Dear Retrievers,

Homecoming 2025 is right around the corner, and we can’t wait to celebrate with this amazing community. Our faculty and staff truly make UMBC the special place that it is (we were once again named a “Great College to Work For”), and Homecoming is as much for you as it is for our students and alumni. We know your schedules are packed, but we hope you will join us for some of the amazing events we have planned.

Don’t miss the Staff and Faculty Social on Wednesday, October 8, from 4 – 6 p.m. in the Sherman Atrium. This is the perfect chance to take a moment to relax, enjoy some delicious appetizers, socialize with colleagues from across campus, and explore the newly renovated Sherman Hall A-wing. Registration is open now on myUMBC.

Next up is the highly anticipated GRIT-X Talks and Reception on Thursday, October 9, from 4 – 6 p.m. in the Fine Arts Recital Hall. Come listen as some of UMBC’s most brilliant faculty and alumni share their innovative ideas and stories in a series of dynamic, short-form talks. Get ready to be inspired! Afterward, stick around for the reception to connect with the speakers and continue the conversation. Visit research.umbc.edu/grit-x to view this year’s incredible lineup of speakers and register for the event.

Following GRIT-X, you can head over to the Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena for Retriever Madness from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., an old favorite making its Homecoming return to help kick off the 2025 – 2026 basketball season. Enjoy live entertainment, games and prizes, autograph sessions and meet-and-greets with student athletes, tasty snacks and beverages, and so much more. Wear your best black and gold as we celebrate what it means to be part of Retriever Nation.

Then, Homecoming weekend is jam-packed with events for the whole family, from the Retriever 5K and Family Fun Run at 8:30 a.m. all the way to the men’s soccer game vs. New Hampshire at 7 p.m. There are plenty of Homecoming favorites returning, like the First Lego League Build and the Taste of Maryland Crab Feast. And there are a few new events sure to capture the hearts of Retrievers, like the re-imagined community breakfast in True Grit’s. Then, Homecoming 2025 comes to an end on Sunday, October 12, with the women’s soccer senior day game vs. Bryant.

Visit the Homecoming website to view the full schedule and register for these and other great events. We look forward to seeing you there!

Go Retrievers!