Celebrating Homecoming at Mizzou: A Century of Tradition!

October brings crisp air, colorful fall foliage, and the spirit of tradition to Columbia as we celebrate Mizzou's annual homecoming with the Student Union! On the Second level of the MU Student Center, the Traditions Case display is currently dedicated to celebrating one of the University of Missouri’s most cherished traditions: Homecoming..

Steeped in the tradition that dates back to 1911, Mizzou celebrates homecoming each October with community events, service projects, campus decorations, and of course a football game. Since the inaugural celebration, homecoming has looked different accommodating for the Great Depression, wartime, protests, and social unrest. No matter the circumstances, Mizzou Tigers always find a way to celebrate their stripes during this special time. The exhibition highlights the development of Homecoming across the decades, from the 1910s to the 2010s, illustrated with photographs, memorabilia, and historic documents.

Mizzou's annual homecoming is one of Mizzou’s oldest and grandest traditions, a fact for which it is nationally recognized. The Council for the Advancement and Support of Education named Mizzou’s Homecoming celebration the best in the nation. In fact, many often credit Mizzou with inventing homecoming. While it is true other schools had held ‘Homecoming’ celebrations of sorts in the past, none until Mizzou combined such a celebration with football. The idea was a complete success and Mizzou’s model of Homecoming has since become a standard for schools around the nation.

First Homecoming Football Game, 1912 Savitar, courtesy of University Archives.

In 1937, Mizzou named its first Homecoming Queen, Patricia Martineau.

House decorations were introduced in the 1930s and remain a beloved part of Homecoming.

Program of the 1930 Homecoming, Student Unions Public Arts Collection

A tradition is amended, as the Homecoming Court was changed to consist of a queen and king in 1977. In 1985, the student body elected its first Black Homecoming queen and king pair, Vivian King and Marvin Cobbs. This was a monumental year as it marked the first time Mizzou celebrated both an African-American king and queen for Homecoming.

Visitors can also see later memorabilia such as a 2013 poster advertising a Homecoming dance featuring The Fabulous Drifters, which reflects the enduring social and musical dimensions of the celebration.

     Homecoming Dance Poster featuring The Fabulous Drifters, Student Unions Public Arts Collection

Celebrate Mizzou's annual homecoming on the second floor of the Student Union

Today, as we approach another year of Mizzou's homecoming, let's take a moment to appreciate the rich traditions that have been shaped by generations of students. Our homecoming is not just an event; it's a testament to Mizzou's spirit, inclusivity, and commitment to celebrating our shared history.

So here's to Mizzou, to homecoming, and to the many more memories we are yet to create. See you all in the Student Union!

Curator: Hongjue(Dorothy) Dai

Collections: Missouri Student Unions

Location: Second level of the Student Center