Bowie State Marks 160 Years With Unforgettable Homecoming

Homecoming 2025 Brings the Bowie Community Together

Bowie State University marked 160 years of excellenceand 90 years of Homecoming tradition with a weeklong celebration overflowing with pride, connection and Bulldog spirit. From the opening gospel concert through the high-energy parade and culminating in a thrilling football game that came down to a single point, the 2025 Homecoming theme "OTC: Off The Chain" captured exactly what the week delivered. Students, alumni, employees and community members gathered from near and far to honor Bowie State's past, celebrate its present and look toward a bold future together.

The Homecoming Week celebration began Sunday evening, Oct. 26, with a joyful gospel concert that set a spirited tone for the week ahead. As the week unfolded, the campus was invigorated with festivities and laughter. Each day gave students, alumni and visitors an opportunity to reconnect, including a pep rally, the Greek Step Show, Bowie's Got Talent, a concert, the coronation of the Royal Court, an alumni reception and the student Roll Bounce Gym Jam that closed the week with a high-energy skate party.

Throughout the week, excitement grew toward the "I Love Bowie Fridays" Homecoming Fest, where music and laughter filled the air. Guests enjoyed live DJ performances, food trucks, games and fall fun like pumpkin decorating, hayrides and seasonal crafts. Prospective students toured campus alongside current students and staff, experiencing firsthand the warmth, excellence and unity that define Bowie State.

On Saturday morning, Nov. 1, parade spectators were already lining the streets of Bowie Town Center, eager to see the performance and get ready for the big football game. Grand Marshal Myles Frost '21, the Tony Award-winning and Grammy-nominated artist, led the procession alongside President Aminta H. Breaux. The 2025 Homecoming Parade was a true showcase of Bulldog pride and community connection, featuring more than 40 registered groups and over 10 high school bands, including D.C.'s Dunbar, Easton, Baltimore's Randallstown, DuVal, Suitland and Bowie of Prince George's County. Dancers, drum corps and campus organizations filled the route with rhythm, sound, dance and excitement.

Bowie State participants included the BSU Army ROTC, Symphony of Soul Band, Graduate Student Association, Student Government Association, Mister and Miss Bowie State University and the Royal Court, the Women's Forum and numerous other student organizations. Families waved signs and flags as the parade moved toward the grandstand at Macy's, where Frost, Dr. Breaux and university leaders applauded the final performances of the morning. The moment captured the heart of Homecoming: family, community and the shared joy of being Bowie Bold.

As the day continued, the celebration shifted back to campus where more than 6,000 people gathered for the sold-out tailgate and celebration on the yard. The atmosphere was electric, filled with local vendors, a 360 photo booth, a moon bounce and plenty of family-friendly fun. Greek life was in full force, with all Divine Nine organizations and Groove Phi Groove Social Fellowship, Inc. proudly represented. Vendor Row and food trucks offered a variety of local favorites while the Alumni Tent became a warm hub for returning graduates and special guests catching up on old times.

The energy carried into the football game at Bulldog Stadium, where Bowie State took on Elizabeth City State University. The Bulldogs fought hard in a close contest that ended with a one-point loss, a result that did nothing to dampen the pride of the Bowie family. The crowd's roar echoed across campus as students and alumni continued to celebrate together, embracing the meaning of community and resilience that defines the university spirit.

Special guests added even more excitement throughout the week. Frost returned as grand marshal while Gospel artists Tim Bowman Jr. and Kierra Sheard-Kellyheadlined the opening Gospel concert. R&B artist Lloydbrought his smooth vocals to the Step Show, and Mariah the Scientistlit up the concert stage. Kyle on the Mic '18kept crowds energized as the Step Show host and influencer George Sedberry (@thewhitgeorge) made a special appearance at the football game that quickly spread across social media.

Every moment of Homecoming 2025 reflected what it means to be part of the Bowie State family. From the gospel concert to the energy on the yard and the cheers in Bulldog Stadium, the week honored 160 years of excellence and 90 years of tradition while celebrating the unity, creativity and heart that make Bowie State truly extraordinary.

Graduate student Theodoric M. Weston, who is pursuing a master's degree in organizational communications, said, "Homecoming 2025 was phenomenal! This was my first time experiencing it, and the energy and vibe were top tier. It all started with the morning parade, with everyone excited and alumni sharing their past experiences. Bowie pride was contagious. I met two ladies who were 1986 graduates and still keep in touch to this day. Coming back to campus for the game was such a highlight, seeing everyone hanging out, grilling, dancing, reconnecting and laughing. It was an incredible first homecoming, and I will be back every year."

Homecoming 2025 was more than a week of events. It was a tribute to the legacy of Bowie State University, a celebration of its community, its progress and its promise for generations to come.

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