence - Trunk or Treat

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!

 

Lawrence - Harvesters Food Network

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.

Kansas City - Harvesters Food Network

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.

Rich History

Homecoming Origin

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

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.

Awards

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.

Homecoming Themes

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

Homecoming Traditions

 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.

Contact Us for More Information

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Ryan Edmonds
Assistant Director of Student Programs

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