Homecoming 2024 at Missouri State University is around the corner. 

Alumni and friends are invited to join in the festivities on campus Oct. 17-19. 

“Some of our alumni haven’t been back since they graduated. It’s fun to have them come back to campus and see the growth and progress,” said Michaela Bennett, assistant director of college and constituency engagement at Missouri State. 

Read the full transcript

Mark your calendar 

Homecoming events include: 

Oct. 17 

• Inauguration of MSU President Dr. Richard B. Williams, 4 p.m., Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts 

Come and celebrate the new era of Missouri State as we install its new 12th president, Dr. Richard B. Williams. 

Oct. 18 

• Class of 1974 50-Year Reunion, 11:30 a.m., Kentwood Hall Crystal Ballroom 

Class of 1974 graduates can kick off Homecoming weekend with a luncheon, campus tour and other activities. Tickets are $40 per person. Register by Oct. 11. 

Oct. 19 

• Band of Bears Homecoming Parade, 9 a.m., John Q. Hammons Parkway 

 Enjoy bands, floats and other parade entries travel through campus. 

• Breakfast with Boomer, 10 a.m., Foster Recreation Center 

After the Homecoming parade, bring the kids to meet Boomer. Enjoy a kid-friendly buffet breakfast and a free family photo with Boomer. The cost is $10 for adults and $7 for kids ages 3-13 (free for kids 2 and under). Register to attend.  

• Bears and Lady Bears Basketball Sneak Preview, 10 a.m., Great Southern Bank Arena

Get your first glimpse of the 2024-25 Bears and Lady Bears basketball teams. 

• Golden Bears Reunion, 10:30 a.m., Plaster Student Reunion Ballroom 

This free, exclusive Homecoming celebration honors Bears who graduated from or last attended Missouri State 50 or more years ago. The Class of 1974 will be inducted into Golden Bears. Reserve your spot by Oct. 11. 

• Hill Hall 100th Year Anniversary Celebration, 11 a.m., John Goodman Amphitheatre 

Honor Hill Hall’s storied history and celebrate its bright future.

• Alumni Tailgate at BearFest Village, 11 a.m., north of Plaster Stadium 

Reconnect with fellow Bears, share stories and soak in Bear pride over food, drinks and games. 

• Bears Football vs. Indiana State, 2 p.m., Plaster Stadium 

Cheer on the Bears as they take on the Indiana State Sycamores. This is the Bears’ last game in the Missouri Valley Conference. Tickets range from $16-31 each. 

• BeAR Crawl, 7 p.m., Eyrie Rooftop Bar and Kitchen, Rooftop of Moxy Hotel 

Be part of the second annual BeAR Crawl, an exciting tradition for young alumni to reconnect. Get tickets for $10 per person. 

“Homecoming is for everybody – alumni, all friends of the university and our entire community,” Bennett said. “It’s a ready-made venue to plug in and connect with others.” 

Find out more about Homecoming