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Homecoming

Save the date: October 23-28

Return to the Nest for KU’s 111th Homecoming! Enjoy a week of fun-filled festivities to celebrate the pride of being a Jayhawk.

The celebration concludes with the KU vs. Oklahoma game on Saturday, Oct. 28.

Homecoming Information Packet

Calling all KU students: Any questions about Homecoming? Wondering how you or your student organization can get involved? 
 
Check out the Homecoming Info Packet, complete with a full competition schedule, event descriptions, awards information and more.
 
 You also can view our pre-recorded information session here.
 

Homecoming Information Packet

Calling all KU students: Do you bleed Crimson and Blue? If so, the Homecoming Steering Committee wants YOU!
 
Join the KU Alumni Association to plan a robust week of fun-filled festivities for 2023 Homecoming! The Homecoming Steering Committee serves as the primary driver of the Homecoming experience, and its responsibilities are to plan an experience that enhances Jayhawk pride in the KU community near and far.
 
This is a student leadership opportunity available to students who are searching to strengthen event planning skills, build and enrich KU traditions and are eager to get involved with the KU Alumni Association.

Call for Programs

The KU Alumni Association and Homecoming Steering Committee welcome you to submit a program or an event for our Homecoming calendar of events on behalf of your organization or department.
 
Submissions will be accepted until August 16, and not all submissions are guaranteed approval. Approved events will be announced by August 22.
 

Homecoming Sponsors

2022 Schedule Overview

Date
Activity
Location
Time
Aug. 29
Ex. C.E.L. Award applications open
online sign up
5 PM
Aug. 29
Alderdice Award applications open
online sign up
5 PM
Sept. 12
Ex.C.E.L. Award applications close
11:59 PM
Sept. 12
Alderdice Award applications close
11:59 PM
Sept. 12-16
Ex.C.E.L Interviews
by appointment
Sept. 12-16
Alderdice Interviews
by appointment
Sept. 19
Ex.C.E.L. Finalists notified
Sept. 19
Alderdice Finalists notified
Sept. 20
Homecoming information session
Sabatini Multicultural Resource Center
6:30-7:30 PM
Sept. 23
Homecoming competition registration deadline
Online
8 AM
Sept. 23
Alumni Band Registration Deadline
Online
11:59 PM
Sept. 26
Virtual Sign Competition opens
Online
12 PM
Sept. 26
Homecoming Kick-Off
Kansas Memorial Union, Woodruff Auditorium
5:30-7 PM
Sept. 26
Silent Disco Party
Kansas Memorial Union, Ballroom
7-9:30 PM
Sept. 27
POV: Life in KC Pop-Up Event
Kansas Memorial Union, Ascher Plaza
10:30 AM-2 PM
Sept. 27
KU Edwards Campus: Homecoming Hangout
Edwards Campus, Hawks Nest
5-7:30 PM
Sept. 27
Kyou Networking Week: Scientists & Technologists
Zoom
5 PM
Sept. 27
Kyou Networking Week: Communicators & Leaders
Zoom
6 PM
Sept. 27
Rock the Mic: Karaoke Night
Kansas Memorial Union, Woodruff Auditorium
6-8 PM
Sept. 27
Kyou Networking Week: Jayhawks in Sport
Zoom
7 PM
Sept. 28
Chalk N’ Rock
Wescoe Beach
10 AM-2 PM
Sept. 28
KU Engineering & Computing Virtual Career Fair
Online
11 AM-4 PM
Sept. 28
Kyou Networking Week: Educators & Helping Professions
Zoom
12 PM
Sept. 28
Kyou Networking Week: Artists, Designers & Performers
Zoom
4 PM
Sept. 28
KU Edwards Campus: Homecoming on the Quad!
Edwards Campus, The Quad
5-7:30 PM
Sept. 28
Kyou Networking Week: Lawrence Alumni Social
Black Stag Brewery
5:30-7 PM
Sept. 29
Kyou Networking Week: Artists, International Professionals & Public Servants
Zoom
4 PM
Sept. 29
Kyou Networking Week: Kansas City Alumni Social
Brick House KC
5:30-7 PM
Sept. 29
Jayhawk Jingles
Kansas Memorial Union, Woodruff Auditorium
6-8 PM
Sept. 30
Home Football Friday: Homecoming Fest
Kansas Memorial Union, Ascher Plaza
11 AM-1 PM
Sept. 30
Virtual Sign Competition ends
Online
12 PM
Sept. 30
Rock Chalk Block Party
Mass and 10th Street
5:30 PM
Sept. 30
KU Law Reunion
The Oread
6 PM
Sept. 30
Kansas Public Radio Fall Fanfare Membership Drive
Online
6-9 PM
Oct. 1
KU Alumni Member+PC Tailgate
Oread Hotel
11:30 AM-2 PM
Oct. 1
KU School of Education & Human Sciences Party on the Patio
Joseph R. Pearson Hall patio
2 hours before kickoff
Oct. 1
KU Memorial Union Homecoming Open House
Kansas Memorial Union, Kansas Union Gallery and Programs Office
2 hours before kickoff
Oct. 1
KU vs Iowa State Football Game
Purchase tickets here
Memorial Stadium
2:30 PM
Oct. 7-8
KU Medical Center Alumni Reunion Weekend
KU Medical Center; Online
8 AM

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 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. The 2022 Homecoming Steering Committee was:

-Aylar Atadurdyyeva, a senior in microbiology and political science from Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, executive director.
-Nana Ansere Amfo Sackey, a sophomore in visual communication and design from Accra, Ghana, and Lawrence, programs chair.
-Andy Denekas, a senior in philosophy and pre-law from Omaha, Nebraska, public relations/outreach chair;
-Anna Korn, a sophomore in sports management from Phoenix, programs co-chair.
-Mikayla Leader, a senior in mathematics and STEMTeach from Wichita, competitions chair.
-Lindsey Rapp, a junior in business from St. Louis, awards 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.

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KYou 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.

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Homecoming 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.

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Virtual Bingo

Virtual Bingo

Our free virtual Homecoming Bingo event brings Jayhawks together for a week-long game full of prizes, fun and nostalgia.

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Hadl, Sayers honored

Bridges

Bridges is KU’s new marketplace for connecting students and recent grads to real-world, experiential projects that benefit businesses.

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Scavenger 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.

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Awards

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.

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Fun 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.

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Past 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.

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Football 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.

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Have questions? Let us know.

Call

800.584.2957

Address

1266 Oread Ave.
Lawrence Kansas 66045

Call

800.584.2957

Address

1266 Oread Ave.
Lawrence Kansas 66045

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