Homecoming 2025 was a week filled with laughter, school spirit, and unforgettable memories.
Starting on Monday, Oct. 6 and continuing through the evening of Friday, Oct. 10, the Performing Arts and Activities Council (PAAC) offered one or more daily activities to get students involved and pump up school spirit. Activities were planned by a committee made up of PAAC members, Head Cheer and Dance Coach Gabrielle McCoy, campus safety, the alumni office, and any other students who wanted to be involved. All events were open to the Cornell community, with the pep rally also being open to alumni and the general public.
Caught on camera: relive the Homecoming spirit through these photos
Homecoming Kick-off
Monday, Oct. 6, 11–11:30 a.m., Orange Carpet
Homecoming 2025 started with students metaphorically rolling out the Orange Carpet, where students gathered to hear the announcement of this year’s Homecoming court.
Members of the Homecoming court (from left to right): Katie Nelson '26, Daelynn Rhoades '26, Luke Wiley '26, Ava Claussen-Tubbs '26, Maggie Helland '26, Delaney Barfels '26, Morgan Ahlers '26, Cameron Reimers '26, Jase Van Pelt '26, Jackson Brinker '26.
2025 Royalty: Ava Claussen-Tubbs ’26 (left) and Cameron Reimers ’26.
Monday, Oct. 6, 11 a.m.–1 p.m., Hall-Perinne
Homecoming got a little cuddlier thanks to Stuff-A-Critter. Students stopped by and experienced the fluff and the fun as they stuffed, hugged, and showed off their new plush pals for this cozy tradition.
Monday, Oct. 6, 7 p.m., Orange Carpet
Court Trivia turned introductions into entertainment as the Homecoming court showed off more than just school spirit. This Jeopardy! style game used clever questions, quick thinking, and a whole lot of laughs to share all the quirks of this year’s Homecoming court.
Tuesday, Oct. 7, all day, the Ped Mall
PAAC’s scavenger hunt brought out the campus detectives. With gift bags tucked around the Ped Mall, students tracked down their plush Ulysses keychain and cast an extra vote for their choice for Homecoming royalty.
Wednesday, Oct. 8, 7:30 p.m., Orange Carpet
Cornell alum John “Magic John” Bendewald ’17 returned to campus and brought the wonder with him. After Magic John mingled during dinner to perform close-up magic, students gathered on the Orange Carpet for a post-dinner show. Whether performing sleight-of-hand or mentalist feats, he had students guessing, gasping, and grinning from start to finish.
Thursday, Oct. 9, 11 a.m.–1 p.m., Orange Carpet
Homecoming got a royal touch with DIY Crown Decorating. Students teamed up with PAAC and Cornell Kind in a hands-on celebration of school spirit and self-expression. With glitter, gems, and sparkle, the Orange Carpet never looked so regal!
Friday, Oct. 10, 6 p.m., Thomas Commons
The royal procession turned heads and raised spirits as students gathered at the Thomas Commons and then made their way around campus. Beloved former campus security officer Jason Joens (center photo) led with style and pride as the Grand Marshall as students joined in from all corners of campus before heading down to Van Metre field at Ash Park for the official start of the Royal Rally.
Friday, Oct. 10, 6:30 p.m., Van Metre Field at Ash Park
From minute-to-win-it games with the Court to performances by cheer and dance, the Homecoming Rally brought the energy. The night wrapped with the announcement of this year’s royalty and a fierce powderpuff face-off between the Thetas and Phi-Os.
Bonus photos: Homecoming game
Homecoming week wouldn't be complete without the big game—even if it's not officially sponsored by PAAC, it's still the heart of the celebration. Here are a few snapshots from the football game and our cheerleaders bringing the energy to the field.