All day classes are cancelled at all locations for Wednesday, February 12. A decision on evening classes will be made by 2 pm. Staff do not report. Students should check Canvas for updates from instructors.

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Jefferson College to Reestablish Homecoming After 38 Year Absence

Not since Ronald Reagan was president, gas cost 95 cents per gallon, Michael Jackson released the hit album Bad, and “The Simpsons” first aired on television has Jefferson College held a homecoming celebration. That year was 1987.

However, for the first time in nearly 40 years, the college will host homecoming and several special activities during the men’s and women’s basketball games vs. North Central Missouri College on Friday, Feb. 21, beginning at 4:30 p.m. in the Field House on the Hillsboro campus.

All Jefferson College Viking alumni and former student athletes, their families, current students, current and retired employees, and friends/supporters from the community are invited to attend. Admission is $6 for general admission, $3 for ages 11-18, and free for ages 10 and under. Game tickets are available online at jeffco.edu/ticket-information or at the door via credit card by scanning the event QR code. No cash will be accepted at the door.

“Homecoming is the perfect time to return to campus and rekindle your Viking spirit,” said College President Dr. Dena McCaffrey. “It’s a special time to reminisce, reconnect, and make new memories. Everyone is welcome.”

The effort to revive homecoming at the college is being led by CB Walker, head basketball coach and Black Student Union (BSU) co-advisor. He and Courtney Wooldridge, BSU co-advisor and athletics administrative specialist, have been working with students from the BSU to plan homecoming since last September with the overwhelming support and participation from other student clubs, the Athletics Department, the Early Childhood Center, and faculty/staff/administrators.

Homecoming activities will include:

  • A display of vintage photos from previous Viking homecoming celebrations dating back to the 1960s
  • Entertainment by the Viking cheer team and pep band
  • Refreshments and beverages available for purchase (cash or credit card)
  • Recognition of nominees for homecoming prince and princess (ages 2-5) from the Early Childhood Center and respective winners chosen by a random drawing during half time of the women’s game
  • Performance of the national anthem prior to the men’s game by Lydia Griffin, women’s basketball team member and Black Student Union member
  • Announcement of homecoming court nominees from student clubs and sports teams as the top two vote recipients as determined by the student body are announced as Viking “homecoming royalty” during half time of the men’s game

“We’re trying to bring something different and exciting back that involves everybody and showcases what the college has to offer,” said Walker. “The response has been terrific from the entire campus trying to make this a successful event. Whether you’re a former student, athlete, or friend, we encourage you to come be part of homecoming as it returns and grows year after year.”

The homecoming theme for 2025 is “Hoops and Heritage,” celebrating the intersection of sports and culture, highlighting the influence of Black athletes and traditions in basketball and beyond. It coincides with February’s traditional designation as Black History Month.

In addition to activities during the basketball games, homecoming week will also incorporate current students through free donuts from Cosmic Donut Company, a cultural showcase featuring an Influential Black Persons Gallery display and showing of the movie “Till,” and a school spirit pep rally. Children at the Early Childhood Center will also make “Go Vikings” signs and banners and wear special homecoming t-shirts.