Although the future was uncertain for the student-led Homecoming Executive Committee when they began planning for this week’s lineup of programming several months ago, the group remained committed to bringing signature and spirited activities to campus. The committee also recognized that for nearly half of the student body, this year is their first full University of Miami Homecoming experience. Now, the committee is ready to bring its vision for safe, in-person events to life.
“We’re really focused on welcoming students and alumni and feeling the tradition of the University,” said Grace Tenke, a senior majoring in finance, marketing, and management, and the chair of HEC. “It’s exciting to bring this event to members of the University community who haven’t seen it yet.”
For this year’s special revival of traditional in-person Homecoming events, which kicks off on Monday, the lineup includes favorite events like the Alma Mater singing competition and boat burning ceremony as well as a few new programs added to the Homecoming schedule like the ever-popular Pancakes with Pat and Donuts with Duerk.
This year’s theme, “Bring the Beat Back,” aims to build community among students, faculty, and staff. Referring to University spirit as a beat of a song, Homecoming will be a celebration of music and rhythms that define both the University and the greater Miami area. Like a steady beat in a song, the committee hopes that this year’s theme reminds students that their meaningful and vibrant campus experience can and will endure, even as their time on campus continues to be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Homecoming is one of the signature events of the year for students and helps students feel connected to the University and its community. The committee is excited to bring something special and to celebrate our past while looking toward the future,” said Joshua Brandfon, advisor to HEC.
Starting Monday, students can enjoy the various activities during Homecoming week concluding with the traditional Hurricane Howl festival on Friday and football game on Saturday.
The full schedule of events is listed below:
Monday, Nov. 1
- Opening Ceremony and 'Canes Spirit Day
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. | SCC Lakeside Patio - King and Queen Pageant
7:30 p.m. | SC Ballrooms
Tuesday, Nov. 2
- Spirit Tree Competition
11 a.m. | Spirit Tree (behind Ashe Administration Building) - Hurricanes Help the Hometown Day of Service
12 to 2 p.m. | SCC Lakeside Patio - Homecoming Trivia Tuesday
6:30 to 7:30 p.m. | #AtTheRat - Pancakes with Pat
8:30 to 9:30 p.m. | SCC Lakeside Patio
Wednesday, Nov. 3
- Organized Cheer Competition
7:30 p.m. | SCC Lakeside Patio
Thursday, Nov. 4
- Alma Mater Competition
10:45 a.m. | Rock Plaza - Donuts with Duerk
11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. | Rock Plaza
Friday, Nov. 5
- Festival on the Green and Hurricane Howl Activities
5 to 8 p.m. | Lakeside Village & Foote University Green - Beat Bites (Food Trucks)
5 to 10 p.m. | Miller Circle - Homecoming Awards Ceremony
7:15 p.m. | Foote University Green - Boat Burning Ceremony and Fireworks Show
8:30 p.m. | Lake Osceola
Saturday, Nov. 6
- Miami Hurricanes vs. Georgia Tech
12:30 p.m. | Hard Rock Stadium
HEC applications will open in Spring 2022 for the planning of next year’s Homecoming programming.
