'Home Sweet Homecoming' Embraces UST’s Southern Charm

This year, University of St. Thomas is celebrating "Home Sweet Homecoming" - a week full of UST pride and southern charm! The University of St. Thomas community is going back to its roots with classic homecoming traditions we know and love, all with a southern twist.

Throughout the week, students, faculty, staff, alumni, families and supporters are invited to join in the fun, show off their Celt spirit and celebrate our community. In a note to the campus community, UST President Dr. Sinda Vanderpool sees this as an opportunity to build relationships that last.

"Cheering on our Celts at one of the big games and celebrating our student leaders in the Homecoming Court, it's clear to see families are made here, vocations are discovered, lives are transformed and legacies thrive," Dr. Vanderpool said.

Follow @uststudentactivities on Instagram for all the details and daily updates. See a full list of alumni events.

Monday, Nov. 3 & Wednesday, Nov. 5

Celebrate Southern charm and school spirit with crafts that feel like home! Make a classic mum, tie-dye cozy tees, and create heartfelt keepsakes. Come craft, connect and bring that sweet home feeling to homecoming!

• Monday, November 3: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Mum Decorating | JPII Conference Room
• Wednesday, November 5: 12:50 - 2 p.m. | Craft-tea | Champions Lounge

Monday, Nov. 3

8-10:30 a.m. | Cops & Biscuits | Circle Drive

Protectin' and servin'… biscuits, that is! Swing by for a warm breakfast and even warmer smiles from UST's Police Department.

Tuesday, Nov. 4

12:20 p.m. | Alumni Memorial Mass | Chapel of St. Basil

Join us for the Memorial Mass at the Chapel of St. Basil presided by Archbishop Joe S. Vasquez '80 and Deacon Thad Kudela '18. This tradition is a moving tribute to the alumni, faculty, and staff we've lost over the past year. Their names will be honored and remembered in a spirit of reverence.

12:50 - 2 p.m. | Celt Coffee Spirit Day | Chapel of St. Basil

Homegrown spirit, Celt style! Show off your UST pride by wearing red, gold or your favorite Celt gear to receive all the goods. We're serving up free shirts, and fresh iced and hot coffee from Coffee Q Truck. It's the perfect way to celebrate community with Campus Initiatives and Student Leadership & Engagement.

Thursday, Nov. 6

12:30 - 2 p.m. | Chili Cook Off | Campus Life Mall

It's heating up at UST! Who's got the best chili on campus? Departments, organizations and clubs will face off at the Celt Chili Cook-Off for the ultimate title! Come enjoy good food, school spirit, and a little friendly competition….one bowl at a time.

6 p.m. | Two Saints and a Taco Tasting | Saint Arnold Brewing Company

We kick off the weekend with one of our most beloved traditions: the 14th Annual Two Saints and a Taco Tasting at Saint Arnold Brewing Company! This lively (and often sold-out!) event is a hit with alumni, offering fun, fellowship, and flavorful bites-all while supporting the Alumni Association Scholarship Fund. Sponsorships and tickets are available now at stthom.edu/twosaints.

Saturday, Nov. 8

10 a.m. | Alumni Reunion and Celebration Brunch | Scanlan Room, Jerabeck Activity and Athletic Center

The weekend continues with the Alumni Reunion and Celebration Brunch, where we'll recognize milestone graduates from the classes of 1955, 1965, 1975, 1985, 1995, 2005, 2015, and 2025. Whether it's been 70 years or just a few, this special gathering offers all alumni and their guests a chance to toast to unforgettable memories and lifelong connections. Campus tours will be available from 9:00am-9:45am with tours leaving every 15 minutes.

10:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Celt Tailgate | Campus Life Mall

Saddle Up for Celt Tailgate: A homecoming celebration like no other! Students, staff, families and alumni are invited to join in on an afternoon filled with music, food and plenty of Celt spirit. Take part in activities like boot decorating, cork coaster crafts and charm brooch making. Stop by the customization bar to personalize your Homecoming giveaways from hats to tote bags, you can make them uniquely yours.

You'll also find plenty of exciting things to do, including a dunk tank, lawn games, raffles and chances to win awesome prizes by competing. Don't miss out on the inflatables, face painting and special tents for families, first-generation students, Athletics and Celtic Valor. The Celt Tailgate is a celebration of the homegrown spirit that makes UST feel like family!

1 p.m. | Alumni Reception | Scanlan Room, Jerabeck Activity and Athletic Center

While our Celts take the court, alumni and their guests are invited to a relaxed, come-and-go Alumni Reception in the Scanlan Room during the basketball games at the JAAC. It's the perfect place to reconnect, refuel, and cheer on UST in style with food, drinks, and great company.

Game Time:

• Women's Game - 1pm vs Texas A&M International
• Men's Game - 3pm vs College of Biblical Studies

Sunday, Nov. 9

Family Mass & Brunch | 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Chapel of St. Basil

After a full week of fun and festivities, we invite you and your student to join us for the heart of UST with Mass and fellowship. This is a wonderful opportunity to come together as a family and thank God for the blessings that allow us to celebrate the UST community. Brunch to follow in Scanlan, enjoy a delicious spread of chicken & waffles and refreshing beverages! Brunch is free for UST students and up to three family members or supporters. Additional guests are welcome to join for a donation, which will go directly to the Student Emergency Fund. The Student Emergency Fund aims to provide financial assistance to enrolled students who encounter unforeseen financial emergencies or crisis situations that may otherwise hinder their academic progress or well-being.

We can't wait to welcome you Home Sweet Home(coming) - whether it's for one event or all of them, Homecoming 2025 promises to be a weekend to remember!