The 2021 U of A Homecoming celebration is set for Oct. 10 – 16, and all members of the U of A family are invited to attend events during the week-long celebration.

CALLING ALL HOGS HOME: CELEBRATING 150 YEARS ON THE HILL

The Arkansas Alumni Association is excited to welcome alumni back to campus for Homecoming after minimal fanfare in 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions. 

This year, our community will have the opportunity to reconnect with each other and with the rich tradition of Homecoming. Beginning with Monday’s kickoff event co-hosted by the Associated Student Government and culminating with Saturday’s football game against the Auburn Tigers, Homecoming will have something for everyone. 

“The Arkansas Alumni Association connects and serves the University of Arkansas family, and each year we embrace the festivities of Homecoming as a time to welcome our alumni back to campus,” said Brandy Cox Jackson, associate vice chancellor of alumni relations and executive director of the Arkansas Alumni Association. “This year we are Calling All Hogs Home to celebrate our Razorback Family. There is only one Razorback, and we are a proud community grateful for our traditions, our relationships and our home on the Hill. We invite all alumni, family and friends to share in the memorable experiences available during Homecoming week.”

Homecoming is a long-standing tradition at the Uof A. The first Homecoming parade was Nov. 16, 1922, with the university’s semi-centennial celebration. 

Starting at the Fayetteville square, the parade included floats that represented five sororities as well as the Carnall Hall dormitory. As preparation for the Homecoming festivities, the city of Fayetteville paved Dickson Street and added streetlights. 

The first Homecoming queen, Aliece McHenry, made the opening kick-off during the Homecoming football game. C.T. Smith, captain of the football team, then presented her with a large floral arrangement. The Razorbacks were victorious over the SMU Mustangs with a 9-0 win. To celebrate, they concluded the evening by gathering on the Fayetteville Square for a Homecoming pep rally.

HOMECOMING PARADE AND PEP RALLY

This year’s Homecoming parade will have exciting additions with some of our alumni awards recipients participating in the parade. As in years past, organizations and businesses from campus and the greater NWA community are invited to participate in the parade, which runs down Dickson Street beginning at Highland Avenue and ending at Harmon Avenue. 

Immediately following the parade, the Razorback Booster Club invites students, alumni and the Northwest Arkansas community to attend the annual Homecoming pep rally, which will take place at the Chi Omega Greek Theatre on Friday, Oct. 15, at 7 p.m. The Razorback Spirit Squads and Razorback Marching Band will also perform.

During the pep rally, former Homecoming kings and queens will be recognized along with Razorback Spirit Squad alumni, and Razorback Band alumni.

Additionally, the 2021 Homecoming Court will be introduced, and the newest Homecoming queen and king will be revealed.

Both the parade and pep rally will be live streamed on UATV.

HOMECOMING SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Friday, Oct. 8

• Homecoming Online Auction – Bidding opens at 10 a.m.

Sunday, Oct. 10

• Volunteer Action Center’s Fifth Annual Pack the Pantry – Oct. 10-15

Monday, Oct. 11

• Homecoming Kickoff Celebration – Union Mall; 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Homecoming discounts at select local businesses begin
• Greek Life Homecoming Banners

Wednesday, Oct. 13

• Homecoming Concert – George’s Majestic Lounge; 8 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 14

• Arkansas Alumni Awards Banquet – Fayetteville Town Center; 5:30 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 15

• Greek Life lawn decorations
• Class of 2019 Senior Walk dedication – Inn at Carnall Hall; 10-11:30 a.m.
• Unity House Open House - 3-5 p.m.
• Homecoming Patio Party – Walton Arts Center; 5:30-7 p.m.
• Homecoming Parade – Dickson Street; 6 p.m.
• Pep Rally – Chi Omega Greek Theatre; 7 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 16 

• Arkansas Alumni Hog Wild Tailgate – Janelle Y. Hembree Alumni House; 8:30-10:30 a.m.
• Bumpers College Alumni Society Tailgate – Hawkins Family Terrace; 8:30-10:30 a.m.
• Black Alumni Society and the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Homecoming Tailgate – Janelle Y. Hembree Alumni House; 9-11 a.m.
• NPHC Gardens Dedication - 9 a.m.
• Razorbacks vs. Auburn football game – Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium; 11 a.m.

MORE DETAILS

Homecoming discounts, commemorative T-shirts, coloring sheets, schedule of events and event details can be found at homecoming.uark.edu. If you have any questions, please contact the Arkansas Alumni Association at arkalum@uark.edu or 479-575-2801.

Interviews with alumni and students about 2021 Homecoming may be scheduled by contacting Lisy McKinnon, interim director of alumni communications and marketing, at lisy@uark.edu. 

About the University of Arkansas: As Arkansas' flagship institution, the U of A provides an internationally competitive education in more than 200 academic programs. Founded in 1871, the U of A contributes more than $2.2 billion to Arkansas’ economy through the teaching of new knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship and job development, discovery through research and creative activity while also providing training for professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the U of A among the top 3% of U.S. colleges and universities with the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the U of A among the top public universities in the nation. See how the U of A works to build a better world at Arkansas Research News.