Homecoming week is a time-honored tradition at Northwest that dates back to 1924 and culminates with a grand parade and football game. Other events include variety show performances, philanthropy activities, alumni gatherings, banner and decorating competitions, the election of Homecoming royalty, and the M-Club Hall of Fame induction.
The Friday of Homecoming week is declared as Walkout Day. All classes are canceled and students participate in a variety of activities on the campus. The tradition dates back to Oct. 22, 1915, when students walked out of classes and declared the day an unscheduled holiday. Early Walkout Days featured all-school picnics and hikes.
Campus departments and offices are encouraged to join the annual Homecoming Spirit Photo contest by capturing a photo that showcases their Bearcat pride and spirit while incorporating the Homecoming theme.
Banner decorating is a cherished Northwest Homecoming tradition. Student organizations are invited to create and submit banners that creatively showcase their Bearcat pride and incorporate the year's Homecoming theme. All banners will be displayed outside the J.W. Jones Student Union throughout Homecoming week.
Donation Creation showcases Bearcat creativity and structural engineering. Student organizations use non-perishable food items to build unique structures reflecting their Bearcat pride and the year's Homecoming theme. These creations will be displayed on the second floor of the J.W. Jones Student Union throughout Homecoming Week.
Northwest Homecoming is dedicated to giving back to the Maryville community, which plays a vital role in supporting our campus. Each year, philanthropic initiatives are selected based on community needs, ensuring meaningful contributions.
Occurring on the Thursday of Homecoming week, the Variety Show is a compilation of student performances, including skits and oilio acts, and concludes with the crowning of Northwest’s Homecoming king and queen.
The Homecoming royalty court is selected in the spring of each calendar year and recognized at the conclusion of the Variety Show, where a king and queen are crowned.
Walkout Day is one of Northwest’s long-standing traditions, dating back to Oct. 22, 1915, when students walked out of classes and declared the day an unscheduled holiday.
The class of 1948 gifted Northwest with a bronze memorial bell in honor of all soldiers who fought and died during World War II, especially those who attended or once lived in northwest Missouri. The bell heralds Northwest achievements and celebrations and mournfully chimes to honor the passing of students. The ringing of the bell signals the start of Walkout Day and the Homecoming weekend.
The Joyce and Harvey White International Plaza has existed on the Northwest campus since the fall of 1998 as a tribute to Northwest students and alumni who have come to the University from other nations and as a reminder of the size and diversity of our world. Walkout Day includes a flag-raising ceremony when Northwest students raise the flags of their home nations.
Northwest alumni are invited to the Homecoming Welcome prior to the parade at 8 a.m. Saturday at the Michael L. Faust Center for Alumni and Friends. Alumni of the classes celebrating 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, and 50-year anniversaries are encouraged to visit the Faust Center or the Bearcat Zone tailgate in College Park to pick up their commemorative Homecoming button and reunion year ribbon.
See more information about alumni events and activities, including the 50th-year reunion.
The annual M-Club Hall of Fame Induction ceremony is the Friday of Homecoming in the J.W. Jones Student Union Ballroom.
Student organizations showcase their Bearcat pride and embrace the year's theme by participating in Homecoming parade competitions for float building, jalopies, dancing clowns and paper mache heads or simply walking in the parade.
Local businesses, schools and civic organizations also are invited to participate in the parade by submitting walk-in entries. See more parade information or parade registration information.
The Bearcat Zone tailgate is free to attend, with tailgate meals available for purchase. Enjoy a menu inspired by your favorites, featuring barbecue, burgers, and homestyle sides.
Bearcat football and Bearcat sports
For tickets and information about all athletic events during Homecoming week, including the Bearcat football game, visit bearcatsports.com.
The Office of Student Involvement announces the winners of Homecoming contests the Wednesday after Homecoming activities.
