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ESU Homecoming Week is Oct. 20-25

Emporia, KS (09/23/2026) — Emporia State University welcomes alumni, students, community members and friends to campus in October for events from Oct. 20 to 25. Visit emporia.edu/homecoming for the full schedule of planned festivities. Many events are free, but several charge admission and require advance registration by Oct. 14, so make plans now!

In a change from previous years, the Homecoming musical will be presented twice on Saturday, Oct. 24, at 10:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. And kickoff of the Hornet football game against Central Missouri is a t 7 p.m.

Below is the schedule. For questions, contact the Amanda Herrman of the ESU Alumni Association at aherrman@emporia.edu.

Tuesday, Oct. 20

Special Collections & Archives Open House: William Allen White Library Room 119, 4 to 5:30 p.m.

This is an opening reception for the exhibit "Across Town, Across America: Emporia on the National Stage," which explores the national influence of ESU and the city it calls home, from Emporia's founding to the present day. Visitors can discover highlights including the establishment of Veterans Day, the creation of America's first state high school music festival, and the achievements of Olympic athletes and coaches.

Wednesday, Oct. 21

Sam E. and Jeannene Hayes Lecture, Memorial Union Webb Hall, 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Emporia State alumnus Jermaine Jamison is a leadership consultant, executive coach and entrepreneur who helps individuals and organizations build stronger leaders, healthier workplace cultures and high-performing teams. Drawing on sociology, leadership theory and decades of professional and personal experience, Jermaine invites audiences to lead from the inside out by developing greater self-awareness, embracing the lessons found within their lived experiences, and recognizing that the way we lead others is ultimately shaped by the way we lead ourselves.

Thursday, Oct. 22

Presidential Inauguration Ceremony, Plumb Hall's Albert Taylor Hall, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Presidential Inauguration Reception, Plumb Hall Rotunda, 4:30 to 5:45 p.m.

Homecoming Bonfire, ESU Student Recreation Center, 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Open to all, come enjoy food trucks and swag, remarks from our fall sports captains and a Homecoming royalty meet-and-greet.

Homecoming Musical: Disney's Frozen*, King Hall's Bruder Theatre, 7:30 p.m. Tickets online at emporia.edu/tickets.

Based on the award-winning animated Disney movie, "Frozen: The Broadway Musical" presents Princesses Anna and Elsa of the beautiful mountainous kingdom of Arendelle, who grow up sheltered inside their castle, isolated from the world and increasingly distant from each other. When Elsa is crowned queen, the magical powers she's desperately tried to conceal from her sister take control, and she flees into the mountains.

Friday, Oct. 23

Athletic Hall of Honor Lunch*, Memorial Union's KSTC Ballroom, noon to 1 p.m. Tickets required; may be purchased here.

Black & Gold Reception and Gala*, Reception in Feltner Square, 5:30 p.m.; Dinner and program in Memorial Union Webb Hall, 6:15 p.m. Reservations required; $100 each or $1,000 for VIP table for 8.

Homecoming Musical: Disney's Frozen*, King Hall's Bruder Theatre, 7:30 p.m. Tickets online at emporia.edu/tickets.

Saturday, Oct. 24

Hornet Brunch, Sauder Alumni Center, 9:30 to 11 a.m.

Homecoming Musical: Disney's Frozen*, King Hall's Bruder Theatre, 10:30 a.m. Tickets online at emporia.edu/tickets.

Campus Tour, meet at Sauder Alumni Center, 11 a.m. to noon.

Downtown Homecoming Social*, 627 Event Space, 1 to 3 p.m. Tickets $10.

Homecoming Parade, downtown Emporia, 3 to 3:30 p.m. Sign up to be in the parade.

Nursing & Student Wellness Center open house, 4 to 6 p.m.

Hornet Walk, Feltner Union Square to Welch Stadium, 4 to 4:30 p.m.

Homecoming Musical: Disney's Frozen*, King Hall's Bruder Theatre, 4 to 6 p.m. Tickets online at emporia.edu/tickets.

Live at the Hive (all-inclusive tailgate)*, Welch Stadium, 5 to 6:45 p.m. Purchase tickets online.

ESU Football vs. Central Missouri*, Welch Stadium, 7 p.m. Purchase tickets online.

Sunday, Oct. 25

Homecoming Musical: Disney's Frozen*, King Hall's Bruder Theatre, 2 p.m. Tickets online at emporia.edu/tickets.

* Indicates events that require advanced registration by Oct. 14 at emporia.edu/homecoming.

Other events are for special audiences and require registration:

  • Emporia Connection alumni
  • ESU Softball alumni
  • Kappa Sigma
  • Phi Delta Theta
  • Phi Sigma Kappa alumni
  • Sigma Tau Gamma Delta chapter
  • TKE Gamma Phi

About Emporia State University

Emporia State University offers a range of academic programs through its seven schools: Applied Health Sciences, Business and Technology, Humanities and Social Sciences, Library and Information Management and Library and Archives, Science and Mathematics and Visual and Performing Arts, along with The Teachers College.

ESU stands out for its innovative education practices. It ensures accessible education by offering in-state tuition rates to full-time undergraduate students from all lower-48 United States. Additionally, full-time undergraduates benefit from flat-rate tuition - students enrolled in 12 or more credit hours with at least one credit hour on campus pay a flat rate.

For more information on how to build your future at Emporia State University, please visit www.emporia.edu.

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