At the University of Memphis, Tiger spirit is the energy that connects our alumni, students, faculty, staff and friends of our community. It’s a constant reminder of where we’ve been and the excitement for where we’re heading.
This fall, Homecoming traditions return Oct. 20-25. ROAR Fest is making its debut, and the community is gearing up for Giving Days. We’re embracing a new era, one where tradition and transformation come together to show what it truly means to be a Tiger.
Let’s Start at the Beginning
For generations of Tigers, Homecoming has been a time when Tiger spirit feels almost tangible through the music of the Mighty Sound of the South, the buzz of activity as campus is transformed and the return of alumni to the places that shaped their stories.
It’s when many new students first feel pride for their institution, when student clubs and organizations giddily collaborate and when our faculty and staff come together to join in the celebration.
“There’s something special about coming home to campus,” said Karimeh McDaniel, president of the University of Memphis Alumni Association. “You walk across the grounds and see new buildings, new faces but that same spirit is everywhere. It reminds you that you’re part of something bigger.”
This year’s Homecoming continues that legacy of connection and pride, but with exciting twists that honor the past while embracing the future. As the campus evolves, so do our traditions.
“Tiger spirit isn’t just about being loud in the stands…it’s about showing up for your school, your city and
each other.”
-Chris Bailey
For decades, the Homecoming parade brought joy and excitement to the Memphis community. This year, that same energy will take on a new form with ROAR Fest, a block-party–style event designed to bring the whole community together.
A Student-led Effort
While parades are about watching the spirit unfold, ROAR Fest is about joining it. The party will feature live music, local food, family activities and more all created to foster the same sense of pride and belonging that has always defined Homecoming.
“ROAR Fest carries the legacy of the parade forward,” said Melinda Carlson, vice president of Student Affairs. “It gives our community the chance to not just cheer from the sidewalk, but to connect with each other and with the University that brings us all together.”
This year marks the first time the University’s annual giving celebration will take place during Homecoming, and under a new name! Giving Days, formerly known as Driven by Giving and previously held in the spring, has been reimagined to align with the fall semester’s spirit of connection and celebration.
Tara Jones, senior vice president of Advancement and the University of Memphis Foundation, shared the thought behind the evolution. “We chose to align Giving Days with Homecoming because it’s the perfect opportunity to remind everyone that giving back is a meaningful part of being a Tiger.”
Last year, hundreds of donors came together to fund scholarships, research initiatives and experiential learning experiences across campus. This fall, the community is once again invited to come together and show what can happen when Tigers help Tigers. Through Giving Days, the University continues to expand access and opportunity and ensures that the pride celebrated during Homecoming translates into real, lasting impact for students.
“Every gift, no matter the amount, gets us closer to achieving the University’s mission to a successful outcome for every student. That’s what Tiger spirit looks like in action,” Jones said.
Tradition, celebration and generosity each reflect what the Tiger spirit means today. Homecoming honors the traditions that built the foundation. ROAR Fest celebrates the energy and creativity of today’s Tigers. Giving Days ensures that tomorrow’s Tigers can keep the legacy alive.
Chris Bailey, president of the Student Government Association, shared what that spirit means to him. “Tiger spirit isn’t just about being loud in the stands,” he said. “It’s about showing up for your school, your city and each other.”
Our Tiger spirit reflects who we are: resilient, generous and bold. As our traditions evolve and our community expands, our shared spirit is the constant that keeps the University of Memphis moving forward, together.
