UHV readies for out-of-this-world Homecoming
The University of Houston-Victoria Homecoming is back again, and attendees are invited to join in on the week-long out-of-this-world celebration.
"UHV Student Involvement is thrilled to host our 10th UHV Homecoming, celebrating a decade of jaguar spirit!” said Freddie Cantu, UHV director of Student Involvement. “This year's theme, ‘Reaching for the Stars,’ perfectly embodies the ambition and pride of our university and its students. We have some exciting events lined up, and we can't wait to celebrate our school spirit with current students and UHV alumni alike.”
Homecoming will take place from April 21-26. On Monday, April 21, four Galactic Info Stations will be spread across UHV’s campus. From 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., info stations will be in the University West hallway and University Center lobby. From noon to 2 p.m., a station will be inside the Jaguar Hall lobby and University Commons lobby. Students can stop by the locations to pick up a Homecoming schedule of events, learn about challenges such as the Galaxy Quest, Spirit Day challenges and learn how they can win free Homecoming swag.
The UHV Alumni “Stars” Panel will be held later that day from 5:30-6:30 p.m. on Microsoft Teams. The panel will feature alumni in various career fields who will speak to students and attendees on their work and deliver advice to those who wish to go into those fields. This event is open to the public.
The final event that Monday, Reaching for the Stars Kickoff, will be from 6-9 p.m. at Pyramid Row. Students, parents and the community are invited to come cheer on their athletes, meet the 2025 Homecoming Court and enjoy live musical performances. This event is open to the public, and the first 100 students to check in will receive a free Homecoming T-shirt.
On Tuesday, April 22, four Galactic Info Stations will be posted around campus: University West Hallway and University Center lobby from 9-11 a.m., and Jaguar Hall lobby and University Commons lobby from noon-2 p.m.
The day will continue with the International Space Station Showdown from 5-7 p.m. at UHV Katy. Free Homecoming T-shirts will be given to the first 50 students. Fun games will be ready for students, and jaX will be in attendance to take photos.
Later that night, the Interstellar Block Party will take place at UHV University Commons. Free food will be available to students along with multiple fun activities that include DIY flower headbands, a Tie-Dye station, mini games and karaoke. Come dressed in your best space-themed attire for a costume contest.
On Wednesday, April 23, the Sprit Cup “Starlight” Showcase will be held all across UHV campus from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. As part of Homecoming tradition, the Jaguar Sprit Cup competition gives offices on campus the chance to show off their Jaguar spirit. Students will have the opportunity to vote for whichever campus department has the most sprit.
Later that afternoon, the Retired Faculty and Staff Lunch will be held from noon-1:30 p.m. inside UHV University North. The free event is open to all UHV retired faculty and staff and their guests. To RSVP, please contact Kelsey Norgard, UHV director of alumni relations and annual giving, at 361-570-4869 or norgardkn@uhv.edu.
The Tenth Annual Talent Show will be held later that day from 7-9 p.m. at UHV University North. Prizes will be awarded to first-, second- and third-place winners. The event is open to the public.
On Thursday, April 24, the day will kick off the first event with the 1973 Space Race from 5:30-7 p.m. at UHV Intramural Field. The evening will be filled with fun competitions and mini games as students are challenged to form a team to take on a series of games scattered across campus.
Later that night, from 7-9 p.m., students and their families are invited to head downtown for Downtown Rhythms at DeLeon Plaza to enjoy music from international soloists to full orchestras. This event is open to the public.
On Friday, April 25, the Alumni Banquet will be held from 6:30-9 p.m. at Power Avenue Warehouse. The event is open to the public and will feature a beer and wine reception, dinner, door prizes and a university update from UHV President Bob Glenn, along with award presentations. UHV alumna Robin Cadle will be honored as this year’s Distinguished Alumna and Jena Banda will be honored as this year’s Young Alumna of the Year during the banquet. The event is business or cocktail attire, and tickets are $30 a person. Tickets can be purchased online at https://www.uhvconnect.org/event/alumnibanquet25.
"The Alumni Banquet is a meaningful tradition that allows us to recognize and celebrate the outstanding achievements of our graduates,” Norgard said. “Honoring this year’s Distinguished Alumna and Young Alumna of the Year not only highlights their individual accomplishments but also reflects the lasting impact a UHV education can have on our communities and beyond."
Later that day, from 7-10 p.m., Dancing Through the Stars will be held at UHV Commons. The event will consist of a night filled with music and fun. Free food will be available, and a live DJ will be present.
The final day of Homecoming, Saturday, April 26, will kick off with the President’s Tailgate from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Riverside Stadium. The event is open to the public, and attendees are invited to cheer on the Jaguars. The first 100 students will receive a free Red Out Game T-shirt, and the crowning of this year’s Royal Jaguars will take place.
At noon, the UHV baseball team will take on LSU Alexandria in a doubleheader game at Riverside Stadium. Attendees are encouraged to wear red and pack the stadium with their friends and family to cheer on the Jaguars. A shuttle service will be provided to take UHV Katy students to Victoria. A shuttle will pick up students from UHV Katy at 9 a.m. that day and will plan to leave Victoria that evening at 5 p.m. to take students back to UHV Katy around 7 p.m.
The University of Houston-Victoria, located in the heart of the Coastal Bend region since 1973 in Victoria, Texas, offers courses leading to more than 50 academic programs in the schools of Arts & Sciences; Business Administration; and Education, Health Professions & Human Development. UHV provides face-to-face classes at its Victoria campus, as well as an instructional site in Katy, Texas, and online classes that students can take from anywhere. UHV supports the American Association of State Colleges and Universities Opportunities for All initiative to increase awareness about state colleges and universities and the important role they have in providing a high-quality and accessible education to an increasingly diverse student population, as well as contributing to regional and state economic development.