October 11, 2024

Mizzou Homecoming celebrations are among the biggest and best in the nation. And they have a proud history. 

In 1911, Chester Brewer ignited Mizzou’s most iconic tradition by inviting alumni back for the Missouri-Kansas football game. Over 9,000 Mizzou alumni returned to Columbia, MO that weekend to celebrate. From that first call to “come home,” pep rallies, parades, bonfires and football have been core to Homecoming, laying the groundwork for the vibrant event we know today. 

This year, students are already leading the legacy with a record-breaking food drive and one of the largest student-run blood drives in the nation. On October 13, the festivities officially kick off when the dome of Jesse Hall is lit gold. 

Want to learn more about why you should get involved with Mizzou Homecoming events? Eliana Eubanks, a senior biomedical engineering student and a Homecoming Top 10 Royalty Candidate, shares some of her favorite memories and reasons why engineers should join the celebration. 

Please introduce yourself 

My name is Eliana Eubanks, and I’m from Cary, North Carolina. On campus, I’m actively involved in several organizations, including the Society of Women Engineers, the Society of Sales Engineers, the Mizzou Engineering Student Council and the Engineering Ambassadors. 

I chose to study biomedical engineering because I’ve always been passionate about healthcare, and I was drawn to the opportunity to combine that passion with engineering. The idea of creating devices and technologies that can improve people’s lives really resonated with me, and biomedical engineering felt like the perfect way to merge my technical skills with my desire to make a meaningful impact in the healthcare field. 

What does Mizzou Homecoming mean to you?  

Homecoming, to me, is about showing people what I love about Mizzou and why I chose to come here all the way from North Carolina. My first visit to Mizzou was during Homecoming, and it completely changed my perspective. Initially, I wasn’t sure why I would go to school in Missouri, but my parents encouraged me to visit. When I saw the campus decorations and experienced the parade, I felt a kind of excitement I hadn’t experienced before. At a tailgate, I met a senior who, during her own senior year Homecoming, took time to talk to me—a random high school student. She shared her experiences at Mizzou and made me feel welcome. That sense of community made my college decision easy. Now, I work to keep that same tradition alive, to make sure that each Homecoming reflects the inclusive, spirited environment that first drew me here. 

What is your favorite homecoming memory? 

The parade during my sophomore year. It was my first time experiencing Homecoming as a student, and there was something magical about seeing everything from that perspective. I loved watching the floats go by and cheering on my friends as they walked in the parade. 

Do you have a favorite homecoming event? 

The Homecoming game truly captures who we are as a community and creates such an exciting, electric atmosphere. It’s the culmination of all the amazing events leading up to Homecoming from blood drive to campus decorations and it brings everyone together—alumni, current students and even future Tigers. 

I love seeing the tailgates filled with generations of Mizzou fans and hearing the stories from alumni as they reminisce about their time here. There’s something special about hearing how Mizzou shaped their lives and seeing them relive those memories. The game showcases the strong sense of community and tradition that makes Mizzou so special. 

How are other Mizzou Engineering students involved in homecoming this year? 

Engineering student organizations are working on decorating a Ford F-250 truck with a Star Trek theme for the Homecoming parade. We’re really excited about it! The float will feature Star Trek characters that are designed to look like Saint Patrick, Truman the Tiger and Dean Chrysochoou. We have a build meeting scheduled to start putting everything together, and engineers will be walking alongside the float during the parade. It’s a fun way to showcase our creativity and school spirit while representing the engineering community. 

Are there any other Engineering connections that you know about? 

One great Engineering connection is the Homecoming Happy Hour at The Heidelberg for engineers. I actually attended this event with my family when I first toured Mizzou and it was an amazing opportunity to meet current students and get a feel for the engineering community here. I highly recommend going as it’s a fun and casual way to connect with engineering alumni and fellow students! 

Why should students attend homecoming events this year? 

It’s a great way to connect with the Mizzou community, celebrate our school spirit and take part in traditions that have been passed down for generations. Whether it’s the parade, the game or other events, Homecoming offers something for everyone and is an opportunity to create lasting memories with friends. 

Do you have any advice for students who want to get involved in homecoming? 

Homecoming is such a special time because it allows everyone to express their Mizzou spirit in their own unique way. With so many different events, there’s truly something for everyone. Even if one event isn’t your style, you’ll definitely find at least one that you can enjoy and celebrate with friends. It’s a great opportunity to come together as a community and make lasting memories. It never hurts to just go to one and try and find something fun to do! 

Is there anything else you’d like to add?  

The list of events is on the Mizzou Homecoming website. If you’re just now wanting to get involved, don’t worry there are a ton coming up this week! Come by and say hello!