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Changing leaves. Pumpkin spice lattes. Twenty-four-hour marathons of Hocus Pocus. For some, these are required items for a happy autumn season. But here at UM-Dearborn, it’s all about our favorite fall tradition — Homecoming. We’ve rounded up some can’t-miss events happening around campus, but you’ll want to make sure to check out the complete list of events.

Something old

Campus was founded 60 years ago this year, and while we don’t exactly consider this old, it is a reason to celebrate. That’s why this year’s Homecoming theme is “Celebrating 60 years.” 

“Every fall, the tradition of Homecoming brings exciting and memorable ways to celebrate with families and friends of UM-Dearborn,” says Matt Beaudry, director of athletics and recreation. “This year will be a special milestone with UM-Dearborn celebrating 60 years.”

The week of events will consist of campus favorites from years past that will give you a reason to shout “Go Blue!” In the Cardboard Boat Race, students will decorate and build boats out of cardboard and duct tape and attempt to stay afloat as they speed across Chancellor’s Pond. Later in the week, alumni and students will face off in flag football during the Maize and Blue Bowl. After a few years of alumni wins, the students are hungry for a victory.

This all leads up to the UM-Dearborn Men’s Ice Hockey Homecoming Game, where the team will take on national powerhouse Lindenwood University. Before the game, fans are invited to the Homecoming Tailgate to enjoy free food, games and if they’re lucky, a selfie with the Michigan Stormtrooper. Here’s to another win after last year’s victory over Indiana Tech University!

Something new

Traditions are wonderful, but sometimes change is even better. In the past, a homecoming king and queen were crowned from a court of UM-Dearborn students. This year, two students from the court will be named as Homecoming Royalty, regardless of gender. “We want everyone to feel included in our UM-Dearborn community, no matter their gender identity or expression,” says Amy Finley, dean of students. “Making this change is an example of how we operationalize that goal and better reflect the needs of our community.”

Something maize and something blue

To get the week started, we’re introducing a brand new event that we hope will become a new Homecoming tradition in years to come — the Maize and Blue Pep Rally.

This is your chance to learn more about the week’s festivities while enjoying some food and mingling with members of the UM-Dearborn men’s ice hockey team. And we can’t celebrate 60 years of UM-Dearborn without a birthday cake. Grab a sweet treat before heading over to watch the Cardboard Boat Races immediately following.

End your week at the Big House (or in front of a big tv screen if you prefer), as Michigan Football faces off against Iowa.

And remember, if you can't celebrate Homecoming in person, celebrate from wherever you call home. Can we get a 'Go Blue?'

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For the complete list of event dates and times, please visit umdearborn.edu/homecoming.