For the first time in two years — since the start of the coronavirus pandemic — Blue Hen alumni and their families and friends will come back to the University of Delaware campus for a signature event: Homecoming!

The Delaware vs. James Madison University Homecoming football game will take place on Saturday, Oct. 23, with alumni events on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Outside Delaware Stadium before the game, the Blue Hen Tailgate will feature live music, lawn games and food — not to mention Blue Hen camaraderie and plenty of blue and gold swag, like the #BlueHensForever beanies for the first 400 attendees.

The Black Alumni Organization (BAO) will recognize its 40th anniversary during Homecoming events. Alumni from near and far will come back to campus for food, fellowship and family-friendly fun at a Homecoming BAO BBQ & Tailgate, followed by a BAO 40th Anniversary Homecoming Brunch the next day at House of Laffs in Wilmington to honor the organization’s founding members and other volunteers who have made an impact in the organization’s infancy. 

Several former UD student-athletes will be recognized during a Celebration of Champions at the Student-Athlete Alumni Tailgate, adjacent to the Blue Hen Tailgate; recipients of the 2020 and 2021 Alumni Awards will be able to see their names engraved on the walls of the Alumni Circle during an event earlier in the day; and donors who have given $1,000 or more to UD for five consecutive years will have the opportunity to see their names etched in bricks on the Diamonds Walkway in front of Old College.

While Homecoming will bring together Blue Hens from all class years for these fittingly celebratory events, those UD alumni and friends who cannot make it back to campus have other ways to join in the UD spirit throughout the week. Blue Hens in Phoenix are invited to a watch party for the Homecoming game at the Windy City Half Moon Bar & Grille, and all are welcome to send a special personalized Homecoming e-card, called a “HenGram,” to their favorite Blue Hens with a $5 donation to the Blue Hen Strong Fund or the Athletics Blue & Gold Fund.

Learn about all Homecoming events and activities at udel.edu/homecoming. Go Hens!