UNI Homecoming History

At ISTC, many alumni attended Teachers College football games and other athletic events over the years. Student requests for a Teachers College Homecoming celebration that would include a reunion, football game, and other activities did not rise until spring 1920. 

In the March 10, 1920 issue of the College Eye student newspaper, two editorials praised the Student Council for considering a plan to hold a Homecoming celebration. One editorial stated that "This is the best move ever started in the Student Council and everyone interested in the future of our school should support this move in any way possible." The other editorial, probably written by student Harold C. Sheldon, said alumni and students deserved an opportunity to get to know one another and to enjoy a football game together. The writer acknowledged all student organizations would need to work hard for the first few celebrations until the tradition became firmly established. A week later, another writer, likely Helen Draper, echoed these ideas. This editorial wrote Homecoming would be good for school spirit, and alumni would look forward to returning to campus to see former classmates. 

By May 5, 1920, plans for a Homecoming were under discussion. The Student Council had appointed a committee to develop and promote a celebration, set to include a football game. When the Alumni Association met in late May, it appointed a Homecoming Committee. However, in the September 22, 1920 College Eye editorial "How about Homecoming," the editor wrote little had been accomplished over the summer. Still, alumni were interested in the tentative plans announced in spring 1920 and were writing to campus asking when the celebration would be held. A significant difficulty was finding a date for alumni to attend a home football game. The writer said, "A Homecoming without a football game wouldn't seem just exactly right - something like bread without butter." 

On October 20, 1920, the College Eye announced Homecoming would be held Saturday, October 30, just ten days later. The program would consist of a "monster pep meeting" on Friday, October 29, to be followed by another pep assembly on Saturday morning. At the Saturday assembly there would be cheers, "snappy talks" and reports from alumni on plans to build the Campanile. At noon there would be picnics then class reunions. At 3 p.m. the Teachers College would play a football game against Parsons College. In the evening there would be an all-college party in the East Gymnasium with one or two orchestras playing for the anticipated crowd of 2,000 people. 

Students deemed Homecoming a success. ISTC defeated Parsons College on a muddy field, 14-0. About 225 alumni, and a large number of students, enjoyed the pep assemblies, meals, game and party. Considering that the program was put together very late, students deemed the whole event a great success. A week after the first Homecoming, students agreed "It is not too soon to begin laying plans for the next one."

The next year, the September 14, 1921 issue of the College Eye reported the date for the second Homecoming had not yet been set. The 1920-21 Student Council had chosen October 15, but the Athletic Association advocated for October 29. The 1921-22 Student Association set Homecoming as October 29 with Upper Iowa as the football opponent.

Students and College Hill merchants and landlords decorated their cars, businesses and boarding houses before the Friday and Saturday pep rallies. The College Eye published a special illustrated Homecoming issue for students and returning alumni. Rainy weather hindered outdoor activities; the football game ended in a scoreless tie. But again the weekend was deemed a success, with several hundred alumni returning to campus for the events.

The Student Council set the date for the third Homecoming in May 1922. The October 20-21, 1922 celebration would feature pep rallies as well as the first Homecoming parade, held on campus. The football team defeated Simpson College, 7-6. 

The fourth Homecoming was set for a late date, November 23-24, 1923, because November 24 was the only scheduled home game. Due to the unpredictability of the weather at that time of year, there was an emphasis on indoor activities. President Seerley's Homecoming address to alumni and pep talks by Coach Mendenhall were broadcast over the radio. One of the highlights was an indoor carnival with booths run by student organizations and literary societies. The on-campus parade this year was run by first-year students. For the first time, there was a Homecoming queen, titled Miss ISTC: Evelyn Arquette. The Teachers College played the football game on a muddy field and lost to Western Union College, 6-2.

The fifth Homecoming was set for October 17-18, 1924. The Student Council presented what was emerging as a traditional array of activities: a pep rally and bonfire, with coffee and hot dogs; a "raid" on downtown merchants; alumni gatherings; a house decoration contest; a parade around campus; the football game; and a dance. The weather was good, although ISTC lost to Simpson College, 13-0. A large crowd attended the dance, featuring two orchestras.

Homecoming had settled into a recognizable pattern by the sixth celebration in 1925. The College Eye wrote a retrospective article on the first celebration in 1920, recalling with gratitude the hard work of the initial organizers. The same issue also noted nearly 50 faculty were also Teachers College alumni, and could celebrate their college Homecoming right on campus and also be available to greet returning students. Events went well, and the football team made a comeback to defeat Luther College, 20-9. 

In his Homecoming address, President Seerley outlined what he considered to be the purposes of Homecoming. Homecoming was held primarily for two groups: the students and the alumni. He believed alumni could teach students lessons on understanding human relationships, exercising leadership and following a vision. When asked by a College Eye reporter what they liked best about the 1925 Homecoming, most students took a less serious view. One liked the display of school spirit, several liked the "raid" on downtown businesses, but most liked the football game best.

On the Wednesday before the seventh Homecoming in 1926, students sold Homecoming tags to help finance the celebration. The celebration had its first unofficial theme, "The Spirit of Fifty Years," to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the college. Visiting alumni could view the Campanile, which was nearing completion west of the football field. The Ladies' Band and the Varsity Band performed between halves of the football game. ISTC defeated Buena Vista College, 34-0.

Homecoming 1927 was unusual because for the first and only time, the football game was played on a Friday - Armistice Day, November 11. Among students questioned by a College Eye reporter, opinions were against a Friday game. They pointed out it would be difficult for alumni to get to campus on a work day. One stated, with World War I having ended just nine years earlier, that Armistice Day should be reserved to honor veterans. Another thought the scheduling was part of a sinister administrative plot to limit student vacation. Most believed November 19, a week later, would have been a better date. ISTC maintained November 11 as the official Homecoming date, but also scheduled a "Visitors' Day" for Saturday, November 19, 1927. The two weekends were similar. On November 11, there was a pep rally, on-campus parade, football game and dance. On November 19, there was a house decoration contest, snake dance, football game, and dance on November 19. The football team defeated Upper Iowa University at Homecoming, 14-6, and Parsons College on Visitors' Day, 32-0, to complete an undefeated season.

The ninth Homecoming was held Saturday, November 10, 1928. The College Eye noted campus organizations were working hard to see that "there will be a continual run of activities during the waking hours of all." President O. R. Latham, who had just succeeded President Seerley, granted permission for women students to stay at the dance until midnight rather than 11 p.m. 

One reason for these changes was to discourage a "raid" or "rush" on the Regent Theater in downtown Cedar Falls. During previous years, students would force their way inside the theater without paying admission, costing the theater revenue and sometimes causing property damage. Students did not rush the theater that year, and other activities were successful. The Teachers College football team tied Grinnell College, 0-0, on a muddy field. Likely for the first time at ISTC, Homecoming included an intercollegiate athletic contest in addition to the football game: the Teachers College won their cross country meet against Grinnell. 

ISTC's 10th Homecoming was held October 11-13, 1929. This year, the Homecoming parade left campus for the first time. It went north on College Street to 18th Street, east on 18th Street to Main Street, and north on Main Street to 1st Street. Downtown businesses were asked to enter cars and floats in the parade. Under the leadership of the new band director, Myron Russell, both the Varsity Band and Ladies' Band marched in their new uniforms in the parade. The College Eye, under the direction of newly-hired journalism professor George Holmes, published an extra edition just 15 minutes after the end of the football game. ISTC defeated Simpson College, 7-0. On Sunday, special religious services were held for the first time, including performances by a large choir. 

In 1930, students previewed Homecoming activities at an all-school assembly. There were pep rallies, receptions, house decoration contests, dinners, and dances and a short parade across campus. A new women's pep club, the Tutor Belles, entertained at the football game, as did the bands. Coe College team defeated ISTC, 13-2.

The date for the 12th Homecoming was announced in January 1931: November 7. This allowed campus and alumni to create plans in advance, and college officials expected 3,000 alumni to attend. On Friday night, there was a pep rally. On Saturday, the band played a concert on the Library steps, students and alumni from the Women's Physical Education Department played a field hockey match for the first time, and ISTC lost the football game to Western State Teachers College (Kalamazoo), 14-0.

At the 13th Homecoming in 1932, in addition to the bonfire, open houses, receptions, and Sunday religious observances, the college theater faculty and students presented a dramatic production, The Scarecrow. A theater production became a regular part of Homecoming activities for many years. Campus buildings were decorated with new bunting of purple and old gold. The Alumni Association, after a change in its constitution, held its annual business meeting at Homecoming rather than Commencement. Rainy weather impacted most of the outdoor events, but the Teachers College won against Morningside College, 12-0. 

In 1933, many Homecoming activities were relocated. The newly-opened Commons was the centerpiece of the 14th Homecoming, and alumni meetings, receptions, banquets, and the dance were held in the building. Alumni Services Director A.C. Fuller consulted with student leaders on how to bring more alumni to the celebration. A Sunday music faculty recital, as well as a college theater production, provided additional entertainment. Simpson College defeated ISTC, 13-0.

Special attractions of the 15th Homecoming in 1934 included an alumni-student gathering in the Commons after the game and a display in local businesses of life-sized photographs of Teachers College football players. Professors H. A. Riebe and George Holmes, both camera hobbyists, prepared the displays. Myron Russell arranged for the band to perform over WMT radio on Friday. Members of the American Legion and the 1924 football team were honored guests at the football game as crowd of over 3,000 watched Grinnell College, which had lost its previous 17 consecutive games, defeat ISTC, 19-12.

Homecoming celebrations for the rest of the 1930s followed the same general pattern. Pep meetings and a theater production were held on Friday. Saturdays included alumni meetings, luncheons, the football game, dinner, social gatherings, movies and the dance. Religious services and occasionally a faculty recital were held on Sundays.

A highlight of the 17th Homecoming in 1936 was the new football stadium, later called O. R. Latham Stadium. The old football field grandstands had been destroyed earlier that year in a summer storm. In 1936, the Teachers College freshman team played Coe College freshmen on the new field prior to the varsity game. 

In 1938, the Marching Band, consisting of both men and women for the first time, performed before a Homecoming football crowd of over 5,000.

Several customs were revived at the 20th Homecoming in 1939. Blue Key, a service organization, brought back the parade through Cedar Falls for the first time in 10 years. In addition, the I-Club, the campus letterman's group, announced the I-Club queen at half-time of the football game: Eleanor Collman was crowned "Miss ISTC" for 1939. 

At Homecoming 1940, the football stadium was dedicated in honor of President O.R. Latham, who had died unexpectedly in July. Latham had been a strong supporter of Teachers College athletics and the new stadium. Cut Day also appeared in 1940. According to this custom, sometime on the Friday before Homecoming, the bell in Old Central Hall would ring, the band would march through classroom buildings, and students would be given a holiday from class. New President Malcolm Price and Dean of Women Sadie Campbell led a snake dance to conclude 1940 Homecoming activities. 

ISTC's 22nd Homecoming was held in 1941, two months before Pearl Harbor. Activities included a Cut Day, pep rally, women's field hockey match, parade, dramatic production, open houses, dance and football game. Additionally, at the football game, supplementing the usual flag-raising ceremony, there was a two-minute tribute to Teachers College students and alumni who were already in military service. Those who appeared at the football game in uniform were admitted free of charge.

In 1942, although there were fewer male students, ISTC still fielded a football team and held a Homecoming celebration. It began with Hobo Day the Friday before the game. Students and faculty wore their oldest, most ragged clothes to class, meals and evening activities. Informality was encouraged for activities, and a student variety show replaced the traditional dramatic production. At the football game, the band's program of formations was called "Uncle Sam in Review." The Teachers College won against Morningside College, 26-6.

Homecoming was not celebrated in 1943 or 1944 due to World War II. Most men at ISTC had enlisted in the military, rationing of gasoline and other products made travel difficult, and WAVES and Army Air Force training detachments were quartered in several campus buildings. Cut Day was held October 27, 1943; students spent the day raking leaves on campus. In 1944, Greek organizations invited their alumni back to campus for smaller gatherings.

All-college Homecoming celebrations returned in 1945, although not exactly the same as previous years. The Student League Board and other student organizations put together a broad range of Homecoming activities: a pep rally, a play, many receptions, dinners, open houses, a football game, a dance, and chapel services. A combination Cut Day and Hobo Day was held on Friday. On Saturday, ISTC defeated South Dakota State College, 58-7. There was no official theme for the 1945 Homecoming, but the message of the celebration was "Welcome Home."

President Malcolm Price called the 25th Homecoming in 1946 the 'one that everyone had been waiting for.' 1945's Homecoming had been successful, but many veterans, especially those in the Pacific Theater, had not been released from service at the time. Some who had been released were unprepared for a Homecoming celebration in November 1945. Consequently, 1946 was significant. Organizers chose the theme "Homecoming of the Veterans" specifically for Homecoming; previous themes, when assigned, usually coincided with larger campus celebrations. In 1946 there was a dramatic production, pep rally, snake dance, "all-girl" variety show, veteran's variety show, band performance including new uniforms, house decorations, Homecoming queen, dance, and religious services. ISTC tied Western Michigan College in the football game, 0-0.

In 1947, the parade returned. The route was on campus and included 13 floats. About 3,500 alumni visited ISTC; however, the weather was poor. A College Eye editorial the next year described it as a "Rugged Homecoming." The writer noted many alumni had visited, but large numbers of students went home for the weekend, the Commons Ballroom was overcrowded with 600 couples trying to dance, and vandals caused about $100 in damage to Homecoming decorations. The football team defeated Morningside College, 31-13. 

During the 27th Homecoming in 1948, members of the 1898 Iowa State Normal School football team that had defeated the University of Iowa were introduced at the football game. Additionally, Olympic wrestlers and ISTC alumni Bill Koll, Gerald Leeman, and Leroy Alitz were honored. Instead of a play or variety show, the Robert Shaw Chorale performed on campus Saturday night, likely the first time outside performers provided Homecoming entertainment.

Homecoming in 1949 brought several changes. First, the I-Club queen was selected from photographs submitted by student organizations to the I-Club. Second, the football game was played at night for the first time. The schedule of events had to be adjusted from previous celebrations, and the relatively formal dance became an informal dance after the game. The theme was "The Home of Champions," and the walkway from the Campanile to the West Gym was decorated by a committee led by art faculty member Thomas Larkin. ISTC defeated Augustana College of South Dakota in the football game, 49-0.

In April 1950, Homecoming Committee chair Paul Bender solicited students for ideas on the theme of the 29th Homecoming celebration. They selected "Half-Time of the Twentieth Century." The football game was again played at night, so the dance and a variety show were moved to Friday evening. In his first Teachers College Homecoming, President J. W. Maucker crowned Lucile Hilger as queen. At the football game, Drake University defeated ISTC, 34-18. The music faculty concluded the weekend with a Sunday evening concert. 

1951 was the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Iowa State Teachers College, so the Homecoming theme was "75 Years of Teacher Education." The parade route began near downtown Cedar Falls, wound through town, and ended on campus. Crowds lined the route, and over 800 visitors took guided tours through the buildings.

The 31st Homecoming in 1952 was held Halloween weekend. The parade went through Cedar Falls. There was no Cut Day, but the program of activities included both a play and variety show. The football game, a 34-20 loss to the University of South Dakota, returned to Saturday afternoon, and the dance returned to Saturday evening. The 1927 football team was honored at the game.

The 1953 Homecoming theme was "Panther Prowl." There was a complete array of activities: pep rallies, parade, two performances of the variety show, three performances of the play "Harvey." a queen and her court, and a victory over Morningside College, 34-20. However, reports in the College Eye indicated students in the men's residence halls were planning something disruptive during Homecoming week. Since there was no Cut Day, late Sunday evening they proceeded to Lawther Hall and gave the women an early morning serenade, then to President Maucker's house to demand a Cut Day on Monday as a reward for the football game victory. President Maucker explained it was not within his authority to declare a class holiday, and the crowd dispersed. 

The 33rd Homecoming in 1954 did not have a theme, so floats and decorations did not need to reflect a particular topic. Float builders, however, were required to keep their total expenses under $25. There was a half Cut Day on Friday afternoon for a pep rally and all-college picnic. 

During Homecoming 1955, the process for selecting the Homecoming queen changed. Previously chosen by the I-Club (consisting of Teachers College lettermen), after 1954 the Student League Board modified the process. The I-Club would select nominees, and then the queen and court would be chosen by popular vote of the student body. Betty Vance was the first Homecoming queen elected this way. 

The special Homecoming edition of the College Eye ran a complete schedule of activities At least 38 organizations - religious centers, Greek organizations, departments, and others - held receptions, coffees, teas, lunches, dinners, banquets or other gatherings. The College Eye also reported about 200 men participated in what was probably a "panty raid" on the Wednesday before Homecoming. Also during Homecoming, several windows were broken, screens were damaged, and the goal posts on the practice field were torn down; four students were suspended for their involvement.

In 1956, the Homecoming Committee, headed by Len Froyen, again asked students for theme ideas. The committee chose "Campaign for Victory." A week before Homecoming, a College Eye editorial recalled the 1955 student suspensions and offered the following: "Enthusiasm is fine. But don't overdo it." Homecoming festivities took place without incident, including an officially sanctioned Cut Day on Friday. 

For the 1957 celebration, campus organizations and officials had made plans for a parade, variety show, dance, football game, open houses, and other events. However, a newspaper article in the same issue which included the final Homecoming schedule titled "Flu Bug Hits Campus!" noted at least 500 students had the flu and some were seriously ill. President Maucker met with other college officials and on Monday announced the play, football game, chapel service, and faculty recital would be proceed as scheduled. However, the fraternity sing, variety show, parade, and dance would be canceled. Some students called for further explanation, and those still unconvinced after Maucker spoke with them destroyed property and entered a women's dormitory after an unscheduled fire drill. Maucker met with students again Tuesday evening, answered questions, and asked for consideration for those students who were sick and needed peace and quiet. A smaller Homecoming followed.

The 37th Homecoming, in 1958, featured Cut Day again, with a range of Friday activities to start the weekend: the inter-fraternity sing, a pep rally, and the variety show. The pep rally was highlighted by the flaming letters I S T C, instead of a bonfire. ISTC lost the football game to Morningside College, 26-18. During this year, a College Eye editorial writer observed the changing nature of Homecoming. A primary purpose of earlier Homecomings was alumni reunions and opportunities for former and current students to connect. For example, the Alumni Association constitution had been amended to require its annual business meeting be held at Homecoming. However, by the mid-1950s, the focus had shifted to events for current students to have fun and show school spirit. While alumni still returned to campus, their involvement seemed separate from student events. 

Based on previous incidents, before the 1959 Homecoming, President Maucker asked students to refrain from any sort of late-night mass demonstrations during Homecoming week and stated damage to property, forced entrance into residence halls, disobedience to campus police, and other serious infractions would result in suspension from college. Events included a parade through Cedar Falls with clowns directing traffic; a buffet luncheon for alumni and faculty; and a football team win against the University of North Dakota, 14-9.

The 1960 Homecoming theme was "The Fabulous Sixties." The Student League Board officially recognized the outline of disciplinary procedures announced by President Maucker in 1959. A less-serious prank included putting a "For Sale" sign on the Campanile, instead of breaking windows. Maucker stated it was the best Homecoming in 10 years.

In 1961, the Iowa State Teachers College became the State College of Iowa (SCI). Its Homecoming theme was "The SCI's the Limit," and the theme for the dance was "SCI Rocketing." Activities for the 40th Homecoming included an SCI pep rally, parade, dance, chapel service, and other events. The marching band performance at the football game honored past graduates of the Teachers College and future graduates of the State College. The football team defeated Augustana College, 34-6, before a crowd of 6,500. 

The 1962 and 1963 Homecomings were similar to 1961 and went well, with the 1963 events cited as a model of coordinated campus planning. 

At the forty-third Homecoming, in 1964, students enjoyed a Cut Day with a picnic lunch near the Commons on Friday. The parade, whose beginning was announced by aerial bomb fireworks, included three Grand Marshals: President Maucker, Dean William Lang, and Professor Daryl Pendergraft. Since the theme was "Olympics on the Hill," the traditional bonfire was lit with flame reportedly from the 1964 Olympics torch. SCI defeated Morningside College in the football match, 24-15. The Student League Board leaders were praised for curbing problems associated with Homecoming, which seemed to be limited to a few men entering Lawther Hall and a short-lived food riot in the Commons.

In 1965, the Homecoming theme was “SCI-Lites,” and recalled historical events associated with the college. The parade was shifted to Friday night to allow for more alumni receptions on Saturday morning, and it was followed by a pep rally and bonfire. One student in the parade wore a gown that had originally belonged to Clara Seerley, President Seerley's wife. Another float depicted the fire that had recently destroyed Central Hall, the first building on campus. There were no on-campus chapel services on Sunday during this Homecoming. Since 1926, the College Hill Interdenominational Church had met in the Auditorium of what is now Lang Hall. Its membership consisted primarily of college faculty, students, and residents of the College Hill community. By the mid-1960s, societal shifts around the ideas of religion and public schools, aging leadership of the church, and easier off-campus transportation led to the church’s closing in 1966. Students who wished to attend services on Homecoming Sunday in 1965 and after went downtown or to one of the campus ministry centers by campus.

"Homecoming Is ...." was the theme for the 45th Homecoming in 1966. Both the Grand Marshall's Trophy and President's Trophy were initiated this year. 

1967 was the first Homecoming under the school's current name, the University of Northern Iowa. The theme, "Something Old, Something New," looked both back and forward. The Homecoming parade returned to Saturday morning to accommodate high school bands in the performance. Most other traditional events remained in place: the queen election, pep rally, dance, and sack lunch picnic. In their first Homecoming as the UNI Panthers, the football team defeated Augustana College, 23-10. One addition to the 1967 Homecoming was a concert by the Sandpipers. Appearances by outside entertainers would become a regular feature of Homecomings in later years.

The theme for the 47th Homecoming was "UNIverse in '68." After increased disorderly conduct the previous year, President Maucker stated: "Last year we began Homecoming with shouting, cheering, and serenading but toward the last half of Homecoming week this had degenerated into mob action with attempts to break into university buildings, shouting of obscene epithets, and a close approach to violence." He explained students needed to behave well if they expected state officials to help the new university get off to a good start. 

The Homecomings of 1968, 1969, and 1970 included many traditional events: parades, variety shows, dances, open houses, queens, pep rallies, and football games. However, there were also shifts in existing practices. For example, dances changed from formal occasions in the decorated Commons to outdoor events using an empty parking lot with electrical connections for the band. 

In 1968, the university dedicated a new set of bells for the Campanile that greatly increased its musical range; the football match that year attracted a crowd of 9,000. Unsanctioned Homecoming events, such as “panty raids,” continued. In 1969, the Northern Iowan student newspaper published a poem titled "Panty raid, panty raid, raise up the mighty call". In the same issue, a woman complained about the poor turn-out of men at the most recent panty raid on her residence hall. Bed races were introduced in 1969, and students enjoyed the folk music hootenannies as well as music by outside performers. 

In 1970, students and alumni had the opportunity to see the inside of the Campanile when regular Homecoming open houses began there. Students also participated in Environmental Clean-Up Day rather than Cut or Skip Day that year. During this time, dissatisfaction with the practice of electing a Homecoming queen also increased. In 1970, minority students who believed they had been excluded from the process elected their own Homecoming queen and king: Mary Adams and Michael Reed. Marilyn Nicol was the last official Homecoming queen, and elections were officially discontinued after 1970. 

At the 50th Homecoming in 1971, activities shifted to appeal to a wider audience. Events such as a film festival, dance, campus-wide Olympic competition, post-game coffee, and chicken dinner were free. A performance by The Association had a $2.50 admission. Contests were held for lawn and window decorations, and residence halls hosted open houses. 

Homecoming celebrations in the early and mid-1970s included variety shows sponsored by Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia as well as concerts by performers such as Country Joe McDonald, Helen Reddy, and Blood, Sweat, and Tears. There were parades and informal dances. The women's physical education students and alumni continued their traditional field hockey match. New traditions also began, such as annual trivia contests. The Towers Complex became the home of "Olympic" contests including bed races, car pushing races, mattress races, bat relays, tugs-of-war, and pie-eating contests. The swimming marathon tradition, which raised money for the swim team, began in 1971. In 1972, there was a "social cocktail hour" at the Holiday Inn for alumni, faculty, and students. 

In 1974, Carol LeBeau, editor of the Northern Iowan, wrote in an editorial about Homecoming: "A record crowd swarmed the O. R. Latham Stadium gates, to join together in something they all believed in - UNI. And is that so bad? Is it wrong to be proud of what we have - to realize the UNI is really something to cheer about?" The 1975 editorial staff echoed those thoughts when they cited "the one thing we all have in common--our loyalty and belief in UNI."

In 1976, the university commemorated the 100th anniversary of UNI's founding with the 55th Homecoming theme "Excellebrate 100." After 40 years of Homecoming games in O.R. Latham Stadium, the Homecoming game in 1976 was played in the new UNI-Dome. Before a crowd of 14,200, UNI defeated Morningside College, 37-7. Alumn T. Wayne Davis, a strong supporter of UNI and the Dome, was Grand Marshall of the parade.

Throughout the late 1970s, concert performances continued to be a large part of Homecoming celebrations. Both Chicago and Pure Prairie League performed. Also during this time period, vandalism occurred during Homecoming, especially parade floats, some which were targeted by arsonists. During 1978, there were no classes on Homecoming week Friday due to a brief academic calendar experiment that provided a fall mid-semester holiday. Students enjoyed picnics and the Towers Olympics on their day off.

One notable tradition, "campaniling," was revived for the 58th Homecoming in 1979. Campaniling, kissing under the Campanile at midnight, had been a campus tradition at least as far back as the 1940s. After decreasing in popularity, the Alumni Association decided to publicize and revive it. 500 students gathered under the Campanile at midnight on Friday, October 5, 1979, to bring back the tradition, and campaniling has continued to be part of Homecoming celebrations.

During the early 1980s, new events were added to Homecoming. The UNI Jazz Band played at several Homecoming dances. The Towers Olympics included a "pignic" with a roasted hog in 1981. The Stacy Miller Scholarship Run became associated with the 61st Homecoming in 1982, which also featured a presentation of "The Mikado," an exhibition of alumni art, and a performance by Fleetwood Mac. In 1982, Director of Facilities Planning Lee Thomson reintroduced a campus walking tour. 1983 was the first Homecoming under the administration of President Constantine Curris, and included a play, art exhibition, and 41-0 football game win over the University of Wisconsin--La Crosse. 

In 1984, President Curris and his wife Jo Hern Curris led campaniling. They asked students to bring their own bells because the Campanile bells were under repair. Following the parade, there was a tent barbecue lunch near the Dome. 1984 also saw the presentation of the first Lux Service Award to recognize outstanding service in undergraduate students. Diane Crane and Douglas Pearson, the first winners, were honored in football pre-game ceremonies.

The 64th Homecoming in 1985 included an array of activities, including the new Book of Records competition and athletics Hall of Fame banquet. Homecomings during the rest of the 1980s included similar programs, such as pep rallies, parades, theatrical presentations, window paintings, variety shows, golf tournaments, Lux Service Awards presentations, athletic banquets, campaniling, dances, and football games. From 1987 through 1989, there were Volksmarch events in which groups took 10 kilometer walks around campus. Tailgating was popular, but by 1990, officials instituted stricter rules due to misconduct. 

In 1990, the 69th Homecoming included a comedian, Ben Ulin, at the pep rally. In 1991 and 1992, comedian David Orion performed. Absent in 1991 were the variety show and dance, due to low attendance. The variety show returned in 1992, but the dance did not reappear until 1997. 

At the 73rd Homecoming in 1994, there was a pep rally, parade, and football game. During this year, crowds on College Hill caused a disturbance at bar-closing time, and after approximately an hour of sporadic fighting, police arrested nine people. In 1996, a Homecoming “riot” off-campus on College Hill resulted in injuries, property damage, and the arrests of 24 people. Subsequently, Cedar Falls city officials, bar owners, and UNI worked together to find ways to avoid future incidents, including strategies to deter crowd violence, control sales of alcohol to minors, and develop alternative campus activities. Professor Paul Rider led this effort as chair of a Community Coalition. 

1997’s theme was “Coming Together.” Events started on Monday with a service day, and continued throughout the week with an international heritage day and window painting, among others. On Friday, UNI hosted a bonfire, pep rally, and campaniling. Activities on Saturday included the parade, football game where UNI defeated Youngstown State, 35-32, and musical performances. The Saturday UNIght activities were advertised as "a non-alcoholic alternative for students and faculty who wish to participate in the post-game celebration." After the parade, Cedar Falls police blocked streets around 23rd and College Street for pedestrian-only traffic and increased patrols and video cameras. Police arrested about 20 people and issued around 90 citations. Students, administration, and the city were reportedly pleased with the weekend. 

The Homecomings following 1997 followed a similar pattern. Police refined their tactics of crowd control, and UNI continued to develop an impressive array of alternatives to excessive drinking. In 1998 police barricaded College Street from Saturday until Sunday morning. They took a hard look at potential bootlegging activities off campus. UNI Public Safety officials issued a newsletter that outlined the university's policies on alcohol possession and tailgating as well as keg and noise ordinances. Rainy weather canceled UNIght activities, bars were packed, but only thirteen were arrested. Some of those who attended the football game, won by UNI over Cal Poly, 31-7, got wet when the new UNI-Dome roof leaked. And, reminiscent of early Homecomings, there was a cross county run.

The seventy-eighth Homecoming, in 1999, included several innovations. The kick-off ceremony on Monday included free ice cream. Then there was Tuesday Down Under program with a trivia contest, a pool tournament, an open mike, and snacks, as well as Inflatable Fun Night activities. This year residence halls could enter the window painting contest, too. Greek organizations raised money to benefit a program for terminally and chronically ill children. The "Millennium of Memories" celebration went fairly well as far as public behavior, too, with arrests and citations generally for minor infractions. UNI defeated Cal-Poly again, 42-21.

The 2000 "Panther Pride" Homecoming celebration initiated one of the best activities of recent years: the Panther Midnight Breakfast, served in Maucker Union. But the 2000 Homecoming seemed especially good for other reasons, with activities designed to meet a wide variety of interests. The bands Nine Days and the Nadas performed on campus. The Marching Band celebrated its 100th anniversary. Football game time shifted from 1:30PM, where it had been since 1982, to 4:05PM, where it has remained since then. The Panthers defeated Illinois State, in a tough game, 34-28. There were the usual arrests and citations on the Hill, but, again, no major damage or violence.

The eightieth Homecoming, in 2001, was celebrated in conjunction with UNI's 125th anniversary. Former Presidents Maucker, Kamerick, and Curris, along with President Koob, served as Grand Marshalls for the parade. Free games and movies were added to the popular Panther Midnight Breakfast. The Panther Pride Cry competition gave students a chance to show their school spirit with skits, dances, or other kinds of demonstrations. There was a dance in the Union on Thursday, and comedian Carrot Top performed at the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center on Saturday. Flags were featured prominently in response to the terrorist attack of September 11, 2001. And Lang Hall was rededicated after its renovation. Unfortunately, the Hill came very close to being out of control again. Women took off their tops. Crowds surged. There was heavy drinking. Police arrested seventeen and issued 150 citations, mostly for alcohol-related offenses. UNI Public Safety Director Dave Zarifis said, "We came dangerously close to having major problems this year."

Cedar Falls and UNI officials huddled again to try to find some sort of solution to the continuing problems of Homecoming weekends on College Hill. In preparation for the 2002 Homecoming, they produced posters, press releases, and a short video that outlined the serious consequences of misbehavior on and around the Hill. For the first time, UNI Public Safety officers were permitted to write city citations, so that there would be a unified approach to law enforcement. While there was no major damage or violence, police and public safety officers arrested twenty-six people and issued 210 citations over the 2002 Homecoming weekend. As a Northern Iowan editorial stated, "High levels of alcohol and testosterone mixed with low quantities of clothing and inhibitions have always proven to be a volatile combination." Despite continued concentration on this unfortunate aspect of Homecoming, many students enjoyed "Surfin' UNI" activities such as window painting, pep rallies, Inflatable Fun Day, a video dance party, and the new Panther Scramble, an obstacle course laid out near the Campanile.

The eighty-second Homecoming, in 2003, featured Panther Pride Cry competition, a blood drive sponsored by Sigma Alpha Epsilon, pep rallies, the parade, and other events. After the weekend, police reported that they had arrested twenty-six people, of whom five were UNI students, and had issued 267 citations, with sixty-four written to UNI students. Statistics like these characterized the problem. A relatively small number of those misbehaving on College Hill at Homecoming were UNI students. One faculty member who visited the Hill on Homecoming weekends in 2002 and 2003 called for the immediate cancellation of Homecoming. He believed that behavior provoked by excessive consumption of alcohol and widespread "flashing" was degrading and potentially very dangerous.

For the 2004 Homecoming, security measures were heightened further. Perhaps motivated by VEISHA disturbances in Ames, police erected additional crowd observation posts and new water-filled barricades. A fire truck was stationed on the Hill to cut response time in case of emergency. Police made twenty-six arrests and issued 251 citations on Friday and Saturday, but termed their precautionary measures a success. Scheduled activities at the eighty-third Homecoming, in 2004, included bone marrow donor registration, an interesting selection of programs at the Wellness/Recreation Center, a campus walking tour, a pep rally with fireworks, a Family Feud game, and a parade. Western Kentucky defeated UNI in the football game, 17-10.

Crowds on the Hill were smaller in 2005, though police issued 244 citations and arrested thirty-seven people, twelve of whom were UNI students. Those who were cited or arrested faced higher fines than in previous years: $200 for first offense "minor in possession of alcohol" citations and $500 for second offense citations. On the Hill, the Relay for Life group sold hamburgers and hot dogs and another group gave away pop and water. Bars charged higher than normal entrance fees to their establishments. The high fees apparently encouraged some potential patrons to seek entertainment elsewhere. Despite the high number of citations and arrests, officials characterized Homecoming 2005 as being relatively easy to handle. In the football game, UNI defeated Indiana State University, 31-10.

Certainly the most distressing part of Homecoming 2005 was the rash of fires on and off campus. The first fire was late Friday afternoon at Hillcrest apartments located west of campus. This fire began in Unit I06I and spread to several other units. There was considerable damage to the structure and contents of these units, but no one was injured. About thirty-six residents, mostly students, were at least temporarily displaced. The campus fires were discovered beginning around midnight on Saturday and into early Sunday morning. First there was a small fire in Lang Hall that was extinguished quickly. Next there was a fire in Baker Hall. Someone had gained access by breaking a window. Here again damage was limited. Finally, there was a fire in Gilchrist Hall. This fire was more serious. While major fire damage seemed to have been limited to a relatively small area of the building, smoke and soot seem to have permeated much larger areas. Gilchrist Hall was closed for what was initially thought to be a short time for clean up. As time went on, university officials claimed that damage was substantial and widespread, possibly requiring asbestos removal and reconstruction. Over a year later officials were still negotiating with the university's insurance carrier over a settlement for damages claimed to approach $11 million. All three of these campus fires were the work of arsonists. After a long investigation, four men were arrested in connection with the fires: two were charged with arson and two were charged with perjury. Those charged with arson eventually pled guilty to second degree arson and were sentenced to three consecutive ten year prison terms. They were also ordered to pay $2 million in restitution. One of those charged with perjury entered an Alford plea; he received a deferred sentence and a year of self-probation. There was another small fire at Hillside Courts shortly after Homecoming weekend.

The water barricades remained in place for a relatively quiet Homecoming celebration in 2006. There were only 104 citations and 20 arrests. Officials offered several explanations for the smaller, better behaved crowds. First, with the closing of Pour Richard's and Tony's earlier in the year, there were simply fewer bars on the Hill. And, second, students who might have come from Iowa City and Ames were busy in their own towns. The University of Iowa was celebrating its own Homecoming, and Iowa State University had a night football game against the University of Nebraska. Hill businessmen were split on their assessment of the weekend. Some liked it; others thought that the substantial police presence and the barricades inhibited the celebration and decreased their sales. In the football game, UNI defeated Missouri State University, 38-7.

Homecoming 2007 was another good celebration. After a week of the usual array of activities, the parade followed a considerably shortened route due to extended construction work on a College Street bridge over Dry Run Creek. Cool weather and occasional drizzle probably held down College Hill crowds. There were thirteen arrests and seventy-nine citations for infractions related to Homecoming activities. Most of the arrests and citations were associated with the use and possession of alcohol. Certainly the highlight of the weekend was the thrilling UNI football victory over Southern Illinois University, 30-24. Both teams entered the game undefeated and highly-ranked. The outcome of the game was undecided until the very last play. The UNI victory gave the Panthers the top spot in the next week's football rankings.

Homecoming 2008 was reasonably peaceful, at least in terms of mass arrests and violence, and the Panthers defeated Illinois State University, 31-17.  The fireworks near the Dome were impressive.  There was no parade, because of the reconstruction of College Street in the Hill area.  In place of the parade was a new event called Panther Festival.  This was a kind of parade in reverse:  floats and attractions were parked and people walked around among them.  But the issue of the Northern Iowan immediately following Homecoming took a noticeably negative tone toward Homecoming.  One article reported on the incredible amounts of trash left behind by tailgaters.  Cleaning up university areas cost at least $2000, and much more trash remained on non-university property.  The editorial in that issue lamented what it perceived to be an increase in vandalism, especially associated with Homecoming weekend.  It cited broken car windshields, wrecked bicycles, and destroyed bus stop shelters.  The editorial did blame intoxication for some of the damage, but it also noted that some of the damage seemed to be the product of thoughtless, criminal activity.  In that same issue, columnist Cassandra Boevers did not seem to know what to make of modern Homecomings.  She believed that all of the official warnings about staying safe were intimidating.  She felt as if she had been forced into a corner so confining that she did not know what she should do.  All of the warnings "painted an image of a campus full of drunken, disrespectful students."  She found the tailgating scene and the football game to be rowdy and drunken.  She concluded her essay by asking for a return to the earlier days of Homecoming:

"The Homecoming game was not originated to draw out the most intoxicated people we could find.  It, along with other campus sporting events throughout the year, is designed to emphasize school spirit and view UNI in a light other than pure education.  It can be a time to interact and enjoy the student body without the dangerous stimulants.  Maybe if we ease off the inappropriate traditions, Homecoming week will not be so intimidating in the future."

Articles in the Northern Iowan just before Homecoming 2009 certainly implied that alcohol continued to be a problem.  The articles warned that extra Cedar Falls police would be on duty.  UNI Director of Public Safety David Zarifis said that there would be zero tolerance for drunk driving, open containers, and bootlegging.  College Hill road construction was complete, but there was no parade in 2009.  Instead there was again the Panther Festival on Saturday morning.  According to the Waterloo Courier, about a thousand people attended the festival, and many seemed to enjoy it.  The Panther Marching Band and the spirit squad performed.  The football game was less successful.  Southern Illinois University defeated UNI, 27-20. 

Homecoming in 2009 was marked with the theme of "I Spy UNI" where students enjoyed activities such as residence hall window painting, the Panther Pride Cry competition, Panther Scramble, Maucker Union Homecoming Murals, and a Panther Festival which replaced the usual parade. This year had a record crowd size of 17,190 at the football game. The game itself was at 4:05PM, Saturday, October 17, against Southern Illinois University, which defeated the University of Northern Iowa, 27-20.

2010 had many of the fun activities 2009 had, plus some additional ones such as the Homecoming Traditions Challenge, Dueling Pianos, and an Alumni golf outing and lunch. The theme this year was "Let the Good Times ROAR" where some highlights include a Heritage Honors alumni awards, a safe date tailgate luncheon, and Bob Dylan and his Band, Sunday, October 24. Like in 2009, this year also had a Panther Festival in place of the parade. The football game was October 23rd and University of Northern Iowa defeated Illinois State University, 42-14, making for a nice comeback from the previous year.

The University of Northern Iowa's 90th Homecoming occurred in 2011 and celebrated with the theme, "At Home in the Dome". This years football game occurred October 8, where Panthers won against Indiana State University, 23-9. There was also a Chalking Competition, volleyball, and another Panther Festival alongside the usual activities.

The 2012 theme for Homecoming was "Throwback" and was full of fun activities for the students to be apart of. Such include the Homecoming Kickoff, Picnic, Traditions Challenge Amazing Race, Laser Tag, Decade Dance, Comedian Jessi Campbell and more. The homecoming Royal Court returned this year and had their own talent competition. The game was an astounding win by UNI against South Dakota State University with 27-6 on October 20th. Seven students were arrested for public intoxication at this year's football game.

Homecoming in 2013 was a "Purple Tie Affair" in theme and was an exciting year for UNI. This year had the regular activities plus Casino Night and a magician as part of the festivities. Not only this but UNI had its first transgender homecoming royalty. The lovely Steven Sanchez was voted Homecoming Queen. This year did have a loss against Southern Illinois University however at the big game.

"Students by Day, Panthers by Night" was the theme of the 2014 Homecoming at UNI. Some events at this year's celebration include the Homecoming Kickoff, Outdoor Movie, Homecoming Picnic, Traditions Challenge Amazing Race, Bingo, Soccer, Volleyball, Pep Rally, Campaniling, Homecoming Parade, and of course, football. This year also had the parade, homecoming court, and Pride Cry Competition.  UNI had a substantial win when up against the University of Northern Colorado, winning 46-7.

2015 held many of the traditional festivities such as a pep rally, royalty, Pride Cry, and more. UNI did lose this football game against Western Illinois, 24-19. Despite this positive attitudes were maintained about UNI by columnist Hannah Carr-Murphy, who explained you do not have to be invested or even interested in the sports of UNI to appreciate homecoming as a time to show pride for your school. The theme this year was "Once Upon a Time".

"Unmask Your Spirit" was the theme of the 2016 homecoming at UNI. This year had a special focus on politics in some ways with the 2016 elections being such a big discussion. 

Unfortunately, 2017 held another loss against Western Illinois University, this time 38-29. The spirit was there in the celebrations however, with over 50 groups who participated in UNI's annual homecoming parade. The kick-off, Pride Cry, Campaniling, pep rally and other activities were enjoyed with this year's theme "Panthers Awaken" as a play on the release of the anticipated Star Wars movie, The Force Awakens.

2018 was fun for students celebrating the traditional UNI activities. Over 300 students participated in Campaniling and over 90 student organizations participated in the homecoming parade.

Homecoming in 2019 had fun with the theme, "To UNI and Beyond" and was celebrated as UNI's 100th Homecoming week. UNI won the football game against Youngstown State, 21-14. This year did rain on UNI's parade in other ways though, as weather canceled the UNI parade this year and moved the annual picnic to Maucker Union. Student Wellness Services also provided tips to celebrate homecoming safely in the case that one may choose to drink.

The University of Northern Iowa has held Homecoming celebrations for over eighty years. Some traditions fell into place early and have been stable parts of the celebration since then. The earliest essence of Homecoming--pep rallies, alumni reunions, football games, dances--remains in place today. Some elements such as the parade, campus tours, and open houses have come, gone, and come again. Some fairly longstanding traditions, such as electing a Homecoming queen, seem to be gone for good. Charitable, service, and philanthropic projects seem to have become a relatively stable part of today's celebrations. Other practices, such as the Panther Midnight Breakfast, seem to have been originated for a particular purpose. They may become established practices or they may disappear when the need for them disappears.

Would alumni from 1925 recognize Homecoming today? They would certainly recognize pep rallies and football games, though playing football indoors would seem decidedly odd. They would recognize alumni reunions, though they might be surprised at their relative segregation from student activities. They would recognize the efforts of a core group of students and university officials who work hard to make Homecoming go smoothly, but they might be surprised at the relatively small number of students who actually participate in the activities. They would recognize the parade, though they might be surprised at its long route and at some of the float themes. But they would be shocked at many things, such as the growth in the number and extent of Homecoming activities. What had once been about a day and a half of activities now stretches to a full week. And, while 1925 alumni might recognize modern College Hill disturbances as descendants of their "raids" on downtown businesses, they would be appalled at the extensive rowdiness and flagrant alcohol consumption.

What does the future hold for Homecoming celebrations at UNI? There seems little doubt that the celebrations will continue into the foreseeable future, because so many people and groups wish them to continue. Many students enjoy at least portions of the wide variety of activities. Student organizations enjoy working on floats. Sports fans enjoy the football game. Service and philanthropic efforts generate both good will and worthwhile donations to charity. The Alumni Association and the Development staff value the opportunity to get alumni to campus. Local business owners welcome the marked increase in sales on Homecoming weekend. Were it not for the continuing, unfortunate occurrences on College Hill, even that "little doubt" about the future of Homecoming would disappear. The city of Cedar Falls has taken wise precautions to deal with the large, unruly crowds on College Hill. University officials, especially those associated with Maucker Union, have developed interesting and attractive alternatives to draw students away from the Hill. Even UNI students who do go to the Hill seem to be able to control themselves to the extent that they are in the distinct minority of those who are arrested or cited. Controlling the behavior of people who come to the Hill from outside the university community is likely beyond the purview of university officials and may well be solely a police matter.

As long as local and university officials work together to deter disorderly conduct and to provide attractive alternative ways to celebrate, Homecoming at the University of Northern Iowa will almost certainly continue for a very long time.

Essay by Gerald L. Peterson, University Archivist, with research by Shanna Taylor and other student assistants; photo selection and scanning by Library Assistant Gail Briddle, Special Collections and University Archives, September 2005; updated April 2020; revisions by Student Assistant Sara Shannon and Library Assistant Hannah Bernhard, October 2026.