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Homecoming

A Tradition Connecting Generations of Cougars

There's nothing quite like the feeling of coming home! From October 3 to 10, SXU will celebrate Homecoming 2026 and honor our community: the alumni, current students, faculty, staff, and friends who perpetuate our legacy. Experience nostalgia walking down the Warde Academic Center hallways or visiting your old favorite spots, and take some time to check out the new additions on campus and see how Saint Xavier has grown.

Connect with fellow SXU alums and enjoy various events throughout the week, including a special children's book reading, an alumni night recital, community mass, an alumni baseball game, and our annual Alumni Homecoming Tailgate Tent.

Let's make this Homecoming an unforgettable experience. Together, we are Cougar Nation!

SAVE THE DATE!

Homecoming Week October 3 -10, 2026

 

 Dr. Elder, Champ, and other SXU faithful smiling

Homecoming Week Events

The Artwork of Kimmy Noonen

Presented by the SXU Art Gallery | Runs through October 24

Kimmy Noonen earned her MFA from the University of Chicago and her B.A. in Visual Arts from Mount Vernon Nazarene University. Using vibrant colors, discarded materials, and unpredictable environments, Noonen's work attempts to describe and uncover the many invisible infrastructures that shape the personal, interpersonal, and collective experiences of her local communities.

For more information or gallery hours, contact Alejandra Rodriguez Patino at 773-298-3081 or arodriguezFREESXU.

Saturday, October 3, 2026


SXU Soccer Alumni Day | 1:30 p.m. (Men's) 4:30 p.m. (Women's) | Bruce R. Deaton Memorial Field

Alumni are invited to join us for the games and enjoy hospitality from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the SXU tailgate tent. (Must be 21 and over unless accompanied by an adult.)

For additional details, contact Diego Santiaguillo at 773-298-3318 or alumniFREESXU.

Wednesday, October 7, 2026

Community Mass | Noon - 12:30 p.m. | McDonough Chapel

Join us in McDonough Chapel for Mass.

For information, contact the Office for Mission and Heritage at devivoFREESXU.

Thursday, October 8, 2026

SXU Alum Lisa Guardiola '12: Stress Management | 6 - 7 p.m. | Butler Reception Room - Warde Academic Center

A 2012 graduate of psychology and studio arts, Lisa Guardiola is employed at Sertoma Star Services as the Community Mental Health Outreach and Education Trainer. An established board member of NAMI (National Alliance for Mental Illness) South Suburbs of Chicago, Guardiola will share stress management coping techniques for everyday life.

For additional details, contact Becca Allpow at 773-298-3315 or alumniFREESXU.

Friday, October 9, 2026

Alumnae Vocal Recital: Dorothy J. Hill '12 | 7:30 p.m. | McGuire Hall

All are welcome to enjoy the talents of fellow alum and soprano Dorothy Hill as she returns to the McGuire Hall stage for an evening of classical and contemporary music.

For additional details please contact Annette Adamus at 773-298-3421 or adamusFREESXU.

Saturday, October 10, 2026

SXU Baseball Alumni Game | 9 a.m. | Richard R. Ferrell Memorial Field

Lace up your cleats and relive the glory days! Join us for the SXU Baseball Alumni Game at Ferrell Field -- reconnect, compete, and celebrate Cougar pride!

For more information, contact Coach Pat Morrow at 773-298-3110 or morrowFREESXU.

SXU Alumni Basketball Games | 9 a.m. (Women) | Shannon Center - Front Gym

Calling all Cougar alumni! Come back to your home court and reconnect with former teammates, coaches, and friends at the SXU Women's and Men's Basketball Alumni Events. Whether you laced up last season or decades ago, we'd love to see you back in the gym to celebrate the legacy, share stories, and enjoy a day full of Cougar pride. Let's honor the past and look forward to the future -- once a Cougar, always a Cougar!

For more information, contact Coach Sidney Lovitsch at 773-298-3119 lovitschFREESXU.

Women's Volleyball | SXU vs. St. Francis (Ill.) | 11 a.m. | Shannon Center, Main Arena

Football| SXU vs. Lawrence Tech (Mich.) | 12 p.m. | Bruce R. Deaton Memorial Field

NEW! Alumni Tailgates - Two Locations | Shannon Center (Opens 10:45 a.m.) | Deaton Field (Opens 11 a.m.)
SXU is hosting two exciting games -- volleyball and football -- but there's no need to split your allegiance. "Check-in" at Deaton Field, then head over to the Shannon Center for the tip off to homecoming! After the match, gather at the tent for more food, beverages and fun! One cost for two tailgates! That's a win!

  • $25 (21 and over) includes entry to games, food and beverages.
  • Children 10 and under, accompanied by an adult, are free.

The first 100 alumni to check in on game day will receive free SXU Alumni swag.

Please register online. For additional details, contact Becca Allpow at 773-298-3315 or alumniFREESXU.