Homecoming 2025 was a celebration ‘rooted in tradition’. Centered around the iconic line “Alma Mater, Stand Forever,” the week’s festivities aligned seamlessly with the university’s Centennial theme, The Future is U. These messages bring forth the community that our legacy has built over the past 100 years and the legacy that will carry us into the next century.
Through a year of hard work and dedication, the Homecoming Executive Committee (HEC) works tirelessly to create a celebration that encapsulates it all. HEC 2025 was led by Chair Nataly Leiva and three Vice Chairs, David Kuper, Shayanah Garcia, and Margaret Todd. Together they selected 30 additional committee members to help curate the perfect way to commemorate the centennial homecoming. Their dreams could not have been turned into reality without the support and leadership of the HEC advisor, Joshua Brandfon, who is also the Senior Director of Student Activities and Student Organizations.
The week kicked off on November 3rd with Opening Ceremonies and the Pep Rally Parade. After over a decade hiatus, the parade was brought back with a new twist. Student organizations charged through their own “Hurricane Smoke” to ignite the festivities. The afternoon buzzed with excitement—photo booths, UM-themed airbrush tattoos, free food, and giveaways brought students together in celebration.
That evening, the Homecoming Royalty Pageant took place in the Shalala Student Center Ballrooms. Ten students competed in runway, talent, and poise categories, cheered on by a packed crowd of friends and family. Four seniors were crowned and honored throughout the week: Adaria Fennoy, Christina Silva, Taylor Shirk, and Nicholas Lamadriz.
Tuesday brought the beloved Spirit Tree Competition outside the Dooley Memorial Classroom building. Departments, staff, and student organizations hung hand-decorated ornaments on the orange tree—where a few oranges had just begun to grow. Participating groups got to share their rendition of what rooted in history meant to them and their group’s legacy.
On Wednesday, over 20 student organizations participated in Hurricanes Help the Hometown, the annual service event dedicated to supporting the local Miami community. Activities ranged from assembling school kits for children in need to writing heartfelt notes for hospital patients. Later that day, the Lakeside Patio lit up with the Organized Cheer Competition. Student groups showcased their creativity, dance moves, and UM pride.
Sebastian the Ibis participating in service intitiatives at Hurricanes Help the Hometown. Photo: Catherine Mairena/ University of Miami
Thursday morning at the Rock featured the final competition, the Alma Mater Singing Competition. Organizations performed original songs celebrating their history and contributions to campus life.
The week culminated at Hurricane Howl, the annual block party that drew thousands of alumni, students, faculty, and community members—especially in honor of the Centennial. Alongside the traditional boat burning and fireworks, a surprise 10-minute drone show lit up the sky. “The drones emerging in the sky like iridescent dragon flyers were unforgettable,” said alumna Cheri Bernstein Roper, ’71. Generations of Canes gathered around Lake Osceola to witness this once-in-a-lifetime spectacle.
To close a showstopping week, the Miami Hurricanes triumphed over the Syracuse Orange with a decisive 38–10 win at Hard Rock Stadium.
This year, the overall homecoming champion was awarded to the Association of Commuter Students after coming in first place in the Spirit Tree Competition, Organized Cheer Competition, and Alma Mater Singing Competition. Congratulations to all the competing student groups who brought energy and excitement all throughout the week! If you would like to check out all the photos from Homecoming 2025, check out the University’s homecoming multimedia page here.
