Fall 2016 Homecoming Celebration Dates Set

Flyer Alyssa Strodel

Homecoming 2016 activities at the University of Arkansas will take place from Oct. 9-15 next fall, winding up with the Razorback football game against the University of Mississippi. The Arkansas Alumni Association and Student Alumni Board are planning a week of longstanding tradition filled with events geared for the student body, alumni and the Razorback community as a whole.

"Our goal is to make Homecoming a university and citywide event," said Anna Watson, Student Alumni Board member in charge of community outreach. "The combination of record U of A enrollment, record Student Alumni Association membership and a drive to involve the Fayetteville community like never before, this year's Homecoming should be one of the biggest and the best yet."

Homecoming Week activities kick off Homecoming Sunday, Oct. 9, with the third annual Color Those Hogs 5k. The event was created in 2014, making it one of the newest additions to Homecoming, but the Alumni Association is working to establish this event as a core part of the Homecoming festivities. The race through downtown Fayetteville will be open to all, with sign-up dates to be announced in the summer.

Friday, Oct. 14, will feature four of the largest Homecoming events, starting with the Senior Walk Dedication, at which members of the Class of 2015 will have the opportunity to see their physical, lasting legacy engraved in stone at the university. Later in the day, there will be the Dickson Street Parade, which will end in the traditional Homecoming Pep Rally. Several registered student organizations work hard each year to exhibit their Razorback pride. The parade will show off the Homecoming court, Greek floats, Razorback Marching Band, Spirit Squads and more. Friday will also feature the annual Alumni Awards Celebration, honoring the accomplishments of Arkansas alumni, faculty and friends.

"Homecoming is one of the longest lasting and biggest traditions at the University of Arkansas," said Blake Griffin, current Student Alumni Board president. "It truly is a special time for current students and alumni to come together and celebrate the U of A. I believe that as the Student Alumni Association grows, so does Homecoming on campus, which is continuing to be one of the most important events all year long."

"The Arkansas Alumni Association is honored to present Homecoming as an opportunity for current and former students of the University of Arkansas to come together," said Brandy Cox, executive director of the Arkansas Alumni Association. "There is a common bond that holds all Razorbacks together no matter what year they graduated or where they ended up after their time here. The tradition of Homecoming is a common ground any graduate of the U of A can look back on with pride, and this year will have no shortage of incredible events, inspiring moments and lifelong memories."