Homecoming

Save the Date!

KU’s 109th Homecoming will take place Oct. 13-16, 2021

Homecoming Sponsors

Presenting Sponsor

The KU Bookstore is the official merchandise partner of the KU Alumni Association. You’ll find the Alumni Collection of unique items, plus all the other Jayhawk gear you want, online or in the stores.

Presenting Sponsor

Truity Credit Union is a “not for profit, but for service” cooperative financial institution founded in 1939. We offer a full range of financial services to our members from basic savings and checking accounts to mortgage loans to complex investment planning.

Schedule Overview

Date	Activity	Location	Time
Sept. 2	Homecoming Informational Meeting	Zoom	6:00 PM
Sept. 15	Parade sign up due	online sign up	5:00 PM
Sept. 18	Ex. C.E.L. applications due	online sign up	5:00 PM
Sept. 18	Alderdice applications due	online sign up	5:00 PM
Sept. 18	Jayhawk Jingles sign up due	online sign up	5:00 PM
Sept. 18	Jayhawk Jingles submission due	homecoming.ku.edu	5:00 PM
Sept. 23	Mandatory Parade Meeting	Zoom	5:00 PM
Sept. 24 – 25	Ex.C.E.L Interviews	Zoom	5:00 PM
Sept. 28 – Oct. 2	Bingo	by appointment	All day
Sept. 28 – Oct. 2	Scavenger Hunt	Virtual	All day
Sept. 28	Homecoming in a Box	by delivery	All day
Sept. 28	Jayhawks in Performing Fine Arts	Lied Center	12:00 PM
Sept. 28	Jayhawks in Nonprofit	TBD	5:00 PM
Sept. 28	Jayhawks in Advertising, PR & Marketing	TBD	6:00 PM
Sept. 29	Homecoming Digital Display	@kustudentalumni	6:00 PM
Sept. 29	Jayhawks in Banking & Finance	TBD	5:00 PM
Sept. 29	Jayhawks in Sports & Leisure	TBD	6:00 PM
Sept. 30	Jayhawks in Design & Architecture	TBD	12:00 PM
Sept. 30	Jayhawks in Higher Education	TBD	5:00 PM
Sept. 30	Jayhawks in Tech	TBD	6:00 PM
Sept. 30	Jayhawk Jingles	homecoming.ku.edu	6:00 PM
Oct.1	Jayhawks in Journalism & Media	TBD	5:00 PM
Oct.1	Jayhawks in Movies, TV & Music	TBD	6:00 PM
Oct. 2	Home Football Friday	Memorial Stadium	11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Oct. 2	Marching Jayhawks Performance & Flyover	KU Alumni Facebook Page	5:30 PM
Oct. 2	Parade	TBA	6:00 PM
Oct. 2	KU vs Oklahoma State Football Game	Memorial Stadium	2:30 PM

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

KYou Networking Week

One Jayhawk connection can change your world! Find virtual events to connect with fellow ’Hawks in a variety of industries.

Homecoming Shirts

Commemorate Homecoming and add to your collection with this year’s T-shirt, available in-store or online from the KU Bookstore.

Virtual Bingo

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

Bridges

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Contact Us

Have questions? Give Megan a shout.

megan.mcginnis
@kualumni.org

Call

800.584.2957

Address

1266 Oread Ave.
Lawrence Kansas 66045

megan.mcginnis@kualumni.org

Call

800.584.2957

Address

1266 Oread Ave.
Lawrence Kansas 66045

Homecoming

Save the Date!

Homecoming Sponsors

Presenting Sponsor

Presenting Sponsor

Schedule Overview

Homecoming Origin

A Rich History

A Rich History

Homecoming Awards

Marching Jayhawks

Marching Jayhawks

KYou Networking Week

KYou Networking Week

Homecoming Shirts

Homecoming Shirts

Virtual Bingo

Virtual Bingo

Hadl, Sayers honored

Bridges

Scavenger Hunt

Scavenger Hunt

Awards

Awards

Fun Facts

Fun Facts

Past Themes

Past Themes

Football Games

Football Games

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