STEPHENVILLE, Texas — Homecoming is one of the most treasured times of tradition at Tarleton State University, with many generations of Texans returning to campus Oct. 6-12 for a week of celebratory events.
This year’s festivities are highly anticipated, with the university also celebrating 125 Years of Excellence.
“Tarleton Homecoming is about alumni returning to campus to reconnect with their Tarleton family,” said Brian Warner, Tarleton Alumni Association President. “Together, alongside current students, we share our Tarleton stories and honor our traditions while embracing new traditions that this generation of Texans holds dear. It’s all about coming together as one Texan Nation.”
Celebrations will kick off Sunday evening, Oct. 6, with the Memorial Homecoming 5K and the Lighting of the Smokestack. Other events throughout the week include the Silver Bugle Hunt, Launching of the Ducks, Purple Pancakes, Yell Contest, Snake Dance, the L.V. Risinger Memorial Bonfire and the Homecoming Parade.
Many first-year students have excitedly prepared for their initial homecoming experience since Duck Camp, where they learn about the many Tarleton State traditions celebrated during this week.
“When looking for a college, I knew I wanted a place with traditions and a cool history. Tarleton State is just that,” said first-year kinesiology major McKenna Green. “I am so excited that homecoming is almost here, and I’ll finally get to experience all the super fun traditions. The one I am most excited about is the bonfire because I have heard it will be fun and full of Tarleton spirit.”
Because homecoming is such an essential part of the Tarleton State community, the outreach campuses located in Fort Worth, Waco and Bryan will also celebrate cherished traditions such as the Launching of the Ducks and Purple Pancakes.
Some schedule highlights of Homecoming Week are below. Events are in Stephenville unless otherwise indicated:
Sunday, Oct. 6
5 p.m. – Memorial Homecoming 5K, Starting at Rome and Rudder Way
7:30 p.m. – Lighting of the Smokestack and Homecoming Court Announcement, Smokestack/P5 Parking Lot
Monday, Oct. 7
11 a.m.-1 p.m. – Launching of the Ducks and Purple Out Picnic, Fort Worth
11:30 a.m. – Faculty, Staff and Alumni Luncheon, Thompson Student Center Ballrooms
5:30-7 p.m. – Launching of the Ducks and Purple Out Picnic, Fort Worth
6:30 p.m. – Silver Bugle Hunt, Trogdon House, registration required
Tuesday, Oct. 8
11 a.m.-1 p.m. – Purple Pancakes, Fort Worth
5:30-7 p.m. – Launching of the Ducks, Nursing Building Reflecting Pool
9:14-10:14 p.m. – Walk Like a Sigma, Thompson Student Center Amphitheater
10 p.m.-12:15 a.m. – Purple Pancakes, Dining Hall Patio
Wednesday, Oct. 9
10 a.m.-noon – Homecoming Hoedown, Waco
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. – Launching of the Ducks, RELLIS
Noon-1 p.m. – Launching of the Ducks, Waco
9 p.m.-midnight – Yell Contest, Wisdom Gym
9 p.m.-midnight – Yell Bingo, Thompson Student Center Ballrooms
Midnight – Snake Dance, Wisdom Gym to Thompson Student Center Amphitheater
Following the Snake Dance until kickoff on Oct. 12 – Beating of the Drum, Thompson Student Center Amphitheater
Thursday, Oct. 10
6-8 p.m. – Women’s Volleyball vs. Abilene Christian, Wisdom Gym
7:30-11 p.m. – Purple Out Concert, P5 Parking Lot
Friday, Oct. 11
10 a.m. – J. Dixon White Homecoming Golf Tournament, Squaw Valley Golf Course, Glen Rose, registration required
3-5 p.m. – Alumni Homecoming Registration, Thompson Student Center Ballrooms
5-7 p.m. – Alumni Welcome Home Social, Thompson Student Center Ballrooms
6-8:30 p.m. – Bonfire Shuttle Service, on campus at the corner of Cain and Rudder Way and Stephenville City Park
8-11 p.m. – L.V. Risinger Memorial Bonfire, Tarleton Agriculture Center
9:30-11 p.m. – Bonfire Shuttle Service Continued, Tarleton Agriculture Center
Saturday. Oct. 12
8 a.m. – Welcome Home Breakfast and Parade Watch Party, Alumni House
10 a.m.-noon – Homecoming Parade, Encircling Campus on Washington and McIlhaney Streets
Noon-2 p.m. – Reunion Hall, Thompson Student Center Ballrooms
Noon-2 p.m. – Plowboy Alumni Lunch, Alumni House Patio
1-3 p.m. – Women’s Volleyball vs. Utah Valley, Wisdom Gym
2-6 p.m. – Tailgate, Texan Alley and The Yard
2:40-3 p.m. – Pointe Du Hoc, Rudder Statue
6 p.m. – Football vs. Utah Tech, Memorial Stadium
For more information on Tarleton State Homecoming, visit www.tarleton.educoming/.
A founding member of The Texas A&M System, Tarleton State University is breaking records — in enrollment, research, scholarship, athletics, philanthropy and engagement — while transforming the lives of approximately 18,000 students in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Bryan and online. For 125 years, Tarleton State has been committed to accessible higher education opportunities for all while helping students grow academically, socially and professionally through programs that emphasize real world learning and address regional, state and national needs.