Homecoming | University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma

USAO Homecoming Logo

This November, USAO is bringing generations of Drovers together in a new way as Homecoming 2026: Legacy Starts Here welcomes alumni back to campus alongside the university’s first-ever Family Weekend. On November 6–7, 2026, alumni, students, families, faculty, staff and friends are invited to experience USAO together, celebrating the traditions and relationships that have shaped our university while making new memories with the students and families who are part of its story today.

This year's Homecoming has been thoughtfully designed to celebrate the many ways the USAO community leaves a lasting impact. Throughout the weekend, guests can enjoy signature traditions alongside exciting new experiences, including engaging faculty lectures, Hall of Fame Award celebrations, campus tours, art exhibits, family activities, athletic events, live entertainment, and opportunities to experience the vibrant campus of today. From honoring distinguished alumni to celebrating the next generation of students, every event reflects the enduring legacy of a liberal arts education and the people who make this university extraordinary. Families can also take part in Shop for Tuition, visiting participating Chickasha merchants for chances to win $500, $300 or $200 toward spring tuition.

“Homecoming has always been about coming back to the place and people who helped shape your story, and I love that this year we’re also welcoming families who are watching their students begin that story for themselves,” said Whitney Palesano, Director of Alumni Relations. “That is what ‘Legacy Starts Here’ means to me. Our alumni are part of the legacy of USAO, our students are creating theirs right now, and this weekend allows all of us to celebrate that together.”

For Cam Roberts, Director of Student Life, bringing Family Weekend and Homecoming together creates an opportunity for families to see more than where their student goes to school. They get to experience the community their student has joined. “We want families to spend the weekend having fun with their students, meeting the people who are part of their USAO experience and feeling connected to campus themselves,” Roberts said. “Holding our first Family Weekend alongside Homecoming lets families see the full Drover community in action and, hopefully, begin traditions of their own that bring them back to USAO for years to come.”

We hope you'll make plans now to join us on November 6-7, 2026, for a weekend of celebration, discovery, and Drover pride. Browse the full schedule of events, register for your favorite activities, and invite your classmates and friends to return with you. No matter where life has taken you since your time at USAO, your story is part of our story, and your legacy continues here.

For a full list of events and to register, visit the Homecoming 2026 registration page.

2026 Schedule

November 6, 2026

The most up to date agenda is available on the registration site. (Registration is not required for all events)

Time	Event	Location
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM	OCW Tea & Addams Hall Tour	Katie Niell Student Union – Regents Room
11:30 AM – 1:30 PM	USAO Alumni Association Annual Meeting	Katie Niell Student Union – Regents Room
2:30 PM – 4:30 PM	Faculty Lecture Series	Various Locations Across Campus
5:00 PM – 7:30 PM	Family Weekend Check In	Katie Niell Student Union – Lobby
5:30 PM – 8:30 PM	Hall of Fame Honors Dinner	USAO Ballroom
7:30 PM – 9:00 PM	Family Weekend: Interactive Performance Show	Te Ata Memorial Auditorium – Troutt Hall
8:00 PM – 9:30 PM	Art After Dark (Hall of Fame Post Dinner Reception)	Nesbitt Art Gallery – Davis Hall
9:00 PM – 10:30 PM	Dusty’s After Dark Family Edition	Dusty’s – Katie Niell Student Union, 2nd Floor

November 7, 2026

The most up to date agenda is available on the registration site. (Registration is not required for all events)

Time	Event	Location
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM	Yoga with DeeDee	USAO Oval
9:00 AM – 10:30 AM	Alumni Memorial Service	Alumni Chapel
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM	Nash Library Archives & Nesbitt Gallery Open	Nash Library & Davis Hall
11:30 AM – 1:30 PM	Fever Commons Lunch	USAO Oval
12:00 PM – 3:00 PM	Volleyball Game	Drover Fieldhouse
12:30 PM – 1:00 PM	Feaver Commons Dedication	USAO Oval
1:30 PM – 3:30 PM	Faculty & Friends Social
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM	Willard Hall Dedication	Willard Hall
4:30 PM – 6:00 PM	Basketball GameScholarship Giveaways & Homecoming Court	Drover Fieldhouse
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM	“Legacy Starts Here” Alumni Art Show	3rd Floor Gallery – Davis Hall
6:00 PM – 7:30 PM	Family Weekend Send Off Dinner	USAO Ballroom
7:30 PM – 10:00 PM	“The Man Who Came to Dinner” Alumni Show	Davis Little Theatre

Registration Information

We hope you are as excited as we are to have you back on campus and in Chickasha! Registration for Homecoming & Family Weekend is available now.

Hotel Information

Regtangular hotel building with a blue sign out front and cars driving through an awning If you need hotel accomodations during homehoming, we have secured a block of rooms at the Fairfield Inn here in Chickasha. Book by October 10, 2026.