What to expect at Newman's first fall homecoming Oct. 9-10

Homecoming at Newman University looks a little different this year — and that’s exactly the point.

For the first time, the university is moving its annual celebration from February to fall, pairing school spirit with the Feast of St. John Henry Newman on Friday, Oct. 9, and Saturday, Oct. 10.

The two-day celebration features a blend of fine arts, athletics, campus fellowship and liturgical celebrations honoring the university’s namesake and 38th Doctor of the Church, St. Newman. Students, alumni, faculty, staff and supporters are invited to campus for the fun-filled weekend.

Friday, Oct. 9: Arts, liturgy and campus traditions

Ballet Wichita and Newman University are collaborating on the production of "The Spirit Bride"

The festivities begin at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9, in the Performance Hall with “The Spirit Bride,” a collaborative dance and theatrical performance presented by Ballet Wichita and Newman University.

Wichita Adore Ministries hosted a candelit Adoration hour in St. John's Chapel.

At 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9, the campus community will gather in St. John’s Chapel inside Sacred Heart Hall for a special Candlelight Mass celebrating the Feast of St. John Henry Newman. His feast day is celebrated on the anniversary of his conversion to Catholicism on Oct. 9, 1845.

Students participate in a campus bonfire.

The evening concludes with a campuswide bonfire hosted by Campus Activities at 8:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9, in the parking lot between the soccer field and softball field.

Saturday, Oct. 10: Tailgates, trackside alumni and volleyball showdown

Father Ed Herzog tailgates for students (Courtesy photo: Richard Rico)

Saturday’s lineup kicks off at 10:30 a.m. with campus tailgates in the parking lot between the soccer field and softball field. University departments will decorate their tailgate spaces, grill, host games and/or share giveaways with students, alumni and visitors.

Alumni and coaching staff gathers on the track of the Fugate Gym during a volleyball game. (Courtesy photo: Richard Rico)

Alumni returning to campus will have a special view of the volleyball game while connecting with fellow Newman graduates, as an alumni event will be held at 12:30 p.m. on the track in the newly revamped Fugate Gymnasium.

The spring 2026 homecoming king and queen cheer from the center of the student section.

Prior to the volleyball game, Student Life will lead the Homecoming Celebration and officially crown the fall 2026 Homecoming king and queen.

Newman's volleyball players face off against Friends University (Courtesy photo: Richard Rico)

The Lady Jets volleyball team faces off against Washburn University at 1 p.m. in the Fugate Gym. Admission is $10 for adults, $7 for non-Newman students and free for Newman students who show their I.D.

Members of the Sloppy Joe Improv Troupe at Newman University

Immediately following the volleyball match, Newman’s student improv troupe, the Sloppy Joes, will present a welcome-back comedy show on Founder’s Plaza (weather permitting).

Professor Emeritus Larry Heck, Ph.D., roasts a pig on campus in the 1980s.

The celebration continues into the evening with a pig roast dinner at 4 p.m., catered by Great Western Dining. Dinner will be served in the Gorges Atrium, and guests can bring their own chair to sit on the plaza.

The local band Sometimes on Sunday will perform for a live audience at Newman.

At 7 p.m., attendees can choose between two evening events. Guests looking for music and dancing can enjoy a live performance by local band Sometimes on Sunday outside the Fugate Student Center, while arts enthusiasts can catch a second showing of “The Spirit Bride” in the Performance Hall.

Whether cheering from the bleachers, gathering around the bonfire or enjoying live music and dance, the 2026 Homecoming Weekend offers something for every member of the Jet family.