Dolphins Descend on Campus for 2021 Homecoming and Family Weekend

September 30, 2021

After a virtual Homecoming & Family Weekend in 2020, Dolphins from across the country will return to campus to celebrate Jacksonville University’s 70th Homecoming & Family Weekend on October 7-10, 2021.

The lineup of events in 2021 will bring back some cherished traditions and new activities for alumni and families to enjoy. 

The JU colorguard team walking down the street holding green flags.This year the Parade of Colleges returns on Friday, Oct. 8, giving alumni and guests the opportunity to tour each of our colleges, greet faculty, and hear updates from campus administrators in an open house format. President and Mrs. Cost will welcome guests at the Frisch Welcome Center for the President’s Welcome Reception at 6 p.m., featuring live music, light appetizers, and a festive welcome from our cheer squad and drumline!

Phin Phever – the Dolphin version of midnight madness – kicks off Homecoming & Family Weekend at Swisher Gymnasium at 7:30 p.m., featuring our talented athletes from the Men’s and Women’s Basketball teams. The Miss Dolphina and Big Man on Campus tradition continues, with the winners crowned during the event. The Class of 2021 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients will take center court to receive their award from President Cost, and fan favorites Dunk’n and Nellie are sure to make an appearance as well.

On Saturday morning, Green Key, our longest standing student group comprised of the University’s highest achieving students, will induct it’s newest members during the traditional Green Key Breakfast in the Sam Marks Center.

Later that morning, at 10:15, Linda Berry Stein College of Fine Arts students will perform an outdoor concert in the newly dedicated Kinne Plaza during our first Kinne Plaza Coffee Concert. Later that morning, our Classes of 1970 & 1971 will reunite to celebrate their 50th reunion and induction into the Green & Gold Guard, receiving their medallions from President Cost to commemorate the milestone. Stein College will recognize recipients of the Honored Alumni Awards during a luncheon in Terry Concert Hall later that afternoon.

The Saturday on the St. Johns tradition continues with the addition of food trucks this year, as guests will enjoy unbeatable riverfront views from Negaard Rowing Center, and live music from JU alumni in Let’s Ride Brass Band. The classic student tailgate continues in the Centennial Oak block party with inflatables, yard games and food trucks!

JU NROTC students standing in a line, in uniform.NROTC also celebrates their 50th anniversary with an open house at Tillie K. Fowler and reception at the River House on Saturday evening. Congressman Rutherford will be in attendance along with distinguished guests, alumni and families.

On Sunday, families can join President and Mrs. Cost along the river at the historic Epping Forest Yacht Club for a Dolphin Brunch. A photographer will be on hand to take commemorative family portraits in the beautiful gardens along the river.

On Sunday afternoon, it’s a Dolphin takeover at TIAA Bank Field, with over 500 Dolphins attending the JUxJags Outing. Cheer on our home team as they take on the Tennessee Titans at 1 p.m.


To view the full schedule, visit www.ju.edu/hcfw. Phins Up!

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