Mississippi University for Women will welcome alumni, friends and the campus community for Homecoming 2026, set for April 9–12. The four-day celebration will feature signature traditions, reunion events and campuswide activities designed to reconnect members of the Long Blue Line and celebrate the enduring legacy of The W.

Group of alumni gather for picture

“This weekend is about honoring the generations of students who shaped The W and celebrating the impact our alumni continue to have across Mississippi and beyond,” said Nora Miller, president of the university. “Homecoming is always a powerful reminder that once you are part of The W, you remain part of this community for life.”

This year’s celebration will include special recognition of milestone reunion classes, including the Class of 1976 Golden Girls and the Class of 2001 Silver Graduates.

“As an alumna, there is nothing quite like coming home to reconnect with friends and being welcomed back to the place that shaped so many of our journeys,” said Elise Wilson, executive director for Development and Alumni. “The team in the Office of Development and Alumni leads a Homecoming celebration that reflects the vibrancy of our campus, highlights our rich traditions and creates meaningful connections between alumni and today’s students.”

Registration for Homecoming is $40. Late registration is $50 after March 26 at 5 p.m. Participants are encouraged to register by April 6 at 5 p.m., to ensure full participation in weekend activities.

Attendees are encouraged to download the official Homecoming 2026 mobile app to access the complete event schedule, create a personalized agenda, receive real-time updates and announcements, connect with fellow alumni and share photos and memories throughout the weekend. Visit whova.com or download Whova from the App Store or Google Play.

three male alumni pose for picture

“Homecoming is our favorite excuse to bring everyone back — especially the alumni who still know all the words to their class songs and exactly which traditions are absolute musts,” said Cathryn Borer, director of alumni and donor engagement. “We’ve packed the week with time-honored favorites and enough fun to remind you why The W will always feel like home.”

Festivities begin Thursday with check-in, Spring Fling for students, the Juried Alumni Art Exhibition and the Nell Peel Wolfe Lecture Series, followed by the traditional Interclub March and a performance of “These Shining Lives.” Friday highlights include the Silver and Gold Social Hour, a campus Ghost Tour with President Nora Miller, the Golden Girls Alumni Lunch, the Alumni vs. Students Line Dance Competition and the Magnolia Mingle on the Shattuck Hall Lawn.

Saturday’s events include reunion class photos and Convocation, along with the W Family Picnic, alumni award celebrations and multiple social club reunions. The evening will feature the Class of 1976 Golden Girl Reunion Dinner and the Black Alumni Sneaker Ball in downtown Columbus. The weekend concludes Sunday with a Chapel Service at Carrier Chapel. Throughout the celebration, designated lounge spaces will be available for the Golden Girls and the Social Organization Alumni Council, creating additional opportunities for connection and fellowship.

For more details about Homecoming 2026, visit https://longblueline.muw.edu/events/homecoming-2026.

For additional information, contact the Office of Development and Alumni at (662) 329-7148 or developmentandalumni@muw.edu.

About The W

Located in historic Columbus, Mississippi, The W was founded in 1884 as the first state-supported college for women in the United States. Today, the university is home to 2,371 students in more than 70 majors and concentrations and has educated men for 40 years. The university is nationally recognized for low student debt, community and social mobility which empowers students to BE BOLD.

Be Bold.