Homecoming

UIU Men’s & Women’s Soccer
Harms-Eischeid Stadium | 12:00 p.m.  & 2:30 p.m. 
Peacocks will face Lewis University. Ladies take the field at noon, with the men to follow. Let’s flock to the stadium and cheer them on for a win!

Blue Pride Worldwide
Everywhere!  |  Decorations in place by 5 p.m. 
Let your imagination run wild decorating your front porch, office, dorm room, windows, sidewalk, or vehicle with this year’s theme, “Peacocks in Paradise.” Use the hashtag #UIUHomecoming to share your creativity.

Splash Bash (NEW!!!)
South Village Lawn  |  3 – 5:30 p.m.
Slide on down for “Peacocks in Paradise” blue wave water fun! Enjoy slip & slides, reusable water balloons, squirt gun wars, frozen treats, and more!

Fresh Fades in Paradise ✂️
Student Center Game Room (second floor) | 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.  
Get ready to look your best this Homecoming Week! A professional barber will be on campus Tuesday offering FREE haircuts for students. Don’t miss your chance to get a sharp new style just in time for all the Homecoming fun. Spots are limited so please sign up in advance.

FREE Student Haircuts!

Tropical Cookout
Peacock Pavilion (tailgate area) | 5-7 p.m. 
All are welcome to enjoy a cookout, prepared by Aramark. The Student Center Servery will be closed this evening, encouraging all to attend this fun gathering. Students may use their meal swipe; $10 cash for all other guests. Student Center is the rain location.

Pep Rally, Coronation & Bonfire
Peacock Pavilion (tailgate area) | 7 p.m. 
Don’t miss the crowning of this year’s royalty, followed by the traditional bonfire. New this year: DJ entertainment!  Student Center is the rain location.

Sand Volleyball Tournament  (NEW!!!)
Rainbow Land Park (near downtown)  |  6:30 p.m. 
Bump, Set, Peacocks! Round up a team of 5+ players, select a beachy team name, and hit the sand for a night of friendly competition, gift card prizes, and bragging rights! Jam out to summer tunes and cool off with a snow cone. All skill levels welcome—just bring the energy!

Welcome Home Dinner
Pete’s Bar & Grill (downtown Fayette)  |  5:30 p.m.
This complimentary dinner is the perfect way to kick off the weekend for all alumni and their guests! President Kathy Franken, her husband, Chuck, and the UIU Board of Trustees will look forward to your company. Casual attire. RSVP is required.

RSVP Now!

5th Annual Homecoming Golf Outing–honoring Steve & Diane Harms
Big Rock Country Club  |  9 a.m. (registration) 10 a.m. (golf)
Tee off Homecoming weekend with a cherished Peacock tradition! Open to all, the annual Homecoming Golf Outing has raised over $20,000 in support of Peacock Athletics over the past five years—and this year, we’re proud to honor the lives and legacy of Steve ’73 and Diane Harms ’73, both proud UIU alumni and members of the UIU Athletics Hall of Fame, by directing proceeds toward philanthropic initiatives that were near and dear to their hearts.

Steve and Diane were pillars of the Peacock community—passionate supporters of student-athletes, devoted friends, and generous to many. Their love for Upper Iowa and dedication to giving back were felt across campus and beyond. Together, they embodied what it means to be Peacocks for Life.
Proceeds from this year’s outing will help advance the causes they cared about most at Upper Iowa University.

Gather your foursome—or sign up solo and we’ll match you with a great group. To register, contact Rick Knipper ’73 at 319-530-2343 or Bill Roths ’74 at 319-240-9411. Special thanks to the SOBs and Foxes for coordinating this heartfelt Homecoming tradition.

Make Your Mark at UIU
Henderson-Wilder Library  |  9 a.m. – 3 p.m. 
Alumni, this year’s graduates, and employees are invited to stamp their handprints on the library wall located on the third floor. This free activity, with all supplies provided, celebrates accomplishment by giving graduates, alumni, and employees a lasting way to mark their connection to UIU. At the same time, our new class signs symbolize belonging, welcoming every student into the Peacock family from the very beginning.

Experiential Learning Showcase & Reception  (NEW!!!)
Liberal Arts Building  |  1-3:30 p.m.
Students, alumni, and the campus community won’t want to miss our homegrown Experiential Learning Showcase. Students will share insights from internships, research projects, study abroad programs, career exploration activities, and professional work experiences. This year’s event proudly features the first presentations from ExcEL Scholars, alongside biology research and study abroad participants who have presented in previous years. Enjoy complimentary refreshments, celebrate student success, spark conversations, and support the next generation of leaders and learners!

Want to be part of the Showcase? Contact Miriam Skrade, Director of Honors & Experiential Learning at [email protected]. 

Fayette Admissions Social  (NEW!!!)
Parker Fox Hall  |  2-3 p.m.
Alumni, current, and future peacocks are all welcome to stop by Parker Fox Hall to socialize with admissions staff. We would love to talk about all the possibilities of becoming a peacock but also hear your stories of when you were here to encourage and share to others. Take part in guided campus tours and the self-guided scavenger hunt—both with a fun twist you won’t want to miss. Refreshments will be provided.

UIU Volleyball
Dorman Gymnasium | 6 p.m. 
Peacocks will face the Missouri S&T. Let’s pack the gym and show the ladies our fan support!

Homecoming Ball “Night of the Peacocks”
Student Center Ballroom | 5 p.m.
Guests may enjoy a cocktail reception, delectable food, games, and dancing! The dinner program will be an extra special treat as we recognize the Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2025 Inductees, among other surprises. Consider sponsorship opportunities ranging from $1,000 (Silver) to $25,000 (Blue Diamond). Advanced tickets are $85; UIU student tickets are $50. All proceeds of this fundraising celebration support the UIU Fund. Cocktail attire/black-tie optional. RSVP is required.

Purchase Tickets Now!

HOCO Ball:  AfterGlow  (NEW!!!)
Student Center Ballroom | 9-11 pm
NEW! This epic afterparty is for EVERYONE! No dress code. No RSVP. Just show up, ready to party and turn it up with your Peacock crew! DJ spinning, dance floor jumping, free snacks (while they last), and a cash bar to keep the vibes flowing. Never been to the Ball? Now’s your chance to catch some of the magic—without the heels and neckties. Don’t miss this unforgettable Homecoming Ball finale!

Alumni Awards & Honor Class Brunch
Student Center Ballroom | 8:30 a.m. (registration) 9 a.m. (program)
We are thrilled to announce the Alumni Awards honorees and celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Class of 1975. In addition, UIU Heritage Society Members will also be honored. All alumni and guests are welcome to enjoy this complimentary event hosted by the Alumni Association Board of Directors. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m., program will follow at 9 a.m. Peacock spirit attire. RSVP is required.

RSVP Now!

Live Music 
Tailgate area  | 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Ramp up for the big game while enjoying live music, proudly hosted by the Peacock Tailgate Association.

Homecoming Parade
Fayette Campus | 10:30 a.m. 
The parade begins near Peacock Plaza on Washington Street, loops around the Campus perimeter, and proceeds toward Victory Gate and even through the Peacock tailgate area! Click here to submit a free entry:

Parade Sign-up

Parade Route Map

Alumni House Tropical Tailgate Party
Alumni House | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. 
You won’t want to miss this island-style tailgate bash! All alumni and guests are invited to soak up the sun, sip something cool, play yard games, and enjoy a wave of Peacock pride. Back by popular demand is the Bloody Mary Bar, plus lots of other complimentary drinks and snacks. Big thanks to Peacock extraordinaries Peggy (Owens) Flaherty and Thyron Mathews BBQ. Free will donations are welcome.

Homecoming Football Game
Harms-Eischeid Stadium | Kickoff at 1 p.m. 
Let’s cheer on the Peacocks to victory vs. Lincoln University of Missouri. Our Homecoming Grand Marshal will participate in the coin toss, plus, Hall of Fame Inductees, Alumni Award honorees, and the 50-year class will all be recognized on-field during the game. Tropical attire encouraged – let’s bring the “Peacocks in Paradise” vibes to the field!

UIU Volleyball
Dorman Gym | 5 p.m. 
Let’s cheer on the Peacocks to victory vs. Maryville.

Stop by for some new Peacock swag for yourself or pick out a gift for a friend or family member! Homecoming hours are as follows:

• Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday:  11 a.m. – 2 p.m. (Student Center)
• Thursday:  11 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Student Center)
• Friday:  11 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Student Center)
• Saturday:  8 a.m. – 11 a.m. (Student Center)
• Saturday:  12 p.m. – end of 3rd quarter (Harms-Eischeid Stadium)

Shop online at shop.uiu.edu.

Area Lodging information, click here.

Area Restaurant information, click here.