Hundreds of Buffs spanning decades are expected to return to their old stomping grounds as West Texas A&M University celebrates Homecoming 2022.

Themed “WT Through the Decades,” Homecoming events will run Sept. 23 through 30, culminating Oct. 1 with the annual parade and WT Football’s game against the University of Texas–Permian Basin.

“Homecoming is always a special time when alumni and our current student body can celebrate the impact WT has had on their lives,” said Ronnie Hall, executive director of the WT Alumni Association. “Alumni can reminisce at a full slate of special events, and students will be making their own memories and seeing just how far a start at WT can take them.”

Highlights will include:

The Phoenix: This celebration of WT’s Distinguished Alumni Class of 2022 will include a dinner and program, followed by jazz and desserts. It will run from 6 to 9 p.m. Sept. 29 in Legacy Hall in the Jack B. Kelley Student Center, with the after-party scheduled to be held around Buffalo Fountain on the Charles K. and Barbara Kerr Vaughan Pedestrian Mall. Tickets are $75; tables are $500 to $1,500. Honorees include Col. Steven McCraw, director of Texas Department of Public Safety; ranchers and philanthropists Val and Pat White of Wellington; and longtime educational leader Betty Solis of Amarillo.
Homecoming Scholarship Golf Classic: Tee up for food, fun and fellowship at Palo Duro Creek Golf Course, 50 Country Club Drive in Canyon. The Sept. 30 event includes lunch at 11:30 a.m. and tee-off at 12:30 p.m. Proceeds benefit WT student scholarships. Entries are still being accepted; cost is $125 for individuals or $500 for teams of four. Call 806-651-2400 or click here.
Celebration of Color: Four WT alumni of color and two Amarillo businesses will be honored at this dinner event at 6 p.m. Sept. 30 in Legacy Hall. Honorees will include Dinga/Hollingsworth Group at Morgan Stanley; Education Credit Union; educator and civic leader Pearlene Martin; attorney J.E. Sauseda; urban developer Dr. David Willis; and U.S. Department of Defense civilian leader Jimmie Vaughn-Adams. Tickets are $30; visit wtamu.edu/diversity or call 806-651-8482.
“Don’t Bring Me Down” Homecoming Rock Concert: Amarillo all-star band Flashback! will join with the WT Symphony Orchestra for a pops concert featuring music by Electric Light Orchestra and other ’70s favorites. The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 30 in Mary Moody Northen Recital Hall. General admission tickets are $10; a portion of proceeds will benefit the orchestra. Call 806-651-2840.
Homecoming Parade: The Through the Decades-themed parade will begin at 1 p.m. Oct. 1 and will follow a route from the First United Bank Center to the Sybil B. Harrington Fine Arts Complex along Russell Long Boulevard. For entry information, call 806-651-2651.
Countdown to Kickoff Block Party: Tailgating activities will begin immediately after the parade along 26th Street across from Bain-Schaeffer Buffalo Stadium on campus. The Alumni Association will host an open house and scavenger hunt, as well.
KWTS 50th Anniversary: The student-run noncommercial radio station will celebrate its golden anniversary and officially switch to an all-’90s format during this party. Alumni DJs will take on-air shifts on the station, which can be heard at online or at 91.1 FM. Click here to RSVP or call 806-651-2807.
WT Football: The Buffs will take on UT–Permian Basin at 7 p.m. Oct. 1 in Bain-Schaeffer Buffalo Stadium. For tickets, visit gobuffsgo.com.

Student activities will include Paint the Town Maroon on Sept 23, with students decorating windows and vehicles around the community; a “Battle of the Decades” karaoke party Sept. 26 to 29 in the JBK Commons; Homecoming King and Queen elections; a water fight on Sept. 26 on the lawn of Terrill Hall; and Pigskin Revue, the annual spirit rally at 8 p.m. Sept. 30 in The Box.

For a complete list of activities, visit wtamu.edu/homecoming.

Maintaining strong community ties is a component of the University’s long-range plan, WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World.

That plan is fueled by the historic, $125 million One West comprehensive fundraising campaign. To date, the five-year campaign — which publicly launched Sept. 23 — has raised more than $110 million.

-West Texas A&M University