The University of Miami’s 2024 Alumni Weekend and Homecoming, themed “Dare to Dream,” blends tradition while encouraging the next generation of Canes to make their mark as the University approaches its centennial. Led by Homecoming Executive Committee chair Sara Ebrahimi, this year’s celebration is all about bold ideas, unity, and creativity.
Ebrahimi, who has been involved in Homecoming since attending her first Hurricane Howl at age 5, feels a profound connection to the event.
“Homecoming embodies unity,” she said, noting that it sparks excitement and belonging among students and alumni. For her, leading the planning process has fostered a deep connection, especially working alongside passionate student leaders who share a love for the U.
Under her leadership, more than 50 student organizations have come together, with each event of the week planned by 30 subcommittees that are dedicated to fostering unity on campus.
Vice chair Aris Montero, a senior double majoring in creative advertising and communication studies, has played an essential role overseeing three key subcommittees: Opening Ceremonies and Spirit Day, Alma Mater, and Marketing. For Montero, Homecoming is all about tradition and pride.
“It’s a time when Canes from all walks of life come together under the shared pride of being part of the U,” Montero said. Her favorite part of planning was crafting the committee’s version of the alma mater and designing event materials, efforts that reflect her passion for creativity and pride in the University.
Student leaders like Corinne Kelly, who serves on the Opening Ceremonies and Spirit Day subcommittee, and Nik Howell, chair of the Sponsorship and Spirit Tree subcommittee, bring their unique talents and perspectives to the celebration. Kelly, in her second year on the committee, finds personal fulfillment in organizing events like Hurricane Howl, a community favorite. “Having the privilege of planning part of Homecoming is so rewarding,” she said, “especially seeing the impact on the UM and Miami community.”
For Howell, Homecoming represents family and unity. His role involves securing sponsors and planning the Spirit Tree event, which he finds meaningful. His favorite memory from the planning process was the retreat with Homecoming Executive Committee members, where they bonded over shared traditions and aspirations for the big week.
One of the core elements of this year’s celebration is its theme, “Dare to Dream.” According to Zuri Greenlee, a senior majoring in exercise physiology who oversees the Participation and Outreach and Organized Cheer subcommittees, the theme was inspired by a spontaneous comment from committee member Hanna Ebrahimi.
“One day, [Hanna] said ‘Dare to Dream,’ and it just stuck,” Greenlee recalled. The theme encapsulates the forward-thinking vision of the University, daring students to imagine what lies ahead as it approaches its centennial.
For Greenlee, Homecoming is a time when the entire University family—students, alumni, and faculty—comes together to celebrate their shared Canes pride.
“It’s the most unique experience we have every year,” she said. Her favorite part of the process has been connecting with organizations at team meetings, a reminder that each small step brings the community closer to making their Homecoming dreams a reality.
Here is a full list of events for students, faculty and staff members, and alumni and friends to attend:
Friday, Oct. 18
- ’Canes Spirit Day at UHealth Doral Campus, 10 a.m. to noon
- Valid CaneID required to pick up one boxed donut from The Salty for faculty and staff members.
Monday, Oct. 21
- Opening Ceremonies and ’Canes Spirit Day, noon to 2 p.m. | Lakeside Patio
- ’Canes Spirit Day, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Lakeside Patio
- Faculty and staff members are invited to celebrate with the University community during the Homecoming opening ceremony and ’Canes Spirit Day for giveaways and claim a food truck voucher worth $5, to be redeemed during the Hurricane Howl Block Party on Friday, Oct. 25.
- Homecoming Pageant, 8 p.m. | Donna E. Shalala Student Center
Tuesday, Oct. 22
- Spirit Tree Competition, 12:30 p.m. | Spirit Tree (behind Ashe Administration Building)
- Homecoming Trivia Tuesday, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. | #AtTheRat
- Pancakes with Pat, 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. | Lakeside Patio
- ’Canes Spirit Day, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Marine Campus Courtyard
- Marine Campus faculty and staff members can pick up a $5 voucher to be used toward lunch from an on-campus food truck or dessert from The Salt
Wednesday, Oct. 23
- Hurricanes Help the Hometown, noon to 2 p.m. | Lakeside Patio
- Organized Cheer Competition, 6:30 p.m. | Lakeside Patio
- ’Canes Spirit Day, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Louis Calder Memorial Library
- Miller School of Medicine and UHealth faculty and staff members are invited to stop by the parking lot by Calder Medical Library to claim a voucher worth $5. They will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. The vouchers can be redeemed the same day at food trucks that will be parked at the library parking lot. Valid CaneID required.
- Alma Mater Competition, 10:45 a.m. | Rock Plaza
- Homecoming Concert presented by Hurricane Productions, 8 p.m. | Watsco Center
- Hurricane Howl Block Party and Food Trucks, 5 to 10 p.m. | Lakeside Patio, Foote Green, and Stanford Circle
- Awards Ceremony, 7:15 p.m. | Lakeside Patio
- Boat Burning Ceremony and Fireworks Show, 8:30 p.m. | Lake Osceola
- Homecoming football game vs. Florida State University, 7 p.m. | Hard Rock Stadium
A full listing of Alumni Weekend and Homecoming events sponsored by the Alumni Association is available here. Tickets may be required for some events.
