Homecoming
October 23-28, 2023
Celebrate the University of Kansas’ 111th Homecoming Oct. 23-28, culminating in the KU football game against Oklahoma on Oct. 28 in David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium.
The theme for this year’s celebration is “Rah Rah Jayhawk,” a nod to the origins of the Rock Chalk chant and Jayhawk nostalgia.

Homecoming Information Packet
Homecoming Information Packet
Call for Programs
Info Packet
Homecoming Awards
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 Award honors KU graduates for their lifelong commitment to the University.
Info Packet
Homecoming Awards
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 Award honors KU graduates for their lifelong commitment to the University.
Call for Programs
The KU Alumni Association and Homecoming Steering Committee encourage campus and community partners to submit an event for the Homecoming calendar on behalf of your department or organization.
Submissions will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis, with approved events shared on the Homecoming calendar.
Agreement form
Are you or your student organization participating in the Homecoming Competition? Fill out the agreement form to get registered by Friday Oct. 13 at 5 p.m.
Homecoming Info Session
The KU Alumni Association and Homecoming Steering Committee will hold a virtual Homecoming Information Session Sept. 5 from 3 to 4 p.m. Any KU campus or Lawrence community partners interested in hosting an event are invited to attend.
Register here for the information session, which will be recorded and available later to those who register.
Homecoming Sponsors
As a proud sponsor of KUAA, Best Western Plus – West Lawrence is the Parents HQ for students and families. KUAA Members receive 20% off every stay. Parents receive 20% off during campus visits, move-in days, Parents Weekend, graduation, and sports events. FREE hot breakfast, indoor pool, fitness center, pet-friendly. Adjacent to Rock Chalk Park.
As a proud sponsor of KUAA, Best Western Plus – West Lawrence is the Parents HQ for students and families. KUAA Members receive 20% off every stay. Parents receive 20% off during campus visits, move-in days, Parents Weekend, graduation, and sports events. FREE hot breakfast, indoor pool, fitness center, pet-friendly. Adjacent to Rock Chalk Park.
Central Bank of the Midwest is the Community Banking Partner for the University of Kansas. They will operate a new bank branch in the Kansas Union, making it the fifth branch in Lawrence. Central Bank has been serving businesses and customers since 1902 on a strong foundation of people, community service and technology. The bank is a more than $20 billion financial institution with more than 250 locations in more than 90 communities serving consumers and businesses in Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Oklahoma, Tennessee, North Carolina, Colorado Iowa and Florida.
Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. is reshaping and revolutionizing the workplace to achieve true connectivity through the Intelligent Connected Workplace. The company guides and supports its clients’ digital transformation through its expansive office technology portfolio, including IT Services (All Covered), intelligent information management, managed print services and industrial and commercial print solutions. Konica Minolta has been recognized as the #1 Brand for Customer Loyalty in the MFP Office Copier Market by Brand Keys for fifteen consecutive years and is proud to be ranked on the Forbes 2021 America’s Best-in-State employers’ list.
2023 Schedule Overview
Homecoming Sponsors
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.
A Rich History
A Rich History
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

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 showcase their floats in the annual parade down Jayhawk Boulevard and 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.
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.
The 2023 Homecoming Steering Committee is:
-Thanh Tan Nguyen, a senior in business analytics and, supply chain management from Phu Yen, Vietnam, executive director.
-Nana Ansere Amfo Sackey, a junior in visual communication and design from Accra, Ghana, and Lawrence, programs chair.
-Jess Mumm, a junior in strategic communications and business from Omaha, Nebraska, programs co-chair.
-Andy Denekas, a graduate student in business and pre-law from Omaha, Nebraska, awards chair.
-Shayslyne Campos, a senior in marketing and psychology from Kansas City, Missouri, and Lawrence, public relations/outreach chair.
-Anna Korn, a junior in sport management from Phoenix, competitions chair.
-Aria Woolsey, a junior in strategic communications and psychology from River Falls, Wisconsin, public relations/outreach co-chair.
Marching Jayhawks
Marching Jayhawks
Mark your calendar for a live-streamed performance by the Marching Jayhawks at 5:40 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 2, ending with a Team KC flyover at 6 p.m.
moreKYou Networking Week
KYou Networking Week
One Jayhawk connection can change your world! Find virtual events to connect with fellow ’Hawks in a variety of industries.
moreHomecoming Shirts
Homecoming Shirts
Commemorate Homecoming and add to your collection with this year’s T-shirt, available in-store or online from the KU Bookstore.
moreVirtual Bingo
Virtual Bingo
Our free virtual Homecoming Bingo event brings Jayhawks together for a week-long game full of prizes, fun and nostalgia.
moreHadl, Sayers honored
Bridges
Bridges is KU’s new marketplace for connecting students and recent grads to real-world, experiential projects that benefit businesses.
moreScavenger Hunt
Scavenger Hunt
Test your knowledge of Mount Oread’s art, icons and statues in our virtual Homecoming scavenger hunt—you can play whether you’re near or far.
moreAwards
Awards
Three Homecoming awards recognize outstanding students and alumni each year: the Ex.C.E.L. Award, the Spirit of 1912 Award, and the Jennifer Alderdice Homecoming Award.
moreFun Facts
Fun Facts
Do you know when KU’s first Homecoming Parade was held? Have you heard of Dandelion Day? Learn more fun facts from past Homecoming celebrations.
morePast Themes
Past Themes
KU introduced Homecoming themes in 1956. The first theme was “Songs for Victory.” The theme provides a basis for the week’s celebrations and helps guide events.
moreFootball Games
Football Games
Find a complete record of past KU Homecoming football games including KU’s opponent, game scores, head coaches, attendance numbers and other fun facts.
moreContact us for more information

Paige Freeman
Director of Student Programs
Email
paigefreeman@kualumni.org
Call
785.864.0953

Ryan Edmonds
Assistant Director of Student Programs
Email
ryan.edmonds@kualumni.org
Call
785.864.0097
Contact Us
Have questions? Let us know.
Call
800.584.2957
Address
1266 Oread Ave.
Lawrence Kansas 66045