Spartans to Celebrate Homecoming 2024
By University Relations StaffDUBUQUE, Iowa - University of Dubuque alumni will return to their campus home the first week of October as the Spartan family gathers to celebrate Homecoming 2024.
"We are so excited to welcome alumni, friends, students, parents, faculty, staff, and the entire UD community to join together for Homecoming 2024," said Katie Kraus (C'11), director for alumni engagement. "Homecoming truly is the best time of year, and this year we are excited to celebrate 50 years of UD aviation, class reunions, alumni award recipients, and, of course, our great Spartan Spirit!"
Numerous alumni events will be held Thursday, October 3, 2024, through Saturday, October 5, 2024. For a complete schedule and to register for events, visit www.dbq.edu/Homecoming.
Student Homecoming activities begin Monday, September 30, 2024. Students can view upcoming events on CampusGroups (dbq.campusgroups.com) or by watching their email for the Spartan Scoop.
Here are a few events you won't want to miss!
UNIVERSITY BBQ LUNCH
Alumni, students, faculty, and staff are welcome to enjoy a BBQ lunch from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Friday, October 4, 2024, on Grace Plaza and Wallace Common. A special performance by UD's Marching Band will occur around noon.
Alumni are encouraged to register in advance at www.dbq.edu/Homecoming for the lunch, but they will be able to purchase tickets the day of as well. Students, faculty, and staff are asked to stop by the BBQ Check-In Table to receive their complimentary tickets beginning at 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 4, 2024.
PRESIDENT'S WELCOME RECEPTION
All Spartans are invited to join UD President Travis Frampton for a special welcome reception from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Friday, October 4, 2024, in Steffens Hall, Charles and Romona Myers Center. Refreshments will be provided.
2024 ALUMNI AWARDS CEREMONY
Six distinguished alumni will be honored at the 2024 Alumni Awards Ceremony from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, October 5, 2024, in Babka Theatre, Heritage Center. The honorees are:
- Alumna of Distinction Award: Rev. Cathy (Foster) Young (MDiv'89)
- Professional Achievement Award: Capt. Christopher "Chris" Trone (C'79)
- Award of Merit: Heather (Lange) Banner (C'14)
- Service to Community Award: Claudette Carter-Thomas (C'78)
- Volunteer Recognition Award: Jeremy Jensen (C'15, MAC'18)
- Veterans Award for Distinguished Service: COL USA (RET) Daniel Kammiller (C'88)
Jon Davison (C'61) will be presented with the 2024 Alumni Distinguished Teaching and Service Award during the ceremony.
SPARTAN FEST TAILGATE
All Spartans are encouraged to ramp up their Spartan Spirit before the football game at the Spartan Fest Tailgate from 11:30 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. Saturday, October 5, 2024, in the Upper Finley Parking Lot. Bring the whole family to enjoy music, inflatable games, a temporary tattoo station, and other tailgate activities. Food and drinks will also be available for purchase from Chomps Street Eats, Hangry Hobo, Hibachi Time, Pulido's Tacos, and Sugar Ray's BBQ. Some vendors only take cash; an ATM will be available inside the Chlapaty Recreation and Wellness Center.
SPARTAN FOOTBALL VS. LUTHER COLLEGE
Spartan Nation will gather in their favorite Spartan Blue attire for an exciting football game that will begin at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, October 5, 2024, on Chalmers Field.
The pre-game show will include a performance by the UD Marching Band and a celebration of 50 years of UD aviation with a special UD Helicopter Game Ball Delivery! COL USA (RET) Daniel Kammiller (C'88) will participate in a flag raising ceremony. The halftime show will include a special moment for the 2024 Alumni Award recipients.
SPARTAN SOCIAL - CELEBRATING C'14 AND C'19
All Spartans are welcome to continue the Homecoming celebrations after the football game from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Saturday, October 5, 2024, at the Dog House Lounge, 1646 Asbury Road. The Spartan community will also toast to the reunion classes of 2014 and 2019.