KU Alumni Association announces events for Homecoming 2021


Mon, 09/20/2021

author

Jennifer Jackson Sanner

LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas will celebrate its 109th Homecoming Oct. 13-16, culminating in the KU football game against Texas Tech on Oct. 16 in David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium.

Back in Action logo

The theme for this year’s homecoming is “Back in Action.” 

After canceling in-person events last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Alumni Association has scheduled the return of several popular Homecoming traditions and also will debut new activities, all of which aim to celebrate KU and connect all Jayhawks. 

The week’s festivities include: 

  • Oct. 13, 7-10 p.m. — Homecoming Kickoff, a two-part event featuring food and giveaways, followed by a movie on the lawn of the Campanile Hill.  
  • Oct. 13, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. — Homecoming Sign Virtual Competition, a daylong activity in which students design original Homecoming-themed banners, posters and other graphics, which will be highlighted on Instagram.
  • Oct. 14, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. — Chalk ’n Rock, an annual event that encourages students to show off their Homecoming spirit and artistic talent by creating chalk drawings on Wescoe Beach. 
  • Oct. 14, 3-5 p.m. — The Connect: Homecoming Edition, an opportunity for students to learn about campus organizations and resources and connect with fellow Jayhawks. 
  • Oct. 14, 6-8 p.m. — Jayhawk Jingles, a lively tradition that invites all students and campus organizations to showcase their performance skills and talents in a skit-based competition. 

Throughout the week, Jayhawks around the globe will have opportunities to connect during Kyou Networking Week, a series of industry-focused events for students and alumni in a variety of fields. 

In addition, the winners of the Excellence in Community, Education and Leadership (ExCEL) Awards and the Jennifer Alderdice Award will be announced at the conclusion of the week. 

The executive director of the student-led Homecoming Steering Committee is Madison McGuire, a senior in human biology from St. Louis. She is joined by Katherine Hanselman, a senior in biochemistry from St. Louis; Kayla Hernandez, a junior in strategic communication from Eudora; Johnny Meehan, a senior in strategic communication from Lenexa; and Sophie Schmidt, a senior in chemical engineering from Olathe. They will work with Alumni Association staff member Paige Freeman, who joined the association in summer 2021 as director of student programs. 

This year’s celebration is sponsored by Best Western Plus West Lawrence, KU Bookstore and Truity Credit Union. Jayhawks will be able to purchase Homecoming T-shirts while supplies last at the KU Bookstore and online

A complete schedule of Homecoming week activities is online.

About the KU Alumni Association
Through the support of members and donors, KU Alumni Association advocates for the University of Kansas, communicates with Jayhawks in all media, recruits students and volunteers, serves the KU community and unites Jayhawks. Find more information online.

Mon, 09/20/2021

author

Jennifer Jackson Sanner

Media Contacts

Jennifer Sanner

KU Alumni Association

785-864-9782