Spartan Spirit to Fill Campus During Homecoming 2025

DUBUQUE, Iowa - Homecoming 2025 is an opportunity for University of Dubuque alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends to gather, reconnect, and cherish their home away from home.

"Homecoming is a true celebration of the bonds that unite us," said Katie Kraus (C'11), director for alumni engagement. "No matter where life takes us, there is no doubt that we are, and always will be, Forever Spartans."

Numerous alumni events will be held Thursday, October 2, 2025, through Saturday, October 4, 2025. For a complete schedule and to register for events, please visit https://www.dbq.edu/Homecoming.

Student Homecoming activities will begin Monday, September 29, 2025. To view upcoming events, visit CampusGroups (https://dbq.campusgroups.com) or watch for the Spartan Scoop via UD email.

Here are a few events you won’t want to miss!

UNIVERSITY BBQ LUNCH
11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Friday, October 3, 2025 l Grace Plaza and Wallace Common

Alumni, students, faculty, and staff will gather for a BBQ lunch and a special noon performance by the UD Marching Band and the cheer team.

Alumni are encouraged to register in advance at https://www.dbq.edu/Homecoming for lunch but 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 at the lunch.

UNIVERSITY OF DUBUQUE PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURATION CEREMONY
2:00 p.m. Friday, October 3, 2025 l John and Alice Butler Hall, Heritage Center

The campus community will come together to formally inaugurate Travis L. Frampton, PhD, as UD's 12th president - a moment to honor our past, celebrate our present, and embrace the moment shaping our future together. A reception will follow.

Frampton, who began his service to UD in June 2024, brings valuable experience to UD as both a scholar and an administrator. Continuing the work of his predecessors, Frampton has already initiated significant advancements in his first year, including the process of establishing the John and Alice Butler College of Osteopathic (proposed, applicant seeking accreditation) and a major expansion of the aviation program. As the University continues to grow, it remains committed to shaping lives of exceptional ability, worth, and purpose - serving the Church and the World with Various Gifts and One Spirit.

UNIVERSITY OF DUBUQUE INAUGURATION CELEBRATION FEATURING THE NEWFANGLED FOUR
7:00 p.m. Friday, October 3, 2025 l John and Alice Butler Hall, Heritage Center

As part of the inauguration festivities for UD President Travis L. Frampton, The Newfangled Four will take the stage for a special free performance. From Southern California, The Newfangled Four is one of the top barbershop quartets in the world, performing all around the United States and internationally.

Tickets (limit of two) may be obtained now! Stop by the Farber Box Office, Heritage Center, 2255 Bennett Street; call 563.585.7469; or visit https://www.dbq.edu/heritagecenter.

2025 ALUMNI AWARDS CEREMONY
10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, October 4, 2025 l Babka Theatre, Heritage Center

Six distinguished individuals will be honored at the 2025 Alumni Awards Ceremony. The honorees are:

• Alumnus of Distinction Award: Joseph Chlapaty (C'68, DHL'98)
• Professional Achievement Award: Jay Harmon (C'67)
• Award of Merit: Natalie (Baker) Finley (C'11)
• Service to Community Award: Andre Lessears (MBA'14)
• Volunteer Recognition Award: John Shook, Professor Emeritus for Criminal Justice
• Veterans Award for Distinguished Service: LTC USA (RET) Linda (Hosch) Roach (C'83)

Seating is limited. Please register in advance at https://www.dbq.edu/Homecoming.

SPARTAN FEST! UNIVERSITY TAILGATE
11:30 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. Saturday, October 4, 2025 l Upper Finley Parking Lot

Spartans will ramp up their Spartan Spirit before the football game at Spartan Fest! University Tailgate. 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 Bob and Lou's, Chomps Street Eats, Hibachi Time, and Magoo's Pizza. Some vendors only take cash. An ATM will be available inside the Chlapaty Recreation and Wellness Center.

SPARTAN SOCCER VS. LUTHER COLLEGE - CELEBRATING 25 YEARS
1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. Saturday, October 4, 2025 l Oyen Field

Prior to the games, Spartan Nation will celebrate 25 years of the soccer program with a special UD Helicopter Game Ball Delivery! The women's game will begin at 1:00 p.m. and the men's game will start at 3:30 p.m. in this special Homecoming back-to-back event.

SPARTAN FOOTBALL VS. NEBRASKA WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY
2:00 p.m. Saturday, October 4, 2025 l Chalmers Field

Spartan Nation will gather in their favorite UD Blue attire for an exciting football game. In honor of the 10th anniversary of the Sergeant Jeffrey B. Dodge Veterans Center, all veterans will be invited to gather on the track for the flag raising ceremony as part of the pre-game show. There will also be a performance by the UD Marching Band and a special UD Helicopter Game Ball Delivery! The halftime show will include a moment for the 2025 Alumni Award recipients.

SPARTAN SOCIAL - CELEBRATING C'00, C'15, C'20
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Saturday, October 3, 2025 l The Dog House Lounge, 1646 Asbury Road, Dubuque, Iowa

All Spartans are welcome to continue the Homecoming celebrations after the football game at Spartan Social. Spartan Nation will also toast to the reunion classes of 2000, 2015, and 2020.

Relive past Homecoming moments at https://udalumni.smugmug.com/Alumni/HomecomingAll. Photos are available to download and/or print.