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How Homecoming and Family Weekend came to be the truest, bluest time of the year
A pre-game parade was an early homecoming day tradition. A 1946 edition of the Alumni Bulletin described the assemblage as “one of the most startling demonstrations of college hoopla ever to disturb Father Buffalo, [as] wildly optimistic students put together a mile-long cavalcade of floats, balloons, ancient and modern vehicles.”
By SALLY JARZAB
Published October 11, 2023
In fall 1923, plans were announced for UB’s first formal homecoming.
Local alumni were called upon not only to attend a November football game against Hamilton College, but to arrive at Rotary Field via a parade of cars led by the UB band and to occupy a special section in the stands reserved just for them.
It was a novel idea for the university at the time.
“Did you ever stop to think that the thousands of blue and white grads in the vicinity of Buffalo might help the cause of athletics at the university in a number of ways?” asked an issue of the Alumni Bulletin in 1927. “Attendance at games is one of those ways.”
As alumni continued to heed the call, rallying behind the team as a unifying show of pride quickly became tradition. Win or lose through the years, the draw for attendees was always the excitement they felt in coming together to support UB.
UB Homecoming Through the Years True Blue pride is at the heart of every homecoming—that hasn’t changed, even if the faces and activities have. Photos courtesy of University Archives, except where noted.
It’s the same way today, says Thomas McArthur, associate vice president for alumni engagement and annual giving.
“There’s a lot of energy in the air,” he says. “There’s football. There’s food and drink. Everyone’s dressed in their UB gear. People are happy to be back. They’re excited to see each other, and they’re excited to see the changes on campus.”
Underlying it all, he says, is the connection that everyone shares.
That’s because what started a century ago as a game-day gathering of graduates is now a full-blown fun fest for all. And while football is still the focus, there’s more than ever on the agenda.
“Not everyone connects with the university in the same way,” McArthur explains. “We’re trying to diversify the experience because our alumni themselves are so diverse. The more unique opportunities that we can provide, the more we can build a sense of belonging for everyone.”
In addition to the traditional game and tailgating activities, offerings for alumni include the presentation of the UB Alumni Achievement Awards, which formerly took place in the spring. There are also identity-specific networking events, professional development opportunities and several decanal unit-sponsored get-togethers.
And that’s still just a fraction of the overall affair.
Though it has evolved over the years, bringing together alumni, students and families is what UB homecoming does best.
In recent years, homecoming festivities have been paired with Family Weekend, a chance for parents and other family members to spend quality time on campus with their students. They can take part in the homecoming festivities, as well as in happenings planned just for them, from an “awkward family photo” shoot in the Student Union on Friday to a Family Farewell breakfast on Sunday morning. The Family Weekend Pregame Party is typically a sellout.
Jude Butch, senior associate director within Student Engagement, runs this aspect of the weekend. He says with all that’s going on, the vibe is celebratory — big and bustling, but still personal.
“For many of our parents, it’s the first time they’ve been on campus since move-in. So this is an opportunity for them to come and experience campus from their student’s perspective, a chance to walk the grounds and interact with the community, and they love it,” he says.
And, he adds, students do too. “Sitting in the student section, cheering on the Bulls — it’s a great way to meet people. It brings them out into the crowd and helps them feel a part of something big.”
These photos from more recent years show that the homecoming spirit is still strong a century after its start.
For many students, the highlight of the weekend is its kickoff: the Student Association-sponsored carnival and pep rally on Friday night, complete with rides, midway games, circus performers, fireworks and, as has been the custom for many decades, an enormous roaring bonfire. Leading up to the main event is the Student Association’s Spirit Week, meant to dial up the True-Blue energy with a slate of activities. In recent years, it’s included everything from mechanical bull rides to a chicken wing-eating contest.
This year’s Homecoming and Family Weekend takes place Oct. 11-15. Tickets to the homecoming game against Bowling Green are available online. UB’s homecoming website details the full schedule of events, with even more info for students on the Student Guide.
On Wednesday, Oct. 11, alumni and current students are invited to make their mark on the North Campus using UB spirit mark stencils with spray chalk and washable paint.
As McArthur points out, the whole idea of homecoming is bringing alumni together with students and the rest of the UB community.
“We want them to feel welcome on campus,” he says. “We want them to feel that they belong here.”