A Homecoming Weekend 100 Years in the Making

For 100 years, Homecoming has brought generations of Bearcats together to reconnect, make memories and show their UC pride. This year, another milestone tradition will take center stage as UC Athletics marks the 50th anniversary of the James P. Kelly UC Athletics Hall of Fame with the induction of an extraordinary new class. 

Before we cheer the Bearcats onward to victory against Texas Tech in Nippert Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 24, we’ll gather Friday evening, Oct. 23, at Fifth Third Arena to honor an outstanding group of Bearcats whose achievements have left a lasting mark on UC Athletics. 

The 2026 class includes football standouts Jason Kelce and Connor Barwin; Bob Huggins, UC’s winningest men’s basketball coach; six-time All-American high jumper Loretta Blaut; first-team All-American hurdler Wayne Mason; standout soccer goalkeeper Christy Hoffman; and Mike Kinnett, UC baseball’s all-time leader in batting average. Longtime athletic trainer Bob Mangine will also receive the Bob Goin Service Award. 

Together, these remarkable Bearcats represent different sports, eras and contributions, while sharing a legacy of excellence and an enduring place in UC history. 

Congratulating this 50th anniversary Hall of Fame class together will be a “Wow!” moment for “thy loyal children,” with our Bearcat pride on full display. If you plan to be on campus for Homecoming, I encourage you to add this special event to your weekend schedule.

The new school year will see the start of a transformation on the north side of campus as Crosley Tower’s demolition continues, ultimately to be replaced by a STEM Academic Facility housing classrooms and labs.

An increased emphasis on collaboration and artificial intelligence will be hallmarks of the UC Cancer Center under the leadership of its recently appointed director, Dr. David Gius.

UC co-op students earned $99.5 million in paid work experiences during the 2025-26 academic year, with over 9,600 co-op enrollments via roughly 1,800 employers.

A highly anticipated men’s basketball season is the topic of the Sept. 23 Tip-Off Dinner in Fifth Third Arena, featuring a panel discussion with Coach Jarrod Calhoun, CECH ’04, and reigning NBA Coach of the Year Joe Mazzulla (above). Tickets are available.

Nine outstanding UC alumni were recently named by the Cincinnati Business Courier to its “40 Under 40” class for 2026. The honorees are making a great impact on the region in a variety of fields.

UC Football is back, with three non-conference games prior to the Sept. 26 Big 12 Conference opener at Nippert Stadium. Check to see if your city is hosting game watches this month.

Bearcat fans making the trip to Tucson for UC’s Oct. 3 football game against Arizona are encouraged to attend Bearcats on the Road, the UC Alumni Association’s pregame event.

Alumni making a gift of $50 or more to any UC Athletics development fund will receive a “Back the Bearcats Box” full of swag to elevate your UC fan experience. Supplies are limited. Make your gift today!

Five years after a $5.5 million investment in UC’s Osher Center for Integrative Health, the Bernard Osher Foundation has made a new $2.1 million investment to enhance that effort. 

The Lindner College of Business will celebrate three decades of excellence and leadership through its honors program. The Oct. 23 Anniversary Gala will bring together alumni, faculty, students and friends of the college.