Creation in 1912

Samuel Beyer, an Iowa State professor in 1912, first came up with the idea of celebrating ISU alums with Homecoming. The celebration would be held the same week as the football game against rival University of Iowa.

The Iowa State President at the time, Raymond A. Pearson, put the event into action by inviting ISU alums to celebrate along with current students.

The alums week began the Homecoming week with tours of campus, a play and a football game. 

The football game was the highlight of the week and was ended with more celebration during the evening.

At the end of the week they attended a pep rally and luncheon.

The first Homecoming was such a success that they continued the event the following year, and many years after that.