Get ready, Gators! On Saturday, Oct. 14, the UHD Gators take on the Houston Christian University Huskies for the 2023 Homecoming Basketball Game! This game marks the closing event of a week filled with Homecoming festivities!

“UHD Homecoming represents UHD. The diverse events, the non-traditional approach, and the events that culminate to community building,” said Tremaine Kwasikpui, Director of Student Activities. “Come out to one or all of the events to experience the rich environment that is UHD. There is no place like UHD!”

The week kicks off with Mum Mania from noon to 6 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 9, at the Wellness & Success Center (WSC) where mum-making expert Tesha will help participants create their own mums. Later that day, get your volleyball gear on (or just watch some fantastic volleyball) for the Students vs. Staff game at 5 p.m. or the Volleyball Club vs. Alumni Match at 7 p.m.—also at the WSC. Other events include:

• Food Drive: UHD’s culture of caring extends to Homecoming Week as well. UHD Northwest is hosting a Canned Food Drive all week long—donate three cans of non-perishable goods and receive a UHD Gator Plushie! 
   
• BYO Vein: The Office of Student Leadership and Involvement will host a Blood Drive from 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. on Oct. 9 and 10 in A300. Celebrate Homecoming Week by giving the gift of life.
   
• Pep Rally: Gators can show their gator pride at the UHD Pep Rally from 12:30-2 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 11, at the WSC. There’s free food for students with UHD IDs and wearing UHD tops. At 7 p.m., UHD sororities and fraternities will compete for the first-place trophy at the Stroll Competition in A300.

And don’t forget UHD Tail-Gatoring before the big game, starting at 10 a.m. at the Naylor parking lot! Tail-Gatoring features a festive gathering of student groups, University departments, and alumni all grilling their favorite foods for their family and friends to enjoy and participating in the decorating and cook-off contests. Families are invited to bring their little Gators to join in the fun and games.

And there’s so much more! Here’s the complete list of activities:

Monday, October 9

UHD Canned Food Drive Oct. 9-13

Bring three cans or non-perishable goods and receive a UHD Gator Plushie. This event will happen at UHD Northwest.

UHD Blood Drive 11:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m. A300

Celebrate the week of HOMECOMING by giving the gift of life. This event is sponsored by the Office of Student Leadership and Involvement.

Mum Mania Oct. 9 WSC Noon-6 p.m.

Come out to Homecoming Mum Mania and create your own mum with mum making expert Tesha. Hope to see you there!

Students VS Staff Volleyball Game WSC 5-6:30 p.m.

Come out to play or watch students versus staff volleyball game.

Volleyball Club Alumni Match WSC 7-9 p.m.

Enjoy competitive volleyball featuring alumni players versus current players.

Tuesday, Oct. 10

T-shirt Decorating South Deck 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

SGA will host t-shirt decorating of the homecoming t-shirts or any white or light colored shirt.

UHD Blood Drive 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. A300

Esports Pep Showcase A300 12-1 p.m.

Celebrate your ESPORTS teams! Attendees will get a free t-shirt.

Students vs. Staff (Esports Edition) S204F 2-4 p.m.

Students come out to play against Staff in our ESPORTS Arena.

UHD Talent Show Auditorium 4-6 p.m.

This competition is for any UHD students, faculty, and staff to highlight the extraordinary talents of our dynamic and robust UHD campus community. We want to showcase your talent, so bring it and help us make this a great show!

Wednesday, Oct. 11

UHD Masked Singer Auditorium 4-6 p.m.

The UHD Masked Singer is a singing competition series featuring Staff and Faculty facing off against each other in full face mask to conceal their identity. Come and see who will win this year’s edition.

UHD Pep Rally WSC 12:30-2 p.m.

Come and show your Gator pride at the UHD Pep rally. There is free food for students wearing UHD tops & a UHD ID Card. Hope to see y’all there. Go Gators!

UHD Greek Stroll Competition A300 7-9 p.m.

Join us for the Stroll Competition and watch the Greeks of UHD compete for the first-place Trophy.

Thursday, Oct. 12

UHD Northwest Gator Day at UHDNW 11 a.m.-12 p.m. and 5-6 p.m.

Join us for pizza, popcorn, and games.

Beat the Greeks (Dodgeball) WSC 3-5 p.m.

Join the Multicultural and National Pan-Hellenic Greeks for a game of dodgeball.

Pajama Party A300 8 p.m.-1 a.m.

Join us! Dress in appropriate pajamas and enjoy photo booths, inflatables, food, dancing, and so much more.

Friday, Oct. 13

UHD Alumni Homecoming Golf Tournament Hermann Park 8:30 a.m.

Join the Office of Alumni Relations for a round of golf at beautiful Hermann Park.

Noche Latina South Deck 7-11 p.m.

Party on the UHD South Deck overlooking the Downtown Houston skyline. Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month while joining our UHD Homecoming festivities!

Saturday, Oct. 14

UHD Tail-Gatoring Naylor Lot 10 a.m.

UHD Homecoming Basketball WSC 4 p.m.

Join as we cheer on UHD Basketball for the Homecoming Game!