A Century of Canes: Celebrating the University of Miami's Alumni Weekend and Homecoming
The University of Miami's Alumni Weekend and Homecoming is a time for Canes from all over the world to come together and celebrate their shared history, traditions, and spirit. This year's celebration is especially significant as it marks the University's centennial. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the events and activities planned for this momentous occasion, offering something for everyone who wants to reconnect with their alma mater and celebrate the U's first 100 years.
A Week of High-Energy Kickoffs
The excitement begins early in the week with several athletic events. The Miami Hurricanes Women's Basketball team tips off Homecoming week with a high-energy game against Hofstra. Shortly after, the Canes Men’s Basketball team battles Jacksonville. Later in the week, the Women's team faces Bethune-Cookman, followed by the Men’s team also taking on Bethune-Cookman. These games promise excitement and energy, setting the tone for a week filled with Cane spirit.
School and College-Specific Celebrations
Each of the University of Miami's schools and colleges hosts its own unique events during Alumni Weekend and Homecoming, providing opportunities for alumni to reconnect with their former classmates and professors.
School of Architecture
The School of Architecture hosts a golf event at the historic Biltmore Golf Course. Alumni, friends, and supporters can enjoy a round on the greens, indulge in food and refreshments, and participate in raffles, prizes, and awards. The School also hosts a Centennial Homecoming Alumni Barbecue in the school's Courtyard, offering an evening of food, refreshments, and community reconnection.
School of Law
The School of Law kicks off its Alumni Weekend and Homecoming with a golf event at the Miami Springs Country Club, supporting the Paul & Terrance Dee Memorial Endowed Scholarship. The awards banquet features Hon. Stan Blake as emcee, with a tribute to Legal Honoree, The Honorable Oliver G. Gilbert III, J.D. ’00, and Sports Honoree, Coach Juan "JD" Arteaga, B.A. '03. A special event commemorates the School of Law Class of 1975's 50th reunion. Additionally, the School of Law hosts a complimentary event with food, fun, and reconnection opportunities for all alumni, with special recognition of the reunion classes: 2015, 2005, 2000, and 1995.
Read also: A Colorful Legacy: Miami Football
Department of Art & Art History
The Department of Art & Art History presents CENTENNIAL: University of Miami Print Exchange 2025, an exhibition celebrating the creative contributions of alumni and faculty from the last 32 years. Curated by Professor Emeritus, Lise Drost, the show highlights a diverse range of printmaking practices, honoring the university’s artistic legacy.
Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science
The Rosenstiel School celebrates 100 years of the U with a special Homecoming happy hour reception, offering oceanfront views and a toast to a century of impact, innovation, and Hurricane pride.
School of Education and Human Development
The School of Education and Human Development hosts a special afternoon event honoring the U’s centennial and the school's vibrant spirit, hosted by Dean Laura Kohn Wood.
College of Engineering
The College of Engineering Alumni Association hosts its annual Homecoming Breakfast, providing a morning of connection, celebration, and Cane spirit.
Frost School of Music
The Frost School of Music hosts a luncheon for Band of the Hour alumni, followed by the Hall of Fame ceremony and a rehearsal. Shelly Berg, Grammy-nominated pianist and dean of the Frost School of Music, returns to the stage with two of Gershwin’s most iconic works-An American in Paris and Rhapsody in Blue.
Read also: Highs and Lows: Miami Basketball 2024
College of Arts and Sciences
Leonidas Bachas, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, hosts a special Homecoming gathering inviting Arts and Sciences alumni back to campus to reconnect, reflect, and celebrate moments that shaped their U experience.
School of Nursing and Health Studies
Dean Hudson Santos hosts a special afternoon bringing together alumni, colleagues, and friends in the spirit of connection and Canes pride. Attendees can enjoy food, conversations, and the chance to reconnect with fellow Canes.
Miami Herbert Business School
The Miami Herbert Business School welcomes alumni for a special centennial BBQ, offering a chance to reconnect with friends, meet new people, and celebrate campus spirit with food and beverages.
Centennial Celebrations and Special Events
In addition to school-specific events, there are several university-wide celebrations that highlight the U's centennial and bring together alumni from all backgrounds.
LGBTQ+ Alumni and Allies Gathering
A vibrant gathering of LGBTQ+ alumni, families, and allies is held at the Lakeside Village Auditorium.
Read also: Accessing your health records with MyChart
International and Hispanic Alumni Celebration
A special centennial Homecoming event honors international and Hispanic alumni, reconnecting Canes from across the world, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Attendees can share their UM journey and toast to 100 years of global impact, friendship, and Hurricanes pride.
Veteran Alumni and Student Veterans Networking Reception
A special centennial networking reception honors the dedication and service shown by veteran alumni and student veterans, celebrating their impact and providing a chance to connect with others who’ve shaped the university's legacy. Attendees can also check out the Veteran Students Organization and tour the Veteran Resource Center.
Centennial Homecoming Campus Tour
A guided walk through the Coral Gables campus, led by current students, offers a unique opportunity to explore landmarks, discover hidden gems, and hear stories that span 100 years of Canes pride.
Black Alumni Society and Office of Multicultural Student Affairs Reception
This reception celebrates the contributions of alumni from the diaspora, reconnecting Canes, meeting current student leaders, and honoring the stories of leadership, legacy, and learning that have shaped the University's first 100 years.
Hillel Open House
Hillel hosts a special open house in celebration of the University's centennial, with kosher bites, treats, and drinks, inviting alumni and current students to mingle and connect.
International Students and Alumni Reception
International students, alumni, and supporters are invited to a special centennial Homecoming celebration in collaboration with the Council of International Students and Organizations (COISO), honoring the legacy of COISO and bringing together past and present Canes from around the world.
Housing and Residential Life Gathering
Former and current employees of Housing and Residential Life are invited to mingle, reminisce, and network with fellow Canes who have contributed to the residential life experience.
St. UCatholic Celebration
An annual celebration of UCatholic at St. Augustine Church and Catholic Student Center.
Traditions and Entertainment
No Alumni Weekend and Homecoming would be complete without the traditions and entertainment that make the University of Miami unique.
Boat Burning Ceremony and Canes Lounge
Thousands of Canes gather around Lake Osceola for the beloved boat-burning ceremony, an enduring symbol of the U's spirit. The Centennial Edition of Canes Lounge offers exclusive viewing areas, food, photos, live performances, and an open bar.
Homecoming Football Game
The Miami Hurricanes face off against the Syracuse Orange at Hard Rock Stadium. This game is a historic moment, uniting Canes in orange and green to rally behind their team and honor a century of excellence, pride, and tradition. Attendees can upgrade their experience with a private luxury suite.
Tailgate Parties
Several tailgate parties are held before the Homecoming football game, including the Black Unity Tailgate, BMW Tailgate, and School of Law Alumni Tailgate. These events offer food, drinks, and opportunities to connect with fellow Canes.
Band of the Hour Alumni Performance
Band alumni have the opportunity to perform pre-game and halftime with the Frost Band of the Hour, as well as in the stands.
"Always, Most of the Time" Screening
A screening of "Always, Most of the Time," a film about a woman who discovers she can travel back in time to fix her dating history.
Concluding Celebrations
The Alumni Weekend and Homecoming concludes with several events that honor outstanding members of the University community.
“Morning Spirits” Awards Breakfast
The Law Alumni Association and the Student Bar Association host the 76th Annual “Morning Spirits” awards breakfast at the Lakeside Pavilion, honoring the judiciary, elected officials, and alumni who’ve shaped the legal community.
Golden Ibis Society Breakfast
Fellow Golden Ibis Society members gather for breakfast, honoring alumni who graduated 50 or more years ago and celebrating the legacy, traditions, and vibrant spirit of being a Miami Hurricane. Emmy Award-winning sports commentator, journalist, and entertainer Roy Firestone, B.A. ’75, hosts the morning.
Transportation
Alumni are invited to use the Hurry Cane shuttle service for the homecoming football game, traveling to and from the stadium from the Coral Gables campus.
tags: #miami #university #alumni #weekend #schedule
