History of UWW Homecoming

Homecoming week at UW-Whitewater has a dynamic history that dates back to the early 1900s, and has since evolved into a steep tradition that brings together students, alumni, and the local community. Originally, Homecoming was created with the intent of boosting school spirit, and has transformed into a week-long celebration filled with diverse events such as parades, bonfires, and competitions. Homecoming week serves as a reunion for alumni, reinforcing connections and creating lasting memories that contribute to Warhawk pride and spirit as a college community. Ultimately, Homecoming week exemplifies how tradition and community engagement can bring people together to make memories during their time on campus.

Homecoming Traditions

Homecoming traditions at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater include several beloved activities that foster school spirit and community engagement. Some of our most common traditions are:

  • The crowning of Homecoming royalty is a long-standing tradition, celebrating student leaders and their contributions to campus life.
  • The Homecoming team plans a spirit week leading up to the Homecoming Parade, with various themed days encouraging students to show their Warhawk pride through creative attire and participation in events such as a study night, bingo, and trivia.
  • The talent show brings students together for an evening of competition and celebration.
  • The spirit rally and bonfire fosters camaraderie among students and alumni, with a competitive twist;) 
  • Hosting a parade featuring floats, student organizations and local businesses showcase Warhawk pride, community involvement, and the spirit of Whitewater. 
  • The finale of Homecoming week is typically the football game at Perkins Stadium, where alumni and students tailgate all morning to gather and cheer on the Warhawks against whichever team they’re playing. 
  • Many student organizations also participate in service projects across the Whitewater community, emphasizing the university’s commitment to giving back to the local community.

These traditions not only celebrate the university’s history but also strengthen the bonds within the Warhawk community and the students who participate.

Warhawk Families and Alumni

In addition to the student activities throughout the week, Homecoming is also a key event that brings alumni back to campus each year. Alumni travel from near and far to meet up with friends and classmates to bond and celebrate their Warhawk legacy. The cornerstone alumni event is the Warhawk Alumni Bash on Friday night. This inclusive event welcomes all alumni back to campus to celebrate with friends and reminisce about their college days. Many additional activities are planned to engage alumni throughout the weekend including lunches, campus tours, alumni parade tent and the football game. Each year the 50-year reunion class is invited to celebrate this milestone. Another long standing tradition is the Marching Band Alumni Reunion. This draws many grads from across the decades to join the Warhawk Marching Band in entertaining the crowd at the football game. Homecoming is a great way for alumni to stay engaged with UW-Whitewater and continue to connect with their Warhawk Family.

I still remember my first UW-Whitewater Homecoming. I was 6 years old, and my mom is an alumna of UW-Whitewater and brought my brother and I to a Warhawk football game to tailgate and spend time together. It was such an impactful moment in my life, that I went back to my first grade class, and when asked what my three life goals were, I wrote down “1. Have a pet dolphin 2. Become a veterinarian and 3. Attend UW-Whitewater.” Out of those three goals, the one that came to fruition, was of course that third goal. My mom still has this slip of paper saved in my first grade scrapbook, but it goes to show how impactful UW-Whitewater’s Homecoming week can be for families. 

Homecoming Events

Homecoming is right around the corner and the events to look forward to this October are:

  • Sunday: Talent Show Auditions | The Young | 11 AM-4 PM
  • Monday: Study Night | UC Hamilton Room | 7 PM
  • Tuesday: Trivia | UC Hamilton Room | 7 PM
  • Wednesday: Bingo | UC Hamilton Room | 7 PM
  • Thursday: Talent Show | The Young | 7 PM 
  • Friday: Spirit Rally & Fire | University Green (by lot 12) | 7 PM
  • Saturday: Parade | Main Street | 10 AM
  • Saturday: Football Game | Perkins Stadium | 1 PM

How to get involved with UWW Homecoming

Every year students have the opportunity to apply for the Homecoming Steering Committee. There are ample opportunities to get involved and help coordinate events, market spirit week, and meet students campus-wide! Applications typically open in the spring semester where students fill out a form and conduct an interview with the Homecoming Co-Chairs and Advisors to find their best fit on the committee. 

If working the events isn’t what you are looking for, all events hosted for Homecoming are open to all students to attend and participate in the fun festivities! Bring your bestie, roommate, or significant other to a Homecoming event and make the most out of your Homecoming week, Warhawks!For more information about UWW Homecoming follow @uwwinvolvement on Instagram and Facebook or visit the Homecoming website at https://www.uww.edu/homecoming.