University of Mary Washington Then & Now

The college’s first homecoming was a student-led event held in November of 1972. This event was designed as a parody of the “big weekends” that many of the female students attended at other universities. The theme of Mary Washington College’s first homecoming was “Bring the Boys Home,” an effort to make the girls’ dates come to their home school instead of the other way around. ¹

In more recent times, Homecoming has become an event centering around school spirit. A whole weekend is dedicated to sports games, concerts, and activities. Commonly, students and alumni will gather in the parking lots at the Battlegrounds to tailgate before the games are held.

Students Celebrate During Homecoming, 1990's “Students Celebrate during Homecoming,” 1990-1999, The Centennial Collection, UMW Digital Archives, University of Mary Washington.

Homecoming Tailgate 2013 "Homecoming Tailgate," October 25, 2013, University of Mary Washington Alumni Association, University of Mary Washington.