Homecoming | University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma

Horseshoe shape Homecoming and Family Weekend logos on a green halftone USAO Campus picture

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 more information and registration, click on the following links: Alumni Homecoming Registration | Current Student Family Weekend Registration

2026 Homecoming 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 – 8:00 PM	Registration/Welcome Table	Katie Neill Wint Student Union - Lobby
10:00 AM	OCW Tea & Addams Hall Tour	Katie Neill Wint Student Union – Regents Room
11:30 AM – 1:30 PM	Alumni Association Annual Business Meeting	Katie Neill Wint Student Union – Regents Room
2:30 PM – 4:30 PM	Faculty Lecture Series	Various Locations Across Campus
5:30 PM	Hall of Fame Honors Dinner	USAO Ballroom
8:00 PM – 9:30 PM	Art After Dark / OAI Anniversary Gallery Exhibit	Nesbitt Art Gallery – Davis Hall

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 – 8:00 PM	Registration/Welcome Table	Katie Neill Wint Student Union - Lobby
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM	Yoga with DeeDee	Katie Neill Wint Student Union - Station 82
8:00 AM – 10:00 AM	Breakfast	Katie Neill Wint Student Union - Cafeteria
9:00 AM	Alumni Memorial Service	Alumni Chapel
10:30 AM – 2:30 PM	Drover History Archives & OAI Exhibit Open	Nash Library & Nesbitt Gallery
11:30 AM – 1:30 PM	Feaver Commons Lunch & Celebration	USAO Oval
12:00 PM	Volleyball Game	Drover Fieldhouse
12:30 PM	Feaver Commons Dedication Ceremony	USAO Oval
2:30 PM	Willard Hall Dedication & Walk-Through	Willard Hall
2:30 PM – 4:00 PM	Faculty & Friends Social	Jourdan House
4:30 PM – 6:30 PM	Homecoming Basketball Game	Drover Fieldhouse
6:00 PM	“Legacy Starts Here” Art Show Opening Reception	Davis Hall - 3rd Floor Gallery
7:30 PM	Alumni Theatre: “The Man Who Came to Dinner”	Davis Little Theatre

2026 Family Weekend 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	Description
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM	Check In	Katie Neill Wint Student Union - Station 82	Kick off your Family Weekend experience by checking in and picking up everything you need to be a part of the Drover community for the weekend. You’ll receive your event schedule, Family Weekend t-shirt, and all the important information you need to make the most of your time on campus.
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM	Dinner in the Cafeteria	Katie Neill Wint Student Union - Cafeteria	Grab a bite to eat and enjoy dinner in our Caf or head downtown to explore Chickasha’s local restaurants and shops. Take this time to look over the schedule, fuel up for an exciting evening of activities, and enjoy some shopping downtown as part of Shop for Tuition.
5:00 PM – 7:30 PM	Shop for Tuition	Downtown Chickasha	Explore downtown Chickasha and participate in local businesses during Shop for Tuition! Enjoy shopping, supporting the local community, and discovering what Chickasha has to offer while getting the chance to possibly win a scholarship for the spring.
6:00 PM	Volleyball Game (Senior Night)	Drover Fieldhouse
7:30 PM – 9:00 PM	Showtime	Te Ata Memorial Auditorium	Get ready for an amazing evening of amazement, laughter, and unforgettable entertainment! Join us for a special show with Oklahoma's Premier Magician John Shack that the whole family can enjoy.
9:00 PM – 11:00 PM	Dusty's After Dark Family Edition - Karaoke	Oval underneath the big tent	Grab the mic, pick your favorite song, and sing your heart out! Whether you’re ready to show off your vocals or cheer on your family from the crowd. The night will feature music, community, and unforgettable memories.

November 7, 2026

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

* - optional event

Time	Event	Location	Description
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM	Yoga with DeeDee	Katie Neill Wint Student Union - Station 82	Start your morning with a little movement, mindfulness, and relaxation! Join our personal Yoga Instructor, DeeDee McCormick, for a yoga session to stretch, unwind, and recharge before a fun filled day of Family Weekend activities.
8:00 AM – 10:00 AM	Breakfast	Katie Neill Wint Student Union - Cafeteria
9:00 AM – 11:30 AM	Shop for Tuition	Downtown Chickasha	Explore downtown Chickasha and participate in local businesses during Shop for Tuition! Enjoy shopping, supporting the local community, and discovering what Chickasha has to offer while getting the chance to possibly win a scholarship for the spring.
10:30 AM – 2:30 PM	Drover History Archives & OAI Exhibit Open	Nash Library & Nesbitt Gallery
11:30 AM – 1:30 PM	Feaver Commons Lunch & Celebration	USAO Oval	Watch the Oval come alive with The Drive Band, food trucks, vendors, inflatables, a BBQ buffet line, and so much more! Come for an afternoon of fun, food, and entertainment for the whole family as we officially dedicate the Oval in honor of President Emeritus John Feaver and name it The Feaver Commons. Free for all students and families!
12:00 PM	Volleyball Game	Drover Fieldhouse
12:30 PM	Feaver Commons Dedication Ceremony	USAO Oval
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM	Willard Hall Rededication & Walk-Through	Willard Hall
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM	Faculty & Friends Social	Jourdan House	Connect with USAO faculty, staff, and fellow Drover families while celebrating your Drover community!
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM	Family Photos	Jourdan House	Show off your Family Weekend t-shirt and capture a special memory with a professional photo alongside Dusty!
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM	Campus Tours	Jourdan House	Explore campus, discover USAO’s hidden gems, and see what makes our Drover community special!
4:30 PM - 6:30 PM	Homecoming Basketball Game	Drover Fieldhouse
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM	"Legacy Starts Here" Art Show*	Davis Hall 3rd Floor - Art Gallery
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM	Dinner and Family Weekend Send Off	Ballroom - Katie Neill Wint Student Union, 2nd Floor	Wrap up Family Weekend with dinner, time with your family, live music from USAO very own 1908 Jazz Combo, and the announcement of our Shop for Tuition Spring scholarships.
7:30 PM	The Man Who Came to Dinner- Alumni Theater Production*	Davis Little Theater

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.

Alumni Homecoming Weekend

Homecoming Registration

Family Weekend

Family Weekend Registration

Hotel Information

A building of a hotel If you need hotel accommodations during homecoming, we have secured a block of rooms at the Best Western Plus here in Chickasha. Book by October 30, 2026.