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Celebrate UIU Homecoming 2025: "Peacocks in Paradise"

Fayette, IA (09/15/2025) — As summer fades and the first hints of autumn arrive, Upper Iowa University invites students, alumni, families, and friends to gather in Fayette for one of the most anticipated traditions of the year- UIU Homecoming! Mark your calendars for September 21-27, 2025, and get ready to soak up breezy island vibes, tropical fun, and plenty of Peacock Pride at this year's theme: "Peacocks in Paradise."

Homecoming is the perfect time to reunite, reminisce and make unforgettable memories with your Peacock family. Whether you're a longtime alum, a current student, or visiting campus for the first time, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Homecoming 2025 Schedule Highlights

Sunday, September 21

Homecoming Court Announcement

  • Location & Time TBD
  • Kick off the week as we unveil this year's Homecoming Court! Stay tuned to find out who will be crowned Peacock royalty.

UIU Men's & Women's Soccer

  • Harms-Eischeid Stadium | 12:00pm & 2:20pm
  • Cheer on the Peacocks as they take on Lewis University. Women kick off at noon, men to follow at 2:30pm.

Monday, September 22

Blue Pride Worldwide

  • Everywhere! | Decorations up by 5:00pm
  • Show your Peacock spirit by transforming your home, dorm, office, or car into a tropical paradise! Share your creativity on social media using #UIUHomecoming

Splash Bash! - NEW!

  • South Village Lawn |4:30 - 6:30pm.
  • Make waves at this brand-new event! Enjoy slip & slides, water balloon battles, squirt gun wars, and a splash of Peacock fun.

Tuesday, September 23

Tropical Cookout

  • Peacock Pavillion (tailgate area) | 5-7pm
  • 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 Pavillion (tailgate area) | 7pm
  • Don't miss the crowning of the 2025 Homecoming King and Queen! Afterward, enjoy a roaring bonfire and a live DJ to keep the celebration going. (Rain location: Pete's Bar & Grill)

Wednesday, September 24

Sand Volleyball Tournament - NEW!

  • Rainbow Land Park (near downtown) | 6:30pm
  • Round up your team of five or more, pick your best beachy team name, and hit the sand for friendly competition, prizes, and plenty of laughs. Enjoy summer tunes and cool off with snow cones!

Thursday, September 25

Welcome Home Dinner

  • Pete's Bar & Grill (downtown Fayette) | 5:30pm
  • Reconnect with your Peacock family during this complimentary dinner hosted by President Kathy Franken, her husband Chuck, and the UIU Board of Trustees. RSVP required.

Friday, September 26

5th Annual Homecoming Golf Outing

  • Big Rock Country Club | 9:00am (registration), 10:00a, (tee-off)
  • Honor UIU legends Steve '73 and Diane Harms '73 whose passion for Peacock Athletics left a lasting legacy. Proceeds from this year's outing will support philanthropic initiatives near and dear to their hearts. To register, contact Rick Knipper '73 at 319-530-2343 or Bill Roths '74 at 319-420-9411.

Make Your Mark at UIU

  • Henderson-Wilder Library | 9am-3pm
  • Leave your Peacock legacy! Stamp your handprint on the library wall - supplies provided.

Experiential Learning Showcase & Reception - NEW!

  • Liberal Arts Building | 1-3pm
  • Celebrate student success while exploring research, internships, study abroad programs, and more. Enjoy refreshments and connect with the next generation of leaders.

Fayette Admissions Social - NEW!

  • Parker Fox Hall | 2-3pm
  • Meet admissions staff, share your UIU stories, and enjoy guided campus tours and a self-guided scavenger hunt with fun surprises. Refreshments provided.

UIU Volleyball

  • Dorman Gymnasium | 6pm
  • Cheer on the Peacocks as they take on Missouri S&T - let's pack the gym!

Homecoming Ball: "Night of the Peacocks"

  • Student Center Ballroom | 5pm
  • Enjoy a cocktail reception, dinner, games, dancing, and a program recognizing the 2025 Athletics Hall of Fame Inductees. Tickets are $85 (general) and $50 (students). Cocktail attire/black tie optional. RSVP required at uiu.edu/HomecomingBall.

HOCO Ball AfterGlow - NEW!

  • Student Center Ballroom | 9-11pm
  • No dress code, no RSVP- just music, dancing, snacks, and a cash bar. Don't miss this unforgettable afterparty!

Saturday, September 27

Alumni Awards & Honor Class Brunch

  • Student Center Ballroom | 8:30am
  • Celebrate the Alumni Awards honorees, honor the 50th Reunion of Class of 1975, and recognize UIU Heritage Society members. Registration begins at 8:30am and the program kicks off at 9:00am. Peacock spirit attire encouraged. RSVP required.

Live Music

  • Tailgate Area | 9:30am - 12pm
  • Hosted by the Peacock Tailgate area. Submit your free entry at uiu.edu/uiuHCparade.

Homecoming Parade

  • Fayette Campus | 10:30am
  • Floats, spirit, and Peacock pride! Sign up to be in the parade today!

Alumni House Tropical Tailgate Party

  • Alumni House | 11am - 1pm
  • Sip something cool, play yard games, and enjoy complimentary drinks and snacks- plus the fan-favorite Bloody-Mary Bar! Special thanks to Peggy (Owens) Flaherty and Thyron Mathews BBQ for their support. Freewill donations welcome.

Homecoming Football Game

  • Harms-Eischeid Stadium | Kickoff at 1pm
  • Cheer on the Peacocks as they face Lincoln University of Missouri! Enjoy tropical vibes with on-field recognition of Hall of Fame Inductees, Alumni Award honorees, and the Class of 1975.

UIU Volleyball

  • Dorman Gymnasium | 5pm
  • Support the Peacocks as they take on Maryville University!

Support the 2025 Homecoming Fundraiser

Whether you attend, sponsor, or give from afar, your contributions help us reach our $150,000 goal for the UIU Fund, directly supporting students and emerging university needs.

For more information, to RSVP, purchase tickets, or make a contribution, visit uiu.edu/Homecoming or contact the UIU Alumni Office at 563-425-5388 or alumni@uiu.edu.

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