UM-Flint's Wolverine Homecoming 2025 will spread Maize & Blue spirit throughout the city

Now in its fifth year, Wolverine Homecoming at the University of Michigan-Flint will bring students, alumni, faculty and staff together with Flint's iconic venues to celebrate what they love most about their university.

Programming is slated from Sept. 29 to game day, Oct. 4, when the UM-Flint community will enjoy a street party in front of the Flint Institute of Music's Capitol Theatre with food, drinks, inflatables, and family-friendly fun before heading inside the theatre to watch the Wolverines challenge Wisconsin on the big screen.

Christina Bitchok, director of campaign initiatives & alumni engagement, said that partnering with local venues and businesses will create an experience that is "uniquely UM-Flint."

"Members of our alumni community have incredible memories of campus and their positive academic experiences. But being in and around the city of Flint is often just as intrinsic to the stories they share," Blitchok said. "What sets this year's Homecoming apart is the way our schedule of events reflects that partnership between the university and the city itself. We've struck a balance between the nostalgia of campus and the Michigan spirit."

Highlights of the event schedule are listed below.

• Homecoming walks. From Sept. 29-Oct. 1, everyone is invited to take in the fall air together with one-mile walks at noon. RSVP online.
• Tug-of-War Tournament. Take part in a campus tradition that dates back to the 1960s. Register a team or drop in for the match, 4 p.m., Oct. 1.
• Alumni Trivia Night. Join host Jon Mateen, a 2018 UM-Flint graduate with a bachelor's degree in public health, at Queens' Provisions, 6 p.m., Oct. 1, for drinks, laughs and brain-busting questions. Space at this event is limited, register early.
• Wolverine Day of Service. Join Student Government and make a real impact in the community with litter clean-up, 2-4 p.m., Oct. 2, at River Village Apartments. Register here.
• Students vs. Alumni Basketball Game. Another favorite tradition is now part of Homecoming week. Whether on the court or in the stands, don't miss this spirited showdown, 5:30 p.m., Oct. 2. RSVP; location still to be determined.
• Welcome BLAK Soiree. Designed for Black Student Union alumni to connect with current students, the Welcome BLAK Soirée will offer powerful networking and community-building moments. Doors open, 7 p.m., Oct. 2, at the Riverfront Conference Center. RSVP.
• A Blue Carpet Affair. Enjoy an unforgettable evening of dinner, drinks and dancing as the blue carpet is rolled out for alumni and friends. The fourth annual celebration takes place, 6:30 p.m., Oct. 3, at the Northbank Center ballroom. RSVP.
• Homecoming Dance. With a "Starry Night" theme, this year's dance is sure to be a dream for students. Registration is required for the occasion, which begins, 6 p.m., Oct. 3 at the Riverfront Conference Center.
• Game Day Watch Party. The celebration begins a few hours before kickoff (time still to be announced) on 2nd St. in front of the FIM Capitol Theatre with music, food trucks, games and plenty of Wolverine pride. Attendees can then head inside to watch the game. Students can register here and for the first 100 to check in, they will receive a food voucher and T-shirt. Alumni can register online as well.

Lucas Langdon, assistant dean of students for student engagement and chair of the homecoming planning committee, emphasized the importance of partnering with Flint organizations and businesses in making this year's celebration unique.

"We couldn't be more excited to work with the FIM to host our game day watch party at the Capitol Theatre. Partnerships like these are a natural fit, as we prioritize to work alongside our community partners in creating a vibrant experience both on campus and in the community," said Langdon. "This year's lineup has something to offer everyone - athletic traditions like the tug-of-war and basketball game, a day of service for the civic-minded, dancing and of course football - it's a great time to be a Wolverine."

And while community partners will be crucial in making this year's homecoming a success, there is no substitute for the energy and enthusiasm students bring to the festivities. Samantha Jarbou, a junior biology major and Student Government president from Clio, served on the planning committee and believes Homecoming brings out the best in the UM-Flint community.

"The planning process has been such a fun and collaborative experience," Jarbou said. "Working with so many different people across campus really showed how much pride and creativity our campus has. This year's theme, Van Gogh's Starry Night, has been a joy to bring to life, whether through our door decorating contests or the little details we've been adding around campus.

"What I'm most looking forward to is seeing all of that hard work and excitement come together during Homecoming week. It's such a special time when students, alumni, faculty, staff, and the community can celebrate side by side. I can't wait to see the campus buzzing with energy and to watch everyone enjoy the atmosphere we've created together."

Visit the Wolverine Homecoming webpage to learn more.