For decades, Florida Tech Homecoming has been a cherished tradition that brings together alumni, students, faculty and the local community in celebration of Panther Pride.
From parades and pep rallies to reunions and award ceremonies, Homecoming has honored the university’s history and the people who have helped shape it.
These events have created lasting memories, fostered lifelong connections and celebrated the achievements of our diverse and accomplished alumni network.
This year, we’re embracing that legacy while reimagining Homecoming for a new generation.
With fresh energy and a modern approach, we’re revamping the experience to include more interactive, inclusive and engaging events that reflect the evolving spirit of our university.
While we continue to honor the traditions that define us, we’re introducing new programming that invites even more Panthers to connect, celebrate and create new memories.
It’s the Homecoming you know and love—elevated for today and tomorrow.
Think you know Florida Tech’s Homecoming history?
Whether you’re an alumnus reminiscing about your student days or a current Panther curious about the past, there’s always something new (or old!) to discover.
Put your Panther Pride to the test with our HOCO History Quiz: a fun, interactive way to explore the milestones, memories and quirks that have defined this beloved tradition—and get the details for this year’s event that you won’t want to miss.
1. What year did Florida Tech celebrate its first official Homecoming?
A. 1958
B. 1972
C. 1966
D. 1980
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B. 1972
Florida Tech’s first Homecoming was in 1972, 14 years after the university’s founding in 1958.
THIS YEAR: October 2025 will be our 52nd year hosting Homecoming (minus one gap year due to the COVID-19 pandemic).
2. Which Florida Tech facility frequently hosts the Alumni Awards Gala?
A. Panther Dining Hall
B. Gleason Performing Arts Center
C. Clemente Center
D. Panther Aquatic Center
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C. Clemente Center
Florida Tech’s Alumni Awards Gala is traditionally held in the Clemente Center, transforming the athletic facility into an elegant venue for one of the university’s most anticipated annual events. With its spacious layout and central campus location, the Clemente Center provides the perfect backdrop for an evening of celebration, recognition and #PantherPride.
THIS YEAR: Sticking to tradition, the Clemente Center will again host the gala—mark your calendar: OCT. 17!
3. Historically, what was the big-ticket sporting event for Homecoming?
A. Football
B. Baseball
C. Rowing
D. Basketball
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D. Basketball
Before the university had a football team, Homecoming wasn’t in October, as it is this year. It was usually scheduled in January or February to coincide with National Science and Engineering Week and featured basketball as the big-ticket sports attraction.
THIS YEAR: Panthers are encouraged to cheer on the WOMEN’S SOCCER team at 7 P.M. OCT. 18 as the signature athletics event.
4. How long was the Homecoming raft racecourse from the lat ’70s and early ’80s?
A. 1.8 miles
B. 1 mile
C. 0.5 mile
D. 3 miles
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A. 1.8 miles
One of the most enjoyable homecoming events during the late 1970s and early ’80s was the annual raft race down a 1.8-mile stretch of Crane Creek. Students would build their vessels and float from campus to Melbourne Harbor.
THIS YEAR: Looking for a race? Instead of floating, run through campus during the HOCO 2-MILER AT 5:30 P.M. OCT. 16. You can run or walk through the university as an individual or compete as a team. Enjoy views of our beautiful campus and receive a signature race shirt.
5. In what year did the first Homecoming Fest take place?
A. 2005
B. 2010
C. 2012
D. 2015
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C. 2012
One of the most anticipated events each year is Homecoming Fest, the annual street party in Downtown Melbourne with food and drinks, street vendors and a free concert featuring bands like Cold War Kids, SOJA, Wyclef Jean and the Plain White T’s.
THIS YEAR: We’re reimaging Homecoming Fest and bringing it to Crawford Green. Picture Grad Bash but with food, live music and activities for the whole family. “PARTY ON THE GREEN” WILL BE 4 P.M. TO 7 P.M. OCT. 18.
6. What is the official name of the highest honor presented to an alumnus by the Florida Tech Alumni Association during the Alumni Awards Gala?
A. Panther Alumni Achievement Award
B. Jerome P. Keuper Distinguished Alumni Award
C. Florida Tech Lifetime Service Award
D. Ad Astra Alumni Award
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B. Jerome P. Keuper Distinguished Alumni Award
Named after the university’s founder and first president, the JPK Award recognizes alumni who have achieved exceptional distinction in their field, demonstrated outstanding service at local, national or international levels, and made significant contributions to the advancement and continued excellence of Florida Tech.
THIS YEAR: The 2025 JPK award will be presented to DUANE DEFREESE ’81 M.S., ’88 Ph.D. Read more about him in the next issue of Florida Tech Magazine.
7. Florida Tech Homecoming is traditionally held at the same time as which other major campus event, encouraging both alumni and loved ones to celebrate together?
A. Founders Day
B. Day of Giving
C. Family Weekend
D. Spring Fling
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C. Family Weekend
Family Weekend is a cherished tradition during which families reconnect with their Florida Tech student(s), participate in Homecoming events, meet other Panther families and engage with our vibrant campus and local community.
THIS YEAR: HOCO and Family Weekend coincide once again OCT. 15–19—don’t miss it!
8. During Florida Tech’s 50th anniversary Homecoming in 2008, which distinguished alumnus and U.S. Air Force captain delivered a lecture as part of the Homecoming festivities?
A. Mike Moses ’91 M.S.
B. Joan Higginbotham ’92 M.S., ’96 M.S.
C. Julian Field ’84, ’84
D. Christopher Hanson ’00
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D. Christopher Hanson
Florida Tech’s Homecoming Lecture Series is a cornerstone of Homecoming Week, blending intellectual engagement with #PantherPride. Hosted in Gleason Performing Arts Center, the event usually features distinguished alumni, accomplished faculty or industry leaders who share thought-provoking insights.
THIS YEAR: The featured lecturer is Sam Goodwin, an entrepreneur, bestselling author and international keynote speaker celebrated for his thought leadership on embracing uncertainty. A former Division I hockey player, Goodwin co-founded a tech company and a nongovernmental organization (NGO) in Singapore and is one of the few people who have traveled to all 193 countries. His memoir, Saving Sam, recounts his harrowing experience as a hostage in Syria and the miraculous family-led rescue that followed. Get tickets!
9. Where is Florida Tech’s traditional Homecoming Mass and Pancake Breakfast usually held each year?
A. All Faiths Center
B. Gleason Performing Arts Center
C. Hartley Room
D. Clemente
» Click for Answer ▼
A. All Faiths Center
The All Faiths Center at Florida Tech is a welcoming, interfaith space designed to foster spiritual wellness for students of all backgrounds. The facility includes a small chapel, a large chapel with seating for up to 140 people and a recently renovated Fellowship Hall, offering flexible configurations for events and gatherings.
THIS YEAR: The university will host its Homecoming Mass and Panther Family Brunch: MUFFINS, MIMOSAS & MEMORIES OCT. 19. Brunch will be served from 9 A.M. TO 2 P.M. in Panther Dining Hall.
10. Which of the following has never been a Florida Tech Alumni Awards Gala theme?
A. Tropical Nights
B. Night of Elegance
C. Hollywood Glamour
D. Innovation in Bloom
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D. Innovation in Bloom
This has never been an Alumni Awards Gala theme—until NOW!
THIS YEAR: “Innovation in Bloom” celebrates Florida Tech’s spirit of growth, creativity and global impact. Lush floral arrangements, elegant table settings and décor that blends natural beauty with modern design elements like map accents and subtle international touches will transform the Clemente Center for the event, which will feature a cocktail reception and three-course dinner with beer and wine, followed by live music, dancing and the prestigious Alumni Awards program. Check out the full event schedule.
This piece was featured in the fall 2025 edition of Florida Tech Magazine.
