10 unique homecoming theme ideas to plan the perfect event

Homecoming or Alumni Weekend days are one of the most significant events in an institution's calendar. These are opportunities to create memories and meaningfully engage with alumni across age groups, gather up-to-date data, as well as build lasting relations, hoping they’ll come back later for another milestone event.

As an advancement professional, we understand that you’re constantly looking for ways to improve engagement, retention, and fundraising drive.

Here's how some colleges leverage their creativity to make the most out of their homecomings and alumni weekends/reunions.

1. Robert Wesleyan College

The Robert Wesleyan College Homecoming is a weeklong extravaganza of all things fun.

They have an exciting array of events planned for alumni and students alike, from live music performances and soccer games to reunions and awards ceremonies.

They also have panel discussions on navigating your next career change for middle-aged alumni, brunch and campus tours for older alumni celebrating their 50th reunion, and giant lawn games and an inflatable obstacle course for the younger ones. Truly alumni-centric!

But don't take our word for it—just look at all these events.

2. Greenwich Academy

Everyone knows a party is all the more fun when you’re around someone you know. Similarly, the most effective way to get more alumni to attend your event is to ensure you know who else is attending.

Greenwich Academy leveraged this and displayed who else is attending the event by class years. This created FOMO for those who couldn’t attend and encouraged more alumni to show up!

3. College of Idaho

Yes, that was our reaction to seeing the Homecoming schedule of the College of Idaho.

When all of us were on a break from the real world, cooped up at home in 2020, the College of Idaho hosted a friends-themed Homecoming - “The one where everyone stays home.” They were on point, from the color schemes to the events and messaging!

4. North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics

Institutions often struggle to build and maintain a consistent relationship with their alumni. In an interesting response to this problem, NCSSM encourages alumni to volunteer as class representatives. These reps serve as ambassadors, help bridge the communication gap between the alumni office and alumni, and encourage their peers to participate.

You can see how they did it, here.

5. University Of The Ozarks

Homecoming is an exciting event for students, alumni, and parents alike. Homecoming 2020 at the University of The Ozarks struck the perfect balance of events for all its constituents through an amalgamation of three major events that are celebrated at the University - Alumni Weekend, Family Weekend, and Homecoming.

6. Trinity University

Trinity University’s Alumni Weekend is a three-day spectacle full of activities that host anywhere between 1000-1500 alumni across all age groups. They host their signature event -Block Party Reunions by allocating dedicated space for various class years.

Another cherished occasion when alumni and faculty members can meet is the ‘Fiesta with Faculty’. Alumni can meet former and current faculty members over a drink and enjoy a wonderful afternoon together. They also invite notable alumni writers and artists to participate.

Also popular is Alumni College. Without the grades and tests, it's exactly like going back to school. Who says learning needs to stop at college?

Here’s where you can find their schedule.

7. Misericordia University

We’ve all heard of experts. But have you heard of Axe-perts? The folks at Misericordia University certainly have!

They have been throwing the best tailgates for years, and it has only gotten better this time. Their Homecoming is a mix of fun activities like Axe-throwing, caricature drawing, balloon art, and DJ music that'll keep everyone entertained for hours. They also honor alumni who've done extremely well academically and athletically.
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8. Murray State University

The Alumni Relations team at Murray State, in collaboration with the Campus Activities Board and Racer Athletics, crafted a week-long hybrid homecoming - Healthy at Home(coming).

It included virtual 5k runs, reunions, campus visits, and more. The week's activities had the Racer spirit screaming from every corner. Healthy competition between the students and alumni made their e-sports tournament a huge hit!

9. Evergreen State College

Despite being stuck at home during the pandemic, Evergreen State College ensured its alumni and students had meaningful experiences, through their virtual alumni weekend -Return to Evergreen 2020.

It featured four carefully curated programs (breakout sessions) that bring together alumni and faculty leaders to tackle social challenges through the lens of racial justice and equity. Issues such as wealth inequality, immigration, racism, climate change, and gun violence were integral parts of the talks.

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Want more such ideas for your homecoming? You can watch our latest LinkedIn Live with Ryan Finnelly (Trinity University) and Mike Gombita (Misericordia University) where we spoke about the factors behind a successful Homecoming event.

While the homecoming season is not over, 2024 has proven that educational institutions have learned much from previous years.

In this blog, we’d like to explore some interesting trends and strategies that we observed and what other institutions can learn from them. Let’s get started:

Author's Note: We chose these examples purely based on what we found interesting and no promotions, rewards, or affiliations were involved in the creation of this blog.

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Hybrid events continue to prove that they’re here to stay

Many institutions continue to see the value of hybrid events to connect with a broader alumni base as it provide a mix of in-person and virtual experiences. By allowing alumni to participate regardless of their location, it reinforces the sense of community.

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1. University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC)

University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) and their Spirit Week featured global events, both virtual and physical, allowing alumni from different countries to join the celebrations. Participants engaged in creative challenges throughout the week via social media, using hashtags and even attending events in the Metaverse to feel more connected to their alma mater​.

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2. Illinois State University

Illinois State University incorporated a hybrid approach with its "Town and Gown Hybrid 5K Run," combining a physical race and virtual participation to encourage broader alumni involvement. Virtual participants could run in their own location, submit their race times online, and even receive race shirts by mail. To foster engagement, participants were encouraged to share their experience on social media using the hashtag “#RedbirdHomecoming”.

It’s exciting to see that adding hybrid options to homecoming events is gaining popularity, with broadcasting key events like parades via live streams becoming a standard practice. This is a welcome development as it allows alumni to experience the vibrancy of campus life even from afar.

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Improving feedback collection and providing updates

While post-event surveys are a valuable tool, simply sending out a form may not always entice alumni to participate. To improve engagement and gather richer feedback, institutions can enhance the way they collect and share insights. This year, we have noticed some of these insights being put into action:

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1. St. John's College

St. John’s College had not hosted a homecoming event since 2019. As they planned to resume in 2024, they not only invited feedback but also announced the changes early in the year. Seemingly small steps like these can go a long way in fostering alumni trust and confidence.

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2. Bowdoin College

Bowdoin College took an introspective approach by including a feedback link within a narrative recap of their Homecoming 2024. Alumni were encouraged to reflect on their experiences while reading a vibrant recap and visual gallery of the events, giving them value and encouragement to provide feedback for their next iteration. You can check it out here.​

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Celebrating alumni and community members continues to be important

Recognizing outstanding alumni, supporters, and community members during homecoming can strengthen their connection to the institution while inspiring current students and fellow alumni. In addition to the typical alumni hall of fame, we’ve seen awards pop up to recognize younger alumni, active volunteers, and career spotlight awards.

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1. Morehead State University (MSU)

Morehead State University (MSU) continued to host its annual Homecoming Awards to celebrate distinguished alumni who have made significant contributions. What we love about their approach is that they celebrate a diverse array of appreciations that cover various segments of their alumni at a banquet in addition to their hall of fame. You can find their list of award recipients here.

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2. Alumni and student career-focused events

Another great way to appreciate alumni careers while engaging them is to use homecoming as an opportunity for them to give back. Some of the institutions that have taken this idea forward are:

• ‍University of New Haven’s mock networking event‍
• Villanova University’s student-alumni leadership panel & networking event‍
• McGill University’s Career Fair and Alumni Meet and Greet

These are just some examples of taking the homecoming spirit forward as a way to bridge the gap between present and future alumni.

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Some unique and meaningful engagement opportunities

Over the past few decades, Homecoming has proven to be one of the best opportunities to engage alumni while having some room to innovate and be creative. This year, several institutions continued to embrace creative events that provided unique experiences for all attendees.

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1. Millerverse University

Millerverse University hosted the Skully Shoppes, an event that promoted local artisans and student businesses. This initiative supported entrepreneurship by allowing alumni to connect with current students through shared interests and local culture.

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2. Hesston College

Hesston College featured an art auction and exhibition showcasing art pieces made from local wood collected on campus. This creative twist encouraged alumni and community members to engage with the institution’s commitment to sustainability and artistic expression, making it a meaningful experience for attendees.‍

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3. Kennesaw State University

Kennesaw State University hosted a variety of esports tournaments as part of their homecoming celebrations, tapping into the growing interest in gaming and technology. This event not only attracted current students but also engaged alumni who share a passion for esports, fostering a lively atmosphere that appealed to diverse interests​.

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Wrapping up

While there are many more exciting homecoming events to come, what we’ve seen so far this year has been very positive. Institutions seem to be easing into the pure net-positive additions such as adding live-streaming options to parades, and diversifying award categories to appreciate different alumni segments. What we love to see is that the unwavering sense of community-building and appreciation continues to be at the heart of all homecoming initiatives, both old and new.

We hope that some of our observations will have given you some insight into the homecoming season so far this year, as well as provided some inspiration for your continued advancement and alumni relations efforts.

Homecoming is a highlight for any school, filled with traditions and community spirit. It's a time for students, alumni, and staff to celebrate their school pride together. By launching a homecoming fundraiser, you can secure support from alumni and their families to carry on your tradition of academic excellence. In this guide, we will discuss five ways to plan an engaging fundraiser that boosts participation and revenue.

1. Organize an auction

Holding an auction at your homecoming fundraiser is a great way to attract alumni by offering unique or sentimental items to bid on. According to SchoolAuction.net’s guide to auction planning, there are several popular auction formats to choose from, including:

• ‍Online auctions. These are usually held over a longer period of time or used to supplement a live fundraising event. Guests will browse photos and descriptions of your items online and place their bids online as well.‍
• Live auctions. These are in-person events where an auctioneer enthusiastically engages a live audience to bid on one auction item at a time. They are usually complete with entertainment, dinner, refreshments, and a cohesive theme.‍
• Virtual live auctions. During these live-streamed events, an auctioneer or emcee will promote your auction items while bidders watch from the comfort of their homes.‍
• Silent auctions. There are no auctioneers during these events. Instead, guests can peruse auction items on their own and bid on ones with compelling descriptions. Bidding can take place on paper bid sheets or mobile bidding.

To maximize your auction’s appeal, consider offering items that hold special significance for alumni, such as memorabilia from school events, artwork by students or alumni, or experiences like exclusive school tours or dinners with favorite teachers. Combining a raffle with your auction is another way to enhance the excitement and encourage even more people to participate, as raffle tickets are traditionally low-cost.

2. Promote text-to-give

The popularity of smartphones has led to fundraising innovations such as mobile bidding for silent auctions and text-to-give campaigns. Text-to-give is a fundraising method where donors can send a donation to your institution simply by texting a specific word or code to a designated number.

Getting started with the text-to-give process typically follows these steps:

• ‍Choose a text-to-give provider. This provider will set you up with a unique phone number or shortcode for donors to send their donations. If you’re using auction or fundraising software for your event, it may come with text-to-give features that handle this for you. ‍
• Select a relevant keyword. Select a keyword that’s easy to remember and spell, and relates to your campaign or organization. This is the keyword donors will use when they send their text message to make a donation.‍
• Expand your text contact list. Promote your text-to-give campaign to potential donors through various communication channels—social media, email newsletters, event announcements, and flyers. This will help build a robust list of participants who can contribute to your cause.‍
• Receive text donations. Once donors text your chosen keyword to the designated number, they will be guided to complete their donation via a secure link that allows them to enter their payment details. Ensure this process is seamless and user-friendly to encourage maximum participation.

Text-to-give can make it more convenient for alumni to support your homecoming fundraiser no matter where they’re located. After receiving a text-to-give donation, promptly thank your donors and provide them with confirmation of their contribution, as this fosters a positive experience and helps encourage future donations.

3. Enlist peer-to-peer fundraisers

Peer-to-peer fundraising allows your school to tap into the power of your alumni’s networks to expand your reach. Essentially, your supporters create their own fundraising pages, which they then share with their family, friends, and colleagues, asking them to contribute to your school.

Consider these tips for incorporating peer-to-peer elements into your homecoming fundraiser:

• ‍Use your database to identify students and alumni who are most likely to get involved. Focus on those who have been active in past events or have expressed interest in helping your school.‍
• Provide a peer-to-peer toolkit with pre-written messages and images to use. This toolkit should include everything your fundraisers need to communicate effectively, such as email templates, social media posts, and engaging graphics that resonate with the theme of your homecoming event.‍
• Use fundraising thermometers and leaderboards to maintain excitement. These visual tools can track progress toward fundraising goals, creating a sense of friendly competition and urgency.

You can easily adapt peer-to-peer fundraising to your school’s goals, resources, and target audience. This flexibility makes it ideal for any type of activity, whether you're organizing a traditional walk-a-thon around your campus or a virtual challenge that alumni can participate in from anywhere in the world. You could also consider other interesting activities such as dance marathons, bike rides, or bake sales to provide unique opportunities for participants to connect and contribute.

4. Sell school merchandise

Homecoming is a time when school spirit is high, so why not sell school merchandise to help your community demonstrate it? Think about selling some of these popular school merchandise ideas in person or through an online store:

• T-shirts and sweatshirts
• Hats
• Notebooks
• Backpacks and tote bags
• Water bottles
• Keychains
• Stickers and decals

Branded school merchandise can both remind alumni to stay in touch and provide a little extra marketing for your institution wherever they go. Plus, it’s a fun way for them to show their school pride and keep the memories alive.

5. Plan a donation matching challenge

According to 360MatchPro, challenge gifts, also known as donation matching challenges, can inspire first-time donors to give and convince your existing donors to increase their gift amount.

Here’s an example: An alumni might agree to donate $100,000 to your school’s homecoming fundraiser, but there's a catch. Your school must first raise $100,000 on its own during the homecoming events. This setup creates a powerful incentive for other donors, as every dollar they contribute effectively counts as two if you manage to meet your fundraising goal.

To make the most of this opportunity, promote the challenge on multiple platforms, including your school’s website, so that you can maximize awareness and encourage more alumni, students, and families to contribute to your goal.

Once the challenge is over, thank both the challenge donor and everyone who contributed to the fundraising efforts. By doing so, you can maintain and expand your community of support year after year.

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Conclusion

As you incorporate one or more of these highly engaging ideas into your next homecoming fundraiser, ensure that your team has all the tools and resources it needs to pull it off—whether that’s auction software or a peer-to-peer fundraising platform.

To gauge the effectiveness of your efforts, measure success through metrics such as fundraising return on investment (ROI) and average gift size to identify which strategies are working and which you can improve for better results next year.