Homecoming
A Tradition Connecting Generations of Cougars
There's nothing quite like the feeling of coming home! From October 2 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, culminating in our Alumni Women's Volleyball and Football games on Saturday.
Let's make this Homecoming an unforgettable experience. Together, we are Cougar Nation!
Save the Date!
Homecoming Week October 2 -10, 2026
Homecoming Week Events
The Artwork of Kimmy Noonen
Presented by the SXU Art Gallery | Runs through October 24
WXAV 88.3 | Alumni Takeover
October 3-10
Friday, October 2, 2026
SXU Bilingual Spanish Family Mass | 7 p.m. | McDonough Chapel
The Office of Family and Community Engagement warmly invites all Saint Xavier University students, families, staff, faculty and surrounding community members to our annual Bilingual Spanish Family Mass on Friday, October 2, at 7 p.m. in McDonough Chapel. Following Mass, everyone is invited to stay for fellowship over pan dulce (Mexican sweet bread) and coffee/hot chocolate.
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.)
Register or contact Diego Santiaguillo for more details at 773-298-3318 or alumniFREESXU.
Sunday, October 4, 2026
A Walk for Peace | 5 p.m. | McDonough Chapel
On behalf of the Sisters of Mercy Justice Team, the Office of Family and Community
Engagement and Campus Ministry warmly invite our faculty, staff and students to come
together for a Walk for Peace. We will begin at McDonough Chapel at 5 p.m. with prayer and then walk approximately
two miles around the Saint Xavier University campus and surrounding neighborhood.
Participants are encouraged to wear white (the color of peace), as well as bring signs
or posters with messages of peace, hope, welcome and unity. Those who are unable to
participate in the walk are invited to remain in McDonough Chapel in prayer for peace
while others complete the route.
Monday, October 5, 2026
Game Day Gear (Students) | Noon - 4 p.m. | Butler Reception Room
Get game day ready with SXU! Stop by to customize your own jeans, shirts, crewnecks, or hats with SXU patches and more. Come enjoy some fudge puppies while you create your perfect game day look. Whether you're dressing up for game day, showing your SXU pride, or just looking for something to do, stop by and make some gear tailored to you.
Tuesday, October 6, 2026
Drive-In Movie (Students)| 7 p.m. | Parking Lot 4
You might've been to the movies, but have you ever been to a drive-in? Special for Homecoming, we are bringing the drive-in to campus! With the weather being unpredictable in October, cars are encouraged but not required. We will walk you through how to use an FM transmitter to listen to the movie from the comfort of your own car. No movie is complete without snacks! We will have a full concession with popcorn, candy, and hot chocolate free for students to enjoy. RSVP to secure a spot!
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.
Once Upon a Fair (Students) | 2 - 6 p.m. | Schmitt Quad
Come shop, eat and explore! Join us for an evening filled with local vendors, food, shopping, and fun activities. Discover something new, support small businesses, and enjoy a night of community right here on campus.
Thursday, October 8, 2026
Second Annual Staff and Faculty vs. Student Basketball Game | 4 - 7 p.m. | Shannon Center - Main Arena
Calling all students and staff/faculty: Sign up to play head-to-head in a basketball-style tournament! Not interested in playing? Come cheer and watch who wins at the Shannon Center on October 8.
SXU Alumna 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.
Register for in-person attendance or sign up for Zoom attendance.
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.
SXU Alumni Basketball Games | 6 p.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.
Annual RSO Parade and Bonfire (Students) | 7 - 10 p.m. | Parking Lot 4
Join us for the annual RSO parade and bonfire to get fired up to see our SXU Cougars face off in the Homecoming game on Saturday! If you are an RSO and participate in the parade, you have a chance to win money toward your club account! Stick around for performances by our cheer, dance, and Cougarettes teams, music and free food. We hope to see you there!
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.
Women's Volleyball | SXU vs. St. Francis (Ill.) | 11 a.m. | Shannon Center, Main Arena
Football| SXU vs. Lawrence Tech (Mich.) | Noon | Bruce R. Deaton Memorial Field
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 kickoff to homecoming! After the game, 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.