A Day Full of Jumbo Spirit at Tufts Homecoming 2025

On a partly cloudy day with a crisp fall breeze in the air, over 500 alumni, family, and friends returned to the Hill and students dispersed across campus for the purpose of cheering on Tufts Athletics teams and attending a variety of tailgating events at Tufts Homecoming 2025 on Saturday, October 11.

Alumni-who traveled from as nearby as Medford and Somerville and as far as Norway to reconnect with their fellow Jumbos-were able to enjoy stadium-style snacks and arts and crafts activities while getting free Tufts swag such as foam fingers and pom-poms at the Alumni Homecoming Headquarters in Alumnae Lounge, sponsored by the Office of Alumni Engagement. Alumni, students, parents, and community members alike cheered on the brown and blue as the field hockey, men's and women's soccer, and football teams competed against Bates College-with the field hockey and men's and women's soccer teams garnering wins-while the volleyball team won their match against Connecticut College.

In addition, the Interfaith Center and the Africana Center hosted events, and many athletics teams, including men's and women's cross country/track and field, field hockey, and men's and women's soccer, held alumni games and gatherings. Prior to the start of the football game-which took place under the lights at Zimman Field-students were able to attend a Homecoming Block Party run by the Tufts Community Union (TCU) Senate and the Tufts University Social Collective (TUSC) featuring food tracks, free swag, face painting, lawn games, and raffle prizes.

"Homecoming is a powerful reminder of the lifelong connection alumni feel to Tufts," said Christina Petrigliano, director of volunteer engagement and alumni programs in the Office of Alumni Engagement. "Campus came alive with alumni games and tailgates, a vibrant celebration of Black Homecoming at Capen House with students and alumni, and smaller circles of friends gathering around shared Tufts experiences like Torn Ticket, a cappella groups, and study abroad."

The Tufts football team ran onto the field in style for their Homecoming game against Bates College. Photo: Alonso Nichols

Attendees of the Tufts Multifaith Homecoming event hosted by the University Chaplaincy spent time in community with one another. Photo: Alonso Nichols

The Tufts field hockey team celebrated after scoring a goal during their Homecoming game against Bates College. Tufts won the game 3-1. Photo: Alonso Nichols

Students got in the spirit with signs, and lots of swag-including pom poms, foam fingers, Jumbo temporary tattoos, and more-were seen at the various athletic competitions. Photo: Alonso Nichols

Alumni reunited at the Africana Center while enjoying food, a bounce house, and live performances. Photo: Alonso Nichols

Members of the Tufts volleyball team celebrated after a score during their hard-fought five-set win against Connecticut College. Photo: Alonso Nichols

Students who attended the Homecoming Block Party had many food options to choose from-including Roxy's Gourmet Grilled Cheese-to fuel up before cheering on Tufts as they took on Bates College at the Homecoming football game. Photo: Alonso Nichols

Prior to the football game, Jumbo fans-including these four moms of Tufts football players-tailgated to get ready to support the team. Photo: Alonso Nichols