News from campus and beyond
A look back at Homecoming Week 2026
Furman cheerleaders help President Elizabeth Davis conduct a cheer during halftime of the Homecoming football game on Saturday, October 24, 2026.
Homecoming Week 2026 was special for so many reasons, but 2026 stood out thanks to a celebration and combined community, school spirit, old friends and the conclusion of Furman’s Bicentennial events and the wrap of Clearly Furman: A Campaign for our Third Century.
Current students, former classmates, esteemed faculty and spirited staff came together all of last week in the tradition of Homecoming to cheer and say cheers to Paladins through the years. Festivities kicked off early when students pomped floats on the mall and chalked throughout campus to get ready for a weekend of excitement.
By Friday, those same students were ready to show off their hard work and let loose a little with the annual carnival and pep rally all evening long. On Saturday, the entire campus was buzzing with tailgates, recognition events, alumni reunions, football and a grand Furman Remix party at Timmons Arena, complete with a closing drone show, that highlighted the success of the Clearly Furman campaign.
“The joy of Furman Remix was seeing generations come together to recognize the Furman they’ve always known and loved,” said Cherington Shucker, Associate Vice President for Philanthropic Strategy. “Across the decades, the stories may change, but this place’s central theme endures, centered on people, relationships, and a sense of belonging that brings us home to campus. As we celebrated our bicentennial, the success of Clearly Furman and Homecoming on one epic night was a fitting tribute to the alumni, parents, friends and employees who make Furman what it is today.”
Not only did this mark Furman’s 200th birthday, but it served as the last Homecoming with President Elizabeth Davis leading the university. She could be found at multiple events throughout the day including crowning Homecoming Court at halftime of the football game, speaking at the Benefactor’s Green induction and addressing alumni from more than 70 years of Furman’s recent history at the Remix event Saturday evening.
It was a Homecoming to remember and Ford Riddle, Associate Vice President for Alumni Engagement and Philanthropy, wrapped up the emotion of the event after it was all said and done.
“The highlight for me was meeting alumni who hadn’t been back to campus in decades and watching them reconnect with former classmates,” he said. “Seeing alumni on the mall catching up with the professors, staff, coaches and friends who mentored them is what makes Furman so unique, and it felt especially meaningful in our 200th year.”
