Where it all began…
Homecoming—a time when alumni return to their old stomping grounds; when old friends revisit college memories; when students and faculty alike gather in celebration of their school’s traditions and athletic spirit. These qualities have remained unchanged since the beginning of homecoming a century ago.
The first Homecoming in U.S. history is claimed by several universities. Although many credit the University of Missouri in 1911, there is no indication where the Homecoming tradition so ingrained in today’s colleges and universities actually began. One thing is certain, however, and that is that the traditions of alumni returning, pep rallies and football games have remained a staple of the event.
The first Homecoming at the University of Indianapolis, or Indiana Central as it was called then, was held on Oct. 24, 1925. According to “Downright Devotion to the Cause: A History of the University of Indianapolis and its legacy of Service,” by Frederick D. Hill, this was only the second season of Indiana Central’s football team.
According to The Reflector archives, Indiana Central’s first Homecoming began the night before the big game with an open house in the school’s three dormitories, followed by an informal social dinner. Early the next morning, the men of Indiana Central were going to serve a free outdoor pancake fry breakfast, but inclement weather cancelled this event, along with the scheduled Homecoming parade.
Despite the cold and the rain, the first annual homecoming football game kicked off at 10 a.m. vs. Muncie Normal School.
As incentive to attend the game, The Reflector printed, “The score depends on you! For the score varies in proportion to the spirit you show and the racket you make, according to the most authoritative, foot ball [sic] laws.”
Indiana Central defeated Muncie 6-0 that Saturday morning.
Following the game was a reunion luncheon in the dining hall and a speech from President Good. A Victory Rally held in the gymnasium concluded that first Homecoming.
Many of these same traditions have continued through the years.
According to University Archivist Christine Guyonneau, a Homecoming parade used to be a large part of Indiana Central’s Homecoming weekend. She explained that the college’s sophomores and juniors would create floats to be displayed in the parade. The parade would then weave through neighborhoods and make its way through downtown Indianapolis before ending on the football field just before kickoff.
Despite this tradition no longer taking place, today’s Homecoming includes a homecoming king and queen and a dance. Guyonneau explained that the school’s first dance didn’t take place until Christmas of 1961, because dancing was banned until then.
This year’s homecoming, also UIndy’s Alumni Weekend, will be held Oct. 1. Homecoming will conclude with the football game against the University of Findlay Oilers.
