KU Homecoming to feature community service, Jayhawk awards

LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas will host its 112th Homecoming, sponsored by Central Bank, Oct. 14-20, culminating in the KU football game against Houston Oct. 19 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. The theme for this year’s weeklong celebration is “Jayhawks Through the Eras,” welcoming Jayhawks of all generations back to the Hill for this rich tradition. 

Homecoming community service opportunities

This year, the KU Alumni Association has organized a series of service events that aim to assist the university community as well as extend the Homecoming spirit of Jayhawk unity and goodwill beyond Lawrence. All community members are invited to participate. Visit kualumni.org/homecoming for more information on giving back alongside fellow Jayhawks through the events below.

Rock Chalk 5K Run/Walk, supporting first-generation college students

Overland Park

Oct. 6

The second annual Rock Chalk 5K Run/Walk will start and end at the KU Edwards Campus and feature food trucks and live music. All proceeds will support scholarships for KU students who are the first in their families to attend college. Those not interested in running or walking can volunteer to help with the event or refer friends for prizes.

Campus Cupboard food drive

Lawrence

Oct. 7-17

KU’s Campus Cupboard is a food pantry for students, faculty, staff and affiliates, and it aims to address and reduce food insecurity among the campus community. The Alumni Association’s student-led Homecoming Steering Committee will be collecting nonperishable items for the Campus Cupboard Oct. 7-17 at the Jayhawk Welcome Center. Items can also be purchased online, and direct donations can be made through KU Endowment.

Simply Hygiene supply drive

Wichita

Through Oct. 17

The Alumni Association’s Wichita Network is hosting a virtual drive to support Simply Hygiene, a Wichita-based organization that provides essential hygiene products to local schools, domestic violence shelters, transitional housing, homeless shelters, and food and hygiene pantries. In addition to donations, the drive seeks volunteers to help sort and package hygiene products.

Student and alumni Homecoming awards

Each year, as part of Homecoming, the Alumni Association recognizes students and alumni who embody Jayhawk pride and dedication to the university. The association is currently accepting applications and nominations for the following awards. Find more information and submit an application or nomination at the Homecoming awards website. The application and nomination period closes at 8 a.m. Sept. 27.

ExCEL Award, presented by Konica Minolta

Two students receive the Excellence in Community, Education and Leadership (ExCEL) Award, which recognizes exceptional leadership, effective communication skills, involvement in the KU community, academic scholarship, and the ability to work with a wide variety of students and organizations. The award includes a $250 scholarship.

Jennifer Alderdice Homecoming Award

This award honors one student who demonstrates outstanding dedication to the university. It includes a $250 stipend.

Spirit of 1912 Award

This award for an alumna or alumnus recognizes continued KU pride and commitment to the university and its traditions.

This year’s Homecoming celebration is sponsored by Central Bank, with presenting partners Konica Minolta, KU Bookstore, Pepsi Zero Sugar and The University of Kansas Health System. Additional support comes from Active & Fit Direct, Jostens, Wendy’s, the Jayhawk License Plate program and Flying Jayhawks.

Visit the KU Homecoming website for the most up-to-date information on KU’s Homecoming activities.

About the KU Alumni Association

Through the support of members and donors, the KU Alumni Association advocates for KU, communicates with Jayhawks in all media, recruits students and volunteers, serves the KU community, and unites Jayhawks. For more information, visit the association website.