GVSU Homecoming 2023: Everything you need to know

Few events can capture true Laker Pride quite like Homecoming. The annual tradition is taking place Oct. 25-29 with events in Allendale and downtown Grand Rapids to connect students, alumni, fans and the community to GVSU. 

The week of Homecoming will include a variety of events for students, including returning traditions like Lip Sync Battle and a pep rally, as well as new events like a Homecoming T-shirt swap and bouquet making. There are select events for alumni, including the Class of 1973 Golden Reunion, ‘then and now’ campus tours and more. See the full list of Homecoming events at www.gvsu.edu/homecoming. 

On Saturday, Oct. 28, Grand Valley will play Michigan Tech at 3 p.m. in Lubbers Stadium, with a variety of other athletic games and events happening between Oct. 27-29. More information can be found at www.gvsulakers.com. 

If you find yourself on Michigan’s West side during the week of Homecoming, be sure to check out GVSU Alumni Relations’ alumni-owned brewery ale trail for discounts and specialty drinks at popular locations like Long Road Distillers, Broad Leaf Brewery and more.

Homecoming 2023 will mark the 45th anniversary since Grand Valley’s first Homecoming to the date: Oct. 28th, 1978. While some things have stood the test of time, plenty has changed over the 45 years as well.

What did Homecoming look like in 1978?

• The theme was “Grand Valley Graffiti." Student organizations and housing units were encouraged to create decorations for homecoming. There were free movie showings during the week of “American Graffiti” and “Pink Panther.” 
• There was a parade through campus featuring students, alumni, cars, floats, the GVSC Marching band and Louie the Laker (known then as the Great Laker). The Great Laker also signed autographs in the bookstore.
• A pep rally took place in Robinson Field, now the home of Holton-Hooker Living and Learning Center. That week’s copy of the Lanthorn advertised that after the pep rally, the band "Bad Habits Dance Band" would play popular disco, rock-and-roll and jazz songs until 1 a.m. 
• Spirit hayrides took place on campus, offering fans a free ride to the football game. 
• For only $5 per person or $8 for a couple, attendees could enjoy a Homecoming Cabaret held in Kirkhof with a wine and cheese buffet, plus music and dancing.

What will Homecoming look like in 2023? 

• The Lakers will take on Michigan Tech at 3 p.m. in Lubbers Stadium. The game will be the first to allow fans ages 21 and up to purchase beer and hard seltzer inside the stadium.
• Starting on Wednesday, Oct. 25, the Cook Carillon Tower on the Allendale Campus will be lit up in Laker Blue to celebrate Grand Valley. 
• A pep rally will be held on Kirkhof Center lawn at 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 27. Students can enjoy s’mores and food trucks while they watch the announcement of GVSU’s Homecoming Royal with appearances from the Laker football team. 
• The GVSU Class of 1973 will reunite on campus for their Golden Reunion, hosted by Alumni Relations. During their time at Grand Valley, enrollment grew from 2,718 to 5,920, Arend “Don” Lubbers was named president of Grand Valley, and new buildings opened on campus included the Zumberge Library, Kistler Living Center, the Fine Arts Center (now the Thomas J. and Marcia J. Haas Center for Performing Arts), and the Ravine Apartments.
• The community is welcome to attend a free Homecoming Carillon Concert. Retired GVSU carillonneur Julianne Vanden Wyngaard will play a selection of festive songs from the iconic GVSU Cook Carillon Tower from 11 a.m.-noon on Saturday, Oct. 28.

For more information on Homecoming week events, parking, local hotels and more, visit www.gvsu.edu/homecoming.