Homecoming week at UW was Oct. 21–28, 2017, with the theme “Wyoming Spirit, Wild as the West.” The Big Event, a community service day presented by the Service, Leadership and Community Engagement (SLCE) Office, kicked off Homecoming. The week included a variety of activities for students, alumni and friends. Student activities ranged from a Homecoming T-shirt and pizza giveaway, to the annual Homecoming Sing, to the car push. Students enjoyed the first-ever Homecoming Student Tailgate and Pep Rally, including a meal and live music, followed by the Homecoming Sing. Alumni and friends activities ranged from department open houses and receptions to tailgates and Cowboy Coffee, hosted by the UW Foundation before the annual Homecoming parade. Those who pre-registered for Homecoming received a UW Alumni Association limited-edition T-shirt. During registration, alumni could also take advantage of the discount coupon based on graduation year through the University Store. The Golden Boot Competition—an event traditionally held by UW Student Affairs, in which departments decorate their offices based on the current year’s Homecoming theme—was expanded to include all campus departments and Laramie businesses. The 2017 Golden Boot campus winner was Residence Life and Dining Services, and the Laramie business winner was UniWyo Federal Credit Union.
The 2017 Distinguished Alumni Awards were presented to Stephen Adams, Richard “Dick” Agee, Mary Catherine “Mimi” Fenton and the Honorable M. Margaret McKeown. These individuals were honored at the UW Distinguished Alumni Dinner, participated in activities with their colleges, participated in the parade and were announced at the football game. The 50th Club Reunion was hosted by the UWAA over Homecoming weekend to honor the class of 1967 while also inviting all prior graduating classes to attend.
There were 91 entries in the parade, and the overall parade winner was Keepers of the Fire. Following the parade, the UWAA held the All Alumni and Friends Reunion, which was sponsored by First Interstate Bank. Alumni and friends enjoyed complimentary appetizers and a cash bar. The reunion was held in conjunction with the Pokes Pregame Pep Rally, hosted by the UW Foundation, that featured remarks from Coach Bohl, the Cowboy Walk, the Western Thunder Marching Band and the cheer team. The Homecoming football game was against the New Mexico Lobos. Wyoming defeated the Lobos 42–3.
Thank you to the Homecoming committee for helping to create a memorable week at UW! Thank you as well to our Homecoming sponsor, UniWyo Federal Credit Union.