A Homecoming for the century

By Janette Neuwahl Tannen [email protected] 10-30-2025

It began as just a figment of an idea from some of the earliest intellectual pioneers who settled in South Florida. But the University of Miami was soon faced with a major hurricane and the Great Depression in its first few years, opening its first classes in a converted hotel. Since then, the U has grown exponentially to include three campuses and more than 19,000 students. It is also known for cutting-edge research and innovative medical care.

And now University leaders hope that many of its students and alumni will come celebrate the institution's success at its centennial Alumni Weekend and Homecoming by flooding the main Coral Gables Campus with Hurricane spirit next week.

The week of Homecoming festivities, which are planned by students on the Homecoming Executive Committee, will begin Monday, Nov. 3 and continue through Saturday, Nov. 8, concluding with an afternoon football game where the Miami Hurricanes will face the Syracuse Orange at Hard Rock Stadium.

"Homecoming is always that one event that reminds students why they chose the U," said Nataly Leiva, chair of the 2025 Homecoming Executive Committee and a senior studying health management and policy. "This school has always been known for its spirit and that every person involved is bleeding orange and green, so I am hopeful that energy increases even more this year."

This year's Homecoming theme "Stand Forever," is a throwback to the University's alma mater, and because it is a landmark year, organizers tried to bring back events that harken the institution's past, while also adding new ones. Sprinkled throughout the campus will be reminders of the University's history and its future.

"The 2025 Centennial Homecoming and Alumni Weekend promises a fantastic array of events throughout the week, culminating with a spectacular boat burning and fireworks display on Friday evening," said Patricia A. Whitely, senior vice president for student affairs and alumni engagement. "We look forward to welcoming our alumni back to campus, many of whom couldn't join us on April 8, to be part of this special centennial celebration. The many activities and activations planned will make this an unforgettable experience."

Monday's events will kick off with a team parade and opening ceremony on the Westbrook Walkway and Lakeside Patio. Then, on Tuesday night, the student organization Hurricane Productions will host their annual Homecoming concert at the Watsco Center featuring A Boogie Wit da Hoodie. The week continues with Hurricanes Help the Hometown on Wednesday, a massive community service project with more than 30 student organizations involved, and Pancakes with Pat later that night.

The largest event by far will be Friday night's Hurricane Howl, which begins at 5 p.m. and includes a block party, more than 20 food vendors, photo booths, and other opportunities for students, faculty and staff members, alumni, and community members to show their pride for the U.

There are also a host of alumni events starting Thursday, Nov. 6, along with an expanded Canes Lounge event at the Donna E. Shalala Student Center on Friday evening, a new Hispanic Alumni Reunion, various alumni tailgates, and the Golden Ibis Society breakfast on Saturday for alumni who graduated more than 50 years ago.

Alumni Association president Darren Dupriest, who graduated with a bachelor's in business in 1991, is bringing his entire family from Kansas City, as he has happily done most years. Dupriest said he realized how much he missed the University when he came back for his first homecoming after graduation. Each time he returns, Dupriest often runs into old friends he did not expect to see, which is his favorite part of coming back to campus.

"If you missed the Centennial Celebration back in April, you can't miss Homecoming because there will never be another one quite the same," said Dupriest, who has been an integral part of the planning for this year's expanded celebration. He added: "I hope that everybody who comes to Homecoming walks away with a revived energy for the University. If they can catch the passion and bring it back to their hometown to tell next generation of Canes about it, that is huge."

Homecoming Executive Committee events

View the full calendar of campus events.

Alumni Homecoming events

A full calendar of alumni events and registration links are listed here. Register to receive important updates about the Homecoming events you plan to attend.

Campus parking information

Parking enforcement will be lifted in all color parking zones beginning Thursday, Nov. 6 through Sunday, Nov. 9, except purple zone, which will be enforced from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Guests visiting the Coral Gables Campus do not need to have a permit or utilize PayByPhone to park, these days only. Guests are encouraged to utilize Pavia and Levante Garages, as well as Lots 425N and 425S, when visiting campus for Homecoming events.

The Hurry 'Canes shuttles will maintain standard operating hours, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.