Homecoming & Inauguration

Thursday, October 15 | 5:00 pm

Lauridsen Great Hall

The Red & Gold Gala is a special dinner held each year the Thursday before Homecoming. The dinner is invitation-only, with invitations extended to Presidents’ Society members, members of the Matthew Simpson Society, Scholarship and Special Fund Contacts, and other special guests. This year’s event celebrates the inauguration of President Stuebner. We’ll also recognize new members of the Presidents’ Society Circle of Honor. Invited guests should check their email for more information and to register.

Friday, October 16 | 10:00 am – 1:00 pm

Smith Chapel

Join us as we celebrate the inauguration of Susan D. Stuebner, Ed.D. as Simpson’s 26th president. This special event brings together students, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends to honor President Stuebner’s leadership and vision for the future of Simpson College. All are welcome!

Friday, October 16 | 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm

West Hill Brewing Company

Kick off Homecoming weekend by joining us for the Alumni & Friends Homecoming Social at West Hill Brewing Company in Indianola. Family and friends are welcome to come along – the more the merrier! Alumni will receive one free drink ticket, sponsored by the Alumni Association Board of Directors.

We’ll be there 5:00 to 8:00 pm – come and go when it works for you. Liza’s Sushi and Asian Food food truck is scheduled to be at West Hill, or bring your own food if you’d like and make a full night of it!

We hope you’ll join us for good conversation, great company, and a toast to Simpson and Homecoming weekend!

Saturday, October 17 | 8:30 am – 10:00 am

Lauridsen Great Hall

Celebrate your fellow alumni and their exceptional achievements at the 2026 Alumni Awards ceremony, hosted by the Alumni Association Board of Directors. Join us at 8:30 for a mimosa reception followed by the ceremony beginning at 9:00 am..

Check back in September for information on this year’s honorees!

Saturday, October 17 | 10:00 am – 1:00 pm

Hillman/McNeill Parking Lot 

The event before the main event! Join us for a tailgate featuring live music, food trucks, the Little Stormchasers kids area, and more. Bring your partner, your kids, your friends – the more, the merrier!

Enjoy the general tailgate and fun atmosphere, or visit specific tailgate spaces hosted by various campus groups and friends. Hosted tailgate spaces include:

• Graduates of the Last Decade (GOLD) Recent Alumni Tailgate
• President’s Tent
• More to come!

Saturday, October 17 | 10:00 am – 1:00 pm

Hillman Lawn

Homecoming is family-friendly! Visit the Little Stormchasers Family Zone for free kid-friendly fun and activities including:

• Temporary Tattoo and Face Jewels Station
• Hair Tinsel Station by Beauty Nest by Kenzi
• Bounce House
• Bouncey Obstacle Course
• Mini Golf
• Cotton Candy
• Frisbee Painting and Sand Art Station

You might even get a chance to say hi to Thunder!

Saturday, October 17 | 11:00 am – 1:00 pm

Matthew Simpson Room – College Hall

Sisters of AXO are invited to attend a special luncheon in celebration of their sisterhood. Lunch is $35, payable by cash or check ONLY at the door. Advanced registration is required HERE. Call or text Robin Dircks Lathrum 480-225-7943 with questions. 

Saturday, October 17 | 1:00 pm

Bill Buxton Stadium

Cheer on the Storm as they face off against the Spartans from the University of Dubuque! We will also recognize Alumni Award and athletics award recipients at halftime.

Saturday, October 17 | 4:00 pm

Wallace Hall, 4th Floor

Join Professor Eduardo Magalhães III and fellow Model UNers for a reunion as the Simpson Model UN program celebrates its upcoming 40th year attending the Midwest Model UN in February 2027. All Model UN alumni are welcome for refreshments, a raffle for prizes, a brief program, and most of all, time to reconnect with others who have participated in the program over the last 40 years.

Saturday, October 17 | 5:00 pm

Bill Buxton Stadium

Let’s fill the stands in support of the women’s soccer team as they take on the Coe College Kohawks!

Saturday, October 17 | 8:30 pm

Bill Buxton Stadium

Make a night of cheering on Storm soccer and stay for the men’s game against Coe College!

Sunday, October 18 | 10:30 am

Smith Chapel

A Homecoming worship servicec will be held at 10:30 am at Smith Chapel, celebrating Simpson’s connection with The United Methodist Church. The service will feature music by alumni as well as the Simpson College and First United Methodist Church choirs. The sermon will be given by Reverand Trevor Vaughn ’12. All are welcome!

Sunday, October 18 | 11:00 am

The Haven – Indianola

Sisters of Tri Delta are invited to attend the chapter’s 125th Anniversary Celebration. Lunch is $15, payable by cash or check ONLY at the door. Advanced registration is required.