Homecoming: The Cowboy Way

Hardin-Simmons University’s (HSU) annual Homecoming festivities will take place Oct. 2–5, 2025. Each day will feature a variety of activities involving faculty, students, alumni, fans and the Abilene community.

To begin the week, the HSU Alumni Awards Banquet will be held in the Johnson Building onThursday, Oct. 2 at 6:30 p.m. The banquet will honor the 2025 Distinguished Alumni and the recipient of the 2025 Keeter Alumni Service Award.

The Friday Night Festival, held on the Newman Richardson Lawn, will feature pay-as-you-go food trucks, inflatables, balloon artists, face painting, yard games, and more. Entertainment will be provided by the HSU Spurs, HSU Cheerleaders, Hoss and HSU’s World-Famous Cowboy Band. 

At 6:00 p.m., HSU’s women’s volleyball team will face Howard Payne University in the Mabee Athletic Complex. At 6:30 p.m., the HSU Cheer reunion will take place by the Alumni Wall. All cheer alumni are invited to attend and connect with both past and current HSU cheerleaders.

The Athletics Hall of Fame Dinner will be hosted at 6:30 p.m. in the Johnson Building, celebrating HSU’s athletic department and athletes.

To conclude the evening, live music will be performed by Matt and Michelle Ellis  (’04/’21) on the Newman Richardson Lawn. The 2025 HSU Homecoming Court will be announced during the pep rally, followed by a fireworks show. In Bridges Courtyard, a free late-night breakfast will be served, featuring purple pancakes.

Registration will begin on Saturday, Oct. 4, in the Moody Student Center, where event tickets will also be available for purchase.

Also on Saturday, Oct. 4, a parents-only breakfast will be held at 9:00 a.m. in the Moody Center. At 9:30 a.m., HSU’s Student Organization Reunion will take place on Anderson Lawn, giving alumni the opportunity to meet current organization members.

Throughout the week, the Kids’ Zone will be open in the Fletcher Fitness Center. All children must be accompanied by an adult, but are encouraged to enjoy activities on the indoor soccer field.

The Cowboy football team will face Howard Payne University with kickoff scheduled for 1:00 p.m.  The 2025 Homecoming King and Queen will be announced at halftime.

To register for homecoming and find a full list of festivities visit https://www.hsutx.edu/alumni/hsu-homecoming/.