Electrical engineering doctoral student Ganesh Marasini tests real-life grid control operations in ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½β€™s β€” a training ground for rising engineers to collaborate, learn and help reimagine the energy grid of the future.

Hundreds of fans celebrated ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ men’s basketball’s upset win over No. 3 Kansas at Addition Financial Arena.

ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ broke ground on the transformational Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion at Lake Nona, which is anticipated to open in 2025-26. The new 90,000 square-foot home of the College of Nursing will help ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ graduate more highly qualified, compassionate nurses for the future.

A student practices with a manikin hand at ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½β€™s state-of-the-art in the College of Nursing, which is equipped with advanced medical devices and technology to train nursing students for clinical practice.

Since kicking off the outdoor season with a top 10 national ranking, the ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ women’s track and field team has clocked some of the world’s fastest times this year.

During the 10th anniversary of ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ Celebrates the Arts β€” aΒ multi-day festival honoring creative expressions β€” artists competed in Creative Clash, a live art event where they raced against the clock to create large-format artwork with markers in front of spectators at Seneff Arts Plaza.

A graduate walks across the stage during a Spring 2024 commencement ceremony that took place in Addition Financial Arena.

Three students dove into their studies while hanging out in their dorm room at the .

A Summer 2024 graduate beams with pride, holding his diploma as he walks across the commencement stage.

Knightro shows off a ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ specialty license plate while filming a new at Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy’s Studio 500. To Knight Your Ride, click here.

ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ students are conducting groundbreaking research at labs, paving the way for the future of space exploration and innovation.

Two fighter aircrafts flew over FBC Mortgage Stadium during the pregame ceremony for the Family Weekend football game, where the Knights defeated the Sam Houston State University Bearkats, 45-14.

Running back RJ Harvey crossed into the end zone for a touchdown during the Knight’s second home game of the season against Sam Houston.

A student guides TapeMeasure, ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½β€™s semiautonomous dog-like robot, up the steps of the John C. Hitt Library, demonstrating its advanced navigation capabilities for innovative research by students and faculty.

A member of ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ Air Force ROTC Detachment 159 salutes while being filmed on campus for , showcasing ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ as a place for those who dare to invent the future.

Annika Emmett, a health sciences student, and Limbitless Solutions intern and past bionic arm recipient, tries on a bionic arm, showcasing its advanced technology that empowers children with limb differences.

This year, ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ Downtown, in partnership with Valencia College, celebrates five years of educational excellence. The campus has welcomed more than 7,000 students and awarded 10,300 degrees since opening in 2019.

Two space scientists operate a rover on the world’s largest simulated lunar surface, located in ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½β€™s Exolith Lab. The lab’s Lunar Highland Regolith Test Bin was developed in partnership with the Florida Space Institute to support space exploration research.

Before the ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ Knights took on the Colorado Buffaloes, two cheerleaders interacted with a young ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ fan during Knight Walk at IOA Plaza, the lively pregame tradition where fans, the marching band, and the cheer and dance teams rally together to welcome the football team before kickoff.

ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½β€™s cheer team amped up the crowd as the Knights took on the University of Cincinnati Bearcats at FBC Mortgage Stadium.

Rapper NLE Choppa performed at Concert Knight presented by ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ Homecoming at Addition Financial Arena.

The cheer team hyped up the crowd with a high-energy stunt routine before students charged into the Reflecting Pond to catch homecoming rubber ducks at Spirit Splash.

Knightro surfed over a crowd of students at Spirit Splash, ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½β€™s biggest homecoming tradition.

During Spirit Splash, Knightro even secured a cowboy-themed rubber duck, celebrating this year’s theme: Cowboys vs. Aliens.

Knightro posed with a constellation-themed SpaceU cape in front of a giant moon backdrop at ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½β€™s 2024 SpaceU Luncheon, honoring the university’s ties to space exploration and innovation.

ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ President Alexander N. Cartwright stands next to rocket engines while touring facilities during a visit to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.

Forward AnzhanΓ© Hutton attempts a jump shot to score in the Addition Financial Arena. ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ defeated Wichita State 59-56.

Kareem Ahmed, associate professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, is the principal investigator of a new Naval Research Laboratory-funded project to create a morphing hypersonic engine for ultra-fast travel.

The ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½/Universal Creative Lab, which launched Spring 2023, brings immersive design learning experiences to students to cultivate the next generation of themed entertainment innovators. The class opened to graduate students in ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½β€™s , which is directed by Professor Peter Weishar.

Pushing the frontier of space research, Associate Professor of Physics Adrienne Dove is co-leading NASA’s $35 million science mission to the moon’s Gruithuisen Domes, which is expected to launch in 2026.

A participant in the 15th annual ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ Iron Knight Challenge drags weights across a field in a race to complete eight physical fitness tasks along a military-style obstacle course.

Forward Taylor Hendricks is ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ men’s basketball’s third NBA Draft selection in program history. Hendricks was selected by the Utah Jazz with the No. 9 overall pick of the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft.

Jane Gibson, fromΒ the College of Medicine, was selected as one of fourΒ 2023 Pegasus Professors, the university’s highest faculty honor. Professors Stephen Fiore, Jennifer Kent-Walsh and Marianna Pensky were also selected.

Rapper and singer Doechii performed at ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½est Concert Knight presented by Campus Activities Board at the Addition Financial Arena.

During ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ Celebrates the Arts β€” a multi-day showcase of creativity β€” student cellists and other ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ musicians performed orchestral classics at the Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts.

Backstage during a ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ Celebrates the Arts production at the Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts in downtown Orlando.

Ballet dancers captivated the stage during TECH-nique: A Dance Concert at ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ Celebrates the Arts, which focused on the intersection of arts and technology this year.

Knights posed for photos in the Student Union during ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ Day of Giving 2023; an impactful celebration that ended with Knight Nation raising over $6.8 million β€” the most in university history β€” to support our local community, fund life-changing scholarships, power championship athletics, build 21st century learning facilities, fuel innovative research and enhance the university’s global reputation.

A graduate from Spring 2023 commencement celebrates with loved ones.

ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ students spend a day outdoors in downtown Orlando, which ranks as the No. 1 Best College City in Florida, according to WalletHub.

Principal Investigator and Associate Professor ofΒ Mechanical and Aerospace EngineeringΒ Helen Huang works with student Jordan Grubb to understand how the brain and body work together β€” valuable research to assist those with impaired movement.

The Charging Knight statue β€” representative of ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½β€™s excellence in academics, its partnerships with the community and its athletics program β€” sits near the main entrance of FBC Mortgage Stadium.

College of Optics and Photonics Associate Professor Kyu Young Han works with doctoral student Katelyn Canedo ’16 in the , which focuses on optical nanoscopy. Han is an expert in designing new optical tools for biological applications, including ones that could aid in the understanding of human protein linked to diseases.

Student researchers gain hands-on experience with lasers in a lab in the College of Optics and Photonics.

Two students take a selfie with Knightro during the Welcome Back Popsicle Social event hosted by the Office of the President at the Reflecting Pond on the first day of the fall semester.

Political science student Sebastian Jimenez dives into a book outside of the John C. Hitt Library β€” carrying on the late president emeritus’ core belief that education transforms lives.

Jersey Shore star and DJ, Pauly D, gets the crowd pumped during his pregame set at Bounce House Live at IOA Plaza before ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ football’s first Big 12 home game.

Fans filled FBC Mortgage Stadium for the first Big 12 home football game against Baylor.

The School of Modeling, Simulation and Training secured an advanced dog-like robot named TapeMeasure β€” allowing them to bring students, faculty and new technology together forΒ innovative researchΒ and teaching.

ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ Creative School for Children held a foam splash event to provide its own Spirit Splash-like experience for preschoolers during Homecoming Week.

Knightro surfed over a crowd of students at Spirit Splash during Homecoming Week.

Knights charged into the Reflecting Pond to catch coveted homecoming rubber ducks at Spirit Splash.

During Spirit Splash, the dance team amped up the crowd before Knights rushed into the Reflecting Pond.

Knightro hyped up the crowd from the sidelines at the homecoming football game against West Virginia.

Assistant Professor of Theme Park and Attraction Management Carissa Baker (middle) works with students to understand theme park storytelling. Baker is a 2023 Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching awardee.

Track and field sprinters Latasha Smith (left) and I’Asia Wilson (right) pose with their collection of championship rings at a tailgate event before ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ football’s Space Game.

Football in tow, tight end Alec Holler moves up the field during ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½β€™s annual Space Game. The Knights defeated Oklahoma State, 45-3, marking their seventh consecutive win since the Space Game debuted in 2017.

Read more about 2021 Homecoming Week Events.

History of Homecoming

ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½β€™s first Homecoming was held in 1971, three years after the first classes were held at Florida Technological University (FTU). Since football didn’t start at ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ until 1979, Homecoming originally coincided with basketball season, which was the university’s first varsity sport.

The Knights won their inaugural Homecoming game, 101-75, on Feb. 13, 1971, over Florida Institute of Technology, which took place at Oviedo High School’s gymnasium.

The year 1980 saw two Homecomings for the first time: one during basketball season and the first for football, which has just put together a team the year before. Four decades later, we hosted Homecoming week in the fall and again in the spring β€” which for the first time included Spring Splash β€” as we accommodated for the uncertainty that the COVID-19 pandemic introduced to our daily lives.

On the Scene

Homecoming has witnessed themes ranging from Star Trek and Space (1975) to the Wild, Wild West (1982) to Tales from the Knightside (1991) to this year’s retro-inspired look.

Homecoming week has featured everything from exciting game day matchups to parades and fire-breathing circus performers to entertainers including LMFAO, Jay Leno, Lenny Kravitz, Jerry Seinfeld, the Beach Boys, Jim Gaffigan, Icona Pop, Snoop Dogg, T-Pain, Luke Bryan and many more.

A Salute to Royalty

Patty Gray Neff ’74 wrote a retrospective story about her experience as the university’s first Homecoming queen in the Fall 2013 issue of Pegasus.

Perhaps the most memorable royalty was our 1977 Homecoming queen Rita Reutter, a 58-year-old widowed grandmother of 14. Her candidacy was covered by People Magazine, the Associated Press, NBC News and even Johnny Carson’s β€œTonight Show.” She died in 2012 at the age of 93.

The following year, the university saw its first Homecoming king crowned: Bob Baker ’78 β€” who transferred to ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ from Daytona Beach Community College where he also reigned as Homecoming royalty. β€œI ran for king mainly to show handicapped people that they can do the same thing a normal person can do. They (the handicapped) shouldn’t be excluded. I think now I proved, not only to myself, but to other people on campus and in the community, that the minority can be on top,” Baker said in a Feb. 10, 1978, Central Florida Future article following his victory.

This year’s Homecoming court includes:

Aundrea Perez, integrated business major

Malik Bellamy, human communication major

Nehemie Francois, marketing major

Trinity McCall-Peaks, marketing major

Jaylen Brown, finance major

Jazmine Manriquez, industrial engineering major

Geela Ramos, computer science major and Burnett Honors Scholar

Anthony Moscol, biomedical sciences major and Burnett Honors Scholar

Diamond Battles, criminal justice major

Adri-Anna Harris, environmental studies major

School Spirit

Homecoming week wouldn’t be complete without the energy and passion of Knight Nation.

Spirit Splash

Spirit Splash, awarded Best Campus Tradition in 2011 by the National Association for Campus Activities, has been a staple of Homecoming Week since 1995. The annual pep rally celebrated its 25th anniversary at Spring Splash and will return to its true form this fall.

If you’re looking for more information about this year’s Homecoming week lineup, check out this complete guide.

Stay golden, ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½.

Thousands of students lined up for the event hours before the 1 p.m. rush in at the Reflecting Pond . (Photo by Nick Leyva ’15)

ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ women’s basketball players Masseny Kaba (left), Diamond Battles (center) and Kay Kay Wright (right) hyped up the crowd. (Photo by Nick Leyva ’15)

Head Football Coach Josh Heupel was also in attendance. (Photo by Nick Leyva ’15)

A group of students showed off their excitement. (Photo by Nick Leyva ’15)

Members of the football team, including Jake Brown (left), McKenzie Milton (center) and Kyle Benkel (right) checked out the crowd before tossing ducks. (Photo byΒ Nick Leyva ’15)

ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½’s 2019 Homecoming Court waved to everyone and wished them luck in catching a duck. (Photo byΒ Nick Leyva ’15)

Students raced to the front of the Pond. (Photo byΒ Nick Leyva ’15)

One attendee in particular took the spirit of the occasion to heart by wearing a duck mask. (Photo by Nick Leyva ’15)

Quarterback Dillon Gabriel poses with some ducks before tossing them to the crowd. (Photo by NickΒ Leyva ’15)

Offensive lineman Jordan Johnson had some fun with the crowd. (Photo by Nick Leyva ’15)

One lucky students secures a duck. (Photo by Nick Leyva ’15)

No Spirit Splash would be complete without Knightro. (Photo byΒ Nick Leyva ’15)

Another student is amazed he made the catch. (Photo by Lauren Schoepfer ’17)

The cheerleading team helped keep the energy high during the event. (Photo by Β Lauren Schoepfer ’17)

Knightro crowd surfs as more ducks are thrown. (Photo by Lauren Schoepfer ’17)

No feeling compares to catching a duck. (Photo by Β Lauren Schoepfer ’17)

ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ Interim President Thad Seymour Jr. and Katie Seymour pose with the crowd in festive attire as the event came to an end. (Photo by Carly McCarthy ’14)

A good boy named Thor guards a few of the highly coveted ducks. (Photo by Rhiana Raymundo ’19)

Spirit Splash has been recognized as the best university tradition in the state by the National Association for Campus Activities and was featured in . It started in 1995 when the SGA president was pushed into the pond by some students at a pep rally at the fountain. The rest of the student body followed and a couple of years later, the tradition earned the name β€œSpirit Splash” and has been going strong ever since.

Now for the tips:

1: Wear a bathing suit or other comfortable clothes that you don’t mind getting wet. As for shoes, stay away from flip flops because they’ll slow you down or fall off.

2: It can get crowded in the pond, so be safe and cautious of your surroundings.

3: Wear sunscreen. Even though it’s October, the Florida sun is still hot and you’ll regret it if you don’t lather up.

4: The best photo opportunity is with a giant inflatable duck.

5: At the event, you can expect a DJ, the ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ spirit team, Knightro in his best swim suit, the ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ Marching Knights and the football and basketball teams.

6: Students have been known to start gathering for the countdown by 6 a.m. It’s important to stay properly hydrated while you wait for the rush.

7: If you plan to wear sunglasses, pick a pair that you won’t mind if they fall off or Croakies that connect to the glasses and help keep them attached to your head.

8: Only bring things that can get wet. It’s advised to leave bags at home.

9: Pay it forward. If you catch more than one duck, share it with a fellow Knight.

If you’re an alumnus who is nostalgic for your Spirit Splash days, or you can’t make it to the big event this year, ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ will provide a beginning at noon. The actual splash is scheduled for 1 p.m.

For more information onΒ Spirit Splash and Homecoming events, visit check out our Homecoming 2019 guide. For more The Campus Knights content, and follow on Instagram @ucf.edu.

Monday, October 14 – Movie Knight

The 2019 live action Lion King movie will play in the Addition Financial Arena at 8 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m. The event is open to the public and families are encouraged to attend.

Tuesday, October 15 – Comedy Knight

SNL stars Alex Moffat and Mikey Day will perform stand-up shows in Addition Financial Arena. Beth Stelling, writer for HBO’s Crashing will also perform. Comedy Knight starts at 8 p.m. with doors opening at 7 p.m. Students can find dates and times to pick up free tickets below. To purchase tickets for guest, faculty or staff, visit Ticketmaster.

Wednesday, October 16 – Alumni Charge On Panel, Knights Got Talent

With the theme β€œRise Above,” this year’s Charge On Panel features four experts, including:

• Deborah Beidel, Pegasus Professor and director of ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ RESTORES Clinic
• Shainna Ali ’10 ’12’MA ’16PhD, a mental health clinician, advocate and educator
• Albert Manero ’12 ’14MSAE ’16PhD, co-founder and president of Limbitless Solutions,
• Konya Plummer, ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ student-athlete who made history as captain of the Jamaican Women’s National Team in the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup

The lineup of panelists will share how they are breaking barriers, overcoming adversity and rising above expectations through innovation in their industries. Eric DeSalvo ’09, assistant athletic director for #Content, will host the event, which runs from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. Be sure to RSVP for the free event, which includes breakfast.

Featuring impressive acts from students across the university, ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½β€™s highly anticipated talent show β€” Knights Got Talent β€” is back. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. in Addition Financial Arena. The event is open to the public.

Thursday, October 17 – Concert Knight

Atlanta singer, rapper and songwriter 6LACK (pronounced β€œblack”) is the main act for Concert Knight. Miami singer and dancer DaniLeigh will open the show at 8 p.m. in Addition Financial Arena. Doors open at 7 p.m. Students can find dates and times to pick up free tickets below. To purchase tickets for guest, faculty or staff, visit Ticketmaster.

Friday, October 18 – Spirit Splash, Greek Step Show, Fireworks, Black and Gold Takeover

ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½β€™s biggest homecoming tradition β€” Spirit Splash β€” is back at the Reflecting Pond starting at noon, but lines for the event start as early as 11 a.m.

Later in the day, fraternity and sorority members will perform at the Greek Extravaganza Step Show in the Addition Financial Arena. The show starts at 7 p.m. with doors opening at 6 p.m. Students can find dates and times to pick up free tickets below.

Following the step show will beΒ fireworks on Memory Mall at 9 p.m. This event is open to the public, with families especially welcomed.

The ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ Young Alumni Council is hosting a Black and Gold Takeover on Wall Street Plaza in downtown Orlando from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. All graduatess who are at least 21 are encouraged and welcome to attend.Β Register online for $5, or on-site for $10. Registration fees include:

• Admission to all participating venues
• Three complimentary drinks at Hooch, Waitiki and Cantina
• Light appetizers
• ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ swag

Saturday, October 19 – Alumni Indoor Tailgate, Football Game

Before Saturday’s kickoff, ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ graduates are welcome to an indoor tailgate at the ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ FAIRWINDS Alumni Center. Starting at 4 p.m., enjoy free beverages (while supplies last), barbecue for purchase, a family-friendly game room and more. Be sure to register for the event online.

Orlando’s Hometown Team will take on the East Carolina Pirates at Spectrum Stadium for the homecoming game. Kickoff takes place at 7 p.m.Β Students may reserve free ticketsΒ here.Β Guests and other fans may purchase tickets here. Check out ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ Football’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for updates and more information.

Ticketing

Students will need tickets to attend Concert Knight, Comedy Knight and the Greek Extravaganza Step Show. Take your ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ ID to the following locations during these dates and times:

• Thursday, Oct. 3: Student Union Patio, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Friday, Oct. 4: Student Union Patio, 5:30 to 8 p.m.
• Saturday, Oct. 5: Recreation and Wellness Center, 5:30 to 8 p.m.
• Tuesday, Oct. 8: Student Union Patio, 5:30 to 8 p.m.
• Wednesday, Oct. 9: Recreation and Wellness Center, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Thursday, Oct. 10: Student Union Patio, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Friday, Oct. 11: Student Union Patio, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Sunday, Oct. 13: Recreation and Wellness Center, 5:30 to 8 p.m.

For more information and details about Homecoming, follow ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ Homecoming on Facebook, on Twitter and @ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½HC on Instagram.

The week kicked offΒ  Joel McHale as the headline act at Comedy Knight. He made a name for himself as the host of The Soup on E! and the star of NBC’sΒ Community and later The Joel McHale Show With Joel McHale on Netflix. During his set, McHale commented on ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ football’s winning streak and Spirit Splash.

Thanks to CFE Arena’s stage setup for Homecoming week, the men’s basketball team enjoyed a unique atmosphere for its highly anticipated season opener on Tuesday. Senior BJ Taylor led the way with 22 points as four Knights scored in double digits to lift ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ to a 84-70 victory against Rider, the defending Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference champion and 2017 NIT participant.

The weekend continued with Knights Got Talent.Β Shivanie Sharma, who performed a traditional Indian dance, was one of 10 acts to compete in the show.

Kristen Ng’sΒ rhythmic gymnastics earned runner-up honors at Knights Got Talent. She was edged byΒ Brendan Pafford, who also won Rosen’s Got Talent, who was named champion after singing “I Want You Back” accompanied by his guitar skills.

Bellah stole the show when she sang her heart out to “How Far I’ll Go” from the 2016 Disney film Moana.Β She was there to represent the “Miracle Children” who benefit from Knight-Thon, a 20-hour dance marathon and year-long fundraising effort that is organized annually by ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ students to support the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children.

In the middle of Homecoming week, ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ also took time to remember our military ahead of Veterans Day with Nov. 8’s seventh annual Veterans Commemoration Ceremony. The Veterans Academic Resource Center planted more than 1,400Β American flags on Memory Mall in front of the Veterans Commemorative Site. Each flag represents one student veteran attending ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ for the fall semester.

Known for her singles “Boo’d Up” and “Trip” from her recently released self-titled album, British singer Ella Mai had fun with the packed crowd at CFE Arena on Concert Knight.

The crowd lights up Concert Knight.

A$AP Mob member and Harlem, New York rapper A$AP Ferg headlined Concert Knight. “Work,” “New Level,” and “Plain Jane” were among some of the hits he performed.

A tradition that’s 23 years strong, Spirit Splash once again drew hundreds of students β€” and ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ President Dale Whittaker β€” into the Reflecting Pond.

After more than 55,000 students packed Spectrum Stadium for the first five home football games this year, ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ President Dale Whittaker held up his promise to jump in the pond. Earlier this semester, Whittaker and ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ Athletics Director Danny White set a challenge for 50,000 students to attend ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½’s home games before Spirit Splash.

Apparently, Spirit Splash wasn’t just for humans this year.

These Spirit Splashers had the opportunity to get their hands on two ducks this year: the 2018-themed duck and a special edition President Whittaker duck.

Senior health science majors Alexus Williamson and Darrius McFadden were named Homecoming King and Queen.

Following the Knights’ 35-24 win over Navy, the football team and cheerleaders sang the alma mater.

The volleyball team capped the weekendΒ by capturing its second American Athletic Conference Championship in five years with a sweep of East Carolina. It appears winning streaks are contagious around ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ β€” the volleyball squad’s win on Sunday extended its streak to 21 matches, the fifth-longest active unbeaten stretch in the nation.

Here’s the schedule:

ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ Day of Giving is all about supporting what you’re passionate about. We’re looking for 1,000 alumni, parents, friends and fans to think about what they love about ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ and then make a donation during our 24-hour challenge. It doesn’t matter if you support science or soccer, photonics or the pantry, or anything in between — all donations make an impact.

24 hours + 1,000 donors = endless possibilities for the university. And during the ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ Day of Giving on March 29, your gift can go even further. Thanks to Trustee Beverly J. Seay P’06 ’11 and members of the ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ Alumni Board, an additional $50,000 has been pledged if we reach our 1,000 donor goal.

Any amount to any fund counts! So join us and take the plunge! Support what you’re passionate about and then share the love on social media using #GivetoΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½.

β€œEach and every year we strive to make Homecoming appeal to everyone,” said Joey Wolf, Homecoming executive director. β€œWe’re so excited to offer so many different events. From Concert Knight featuring Big Sean, Comedy Knight featuring Damon Wayans Jr., and our annual traditions of Sprit Splash and fireworks, we can’t wait to get started.”

Live streaming of Spirit Splash will begin at 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23.The tradition involves students celebrating what it means to be a ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ Knight and concludes with thousands of students jumping into the Reflecting Pond in front of Millican Hall.

β€œThis [live streaming] is such a great opportunity to involve students and alumni that may not be able to make it back to campus for Spirit Splash,” said Wolf. β€œWe know how important this event is to people and we’re so thrilled to be able to bring it to them live.”

To see the action beginning at 1 p.m. Playback will be available on demand after the conclusion of the event around 3 p.m.

Homecoming is Β chock-full of fun activities aimed at students, faculty, alumni and their families. It’s a great time to head to campus and celebrate being a Knight.

Homecoming distributed all of its 6,000 student tickets for Concert Knight and Comedy Knight within two days. For more information, visit .

UPDATE:Β  ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ will host a Homecoming fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, on Memory Mall.

To accommodate the fireworks, Garage D and a few designated rows of Lot D2 will close at 11 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22. Vehicles in those areas must be removed by that time, or they will be subject to towing.

Additional on-campus parking will be available Friday, Oct. 23, at the Softball Stadium, with a shuttle service provided from there to the Health and Public Affairs shuttle stop in lot C1.

Garage D will remain closed after the fireworks until 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, when campus parking areas will open for football game day activities. ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ will host the University of Houston at noon Saturday.

Free parking for the fireworks display will be available Friday evening in garages C and H.

On game day, all vehicles without a valid game day permit in garages C, D, F and H and lots B4, B7, C1-C3, D1-D2 and E1-E8 are subject to towing beginning at 5 a.m. Saturday. Overnight parking is also prohibited on East Plaza Drive, and any unauthorized vehicles there are also subject to towing.

Overnight parking on Friday night is permitted in garages A, B and I, the Libra Garage and lots B5-6, B9, B12 and H4.

As a reminder, we will continue to offer $20 cash parking in Garage H on game days, which will be available to all fans. Since 2011, we have raised more than $200,000 for first-generation scholarships through Garage H proceeds.

If you have questions about the parking policies for the fireworks event, please call the Office of Student Involvement at 407-823-6471. More information about ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½’s game day policies is available at www.ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½GameDay.com.

Schedule of Events:

Kidz Carnival – Sunday, Oct. 18, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. – Lake Claire. Kid-friendly event featuring games and booths from various organizations across campus. Free admission.

Comedy Knight – Monday, Oct. 19, 9 p.m. – CFE Arena. Headlined by Damon Wayans Jr. and featuring Jimmy Tatro. Tickets are $25 and available through Ticketmaster and at the CFE Box Office.

Skit Knight – Tuesday, Oct. 20, 9 p.m. – CFE Arena. Various Greek organizations and student groups compete to create the most outstanding skits. Free admission.

Concert Knight – Wednesday, Oct. 21, 9 p.m. – CFE Arena. Big Sean headlines the show with country duo Dan + Shay in support. Tickets are $25 and available through Ticketmaster and at the CFE Box Office.

Coin Wars – Thursday, Oct. 22, 11 a.m.- 4 p.m., Student Union patio. Homecoming teams compete to raise the most amount of money through the collection of β€œsilver” coins – nickels, dimes and quarters. Dollar bills count negatively toward teams and pennies are neutral. All proceeds benefit Knight-Thon, ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½β€™s dance marathon, which supports the Greater Orlando Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.

Movie Knight – Thursday, Oct. 22, 7:30 p.m., Memory Mall. Come out and enjoy some popcorn under the stars as Homecoming screens β€œMinions.” Free admission.

Spirit Splash – Friday, Oct. 23, 1 p.m., Reflecting Pond. Join 15,000 of your closest friends and jump into the Reflecting Pond to snag one of Homecoming’s prized rubber ducks. Free admission.

Fireworks – Friday, Oct. 23, 9:30 p.m., Memory Mall. After the successful inaugural event last year, fireworks will again be featured at Homecoming. Free admission.

Football Game – Saturday, Oct. 24, noon, Bright House Networks Stadium. Come out and cheer on the Knights to victory against Houston. Homecoming King and Queen will be announced at halftime. (Homecoming Court voting opens Monday, Oct. 19, at 9 a.m.)