Homecoming 2024, "Cy Around the World," begins with a kickoff event Sunday, Oct. 27, and runs through the home football game against Big 12 Conference foe Texas Tech Saturday afternoon, Nov. 2. A list of all Homecoming events is online; here's a curated selection for faculty and staff consideration:
Kickoff
Sunday, Oct. 27 (11 a.m.-1 p.m., Alumni Center and adjacent parking lot)
This free event is open to all, including faculty and staff, alumni, friends, ISU students and the Ames community. Enjoy free quesadillas while supplies last, snacks for sale -- including cherry pies! -- live performances, music, games and activities.
93rd annual honors and awards ceremony
Friday, Nov. 1 (1:30 p.m., Stephens Auditorium)
More than 40 ISU alumni and friends will be honored for their impact in their communities, on Iowa State University and through their careers. The ceremony is open to the public; a dessert reception follows.
Lunch on campus
Monday-Thursday, Oct. 28-31 (11 a.m.-1 p.m., central campus)
Food on campus features a different local vendor serving lunch on central campus during homecoming week. You must have a homecoming button ($5) to eat; they're sold at the food tent, ISU Book Store in the Memorial Union and Innovate 1858 store in the Student Innovation Center. The menu is:
- Monday: Sandwiches from Jimmy John's
- Tuesday: Chili and cinnamon rolls from The Machine Shed, Urbandale
- Wednesday: Grilled burgers
- Thursday: BBQ sandwiches from Whatcha Smokin', Luther
A designated faculty and staff serving line is open for an hour (11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.) If you arrive before or after, plan to use the general serving line. Drop in a business card each time you stop by the faculty-staff line for a chance to win a prize at Friday's food on campus option -- Papa John's pizza slices during the evening pep rally at the Alumni Center.
Pep rally and celebration
Friday, Nov. 1 (5-8 p.m., Alumni Center)
At 5 p.m., faculty and staff are invited to the Reiman Ballroom (second floor) to receive a free drink ticket. Drink tickets will be handed out until 5:15 p.m. Business cards collected during the week at food on campus will be drawn to award prizes (must be present to win). Faculty and staff who are alumni association members will receive an exclusive ISUAA item. The evening's events are:
- 5-6 p.m., Homecoming Happy Hour, Cy’s Lounge (2nd floor), use your drink ticket and enjoy light snacks.
- 6 p.m., Pizza ($5 or free with your 2024 homecoming button), served in lot A-4. Inside the building, enjoy giveaways, kids activities, cash bar and ISU Book Store merchandise sale.
- 6:45 p.m., Pep rally, lot A-4, featuring the Cyclone marching band, Yell-Like-Hell* cheer finals, Cardinal Court (homecoming royalty), Cyclone student athletes and other special guests.
* If you're interested, the Yell Like Hell semifinal round (the first time teams are painted and in costume) begins at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 30, on central campus.
Fireworks and mass campaniling
Friday, Nov. 1 (11:59 p.m., central campus)
Office decorating contest
Friday, Nov. 1, judging begins at noon
This Homecoming tradition is back -- a fun way to show off your school spirit. Registration to participate closed Oct. 22.
