Lincoln University Celebrates 160 Years During Homecoming 2026

Thank you for celebrating 160 years of Lincoln University at Homecoming 2026!

Lincoln University of Missouri’s 160th anniversary provided the backdrop for Homecoming 2026, Sept. 20-26, as Blue Tigers returned to the Hill for a week of events celebrating the university’s history, traditions and community. The week also highlighted opportunities to support Lincoln students, connect with alumni and invest in the university’s future. View the full Homecoming Parade recording below. 

Throughout the week, students, alumni, faculty, staff and members of the Jefferson City community took part in events across campus and in the surrounding community.

First Lady Crystal Moseley, Madison Chantel Hampton, the 102nd Miss Lincoln University; Gabriel Ashton Michael Williams, the 24th Mister Lincoln University; and President John Moseley at the 2026 Homecoming Coronation.

The schedule included the Mister and Miss Lincoln University of Missouri Coronation and Coronation Ball, the Walk It Out 3K, the Community Welcome & Ice Cream Social, the Divine Nine Greek Serenade and other student and alumni activities.

Lincoln University students and alumni at the Divine Nine Greek Serenade. 

Friday’s Walk It Out 3K and Community Welcome & Ice Cream Social brought students, alumni, faculty, staff and community members together for opportunities to connect.

Community members, alumni and students receive ice cream and cake at the Community Welcome & Ice Cream Social.

The 160th Birthday Bash Scholarship Soiree brought the focus to student support, with net proceeds benefiting the Student Scholarship Fund. The event also included the 2026 Sapphire Awards, recognizing alumni and friends for their contributions to Lincoln University and their communities.

Hardy K. Dorsey Sr. '69 speaks at the 160th Birthday Bash Scholarship Soiree. 

Saturday brought Homecoming to downtown Jefferson City for the 160th Anniversary Homecoming Parade, followed by the Blue Tiger Alumni Homecoming Tailgate. The week concluded with the Homecoming football game against Upper Iowa University at Dwight T. Reed Stadium, where the Blue Tigers won 34-23. View photos from the football game.

The Lincoln University defense takes on Upper Iowa during the Blue Tigers’ 2026 Homecoming game.

Homecoming 2026 also marked the launch of the inaugural Blue Tiger Challenge, giving alumni an opportunity to invest in the University they call home. Lincoln alumnus Hardy K. Dorsey Sr. ’69 pledged $20,000 to the challenge, which aims to engage 250 alumni donors, including 100 first-time donors.

Lincoln University Board of Curators member and Ameren Senior Director of Government Relations Tina Shannon (left) with guests at the Ameren sponsorship table during the 160th Birthday Bash Scholarship Soiree.

Homecoming 2026 celebrated 160 years of Lincoln University while creating opportunities to support students, strengthen alumni connections and continue building for the future. Thank you to everyone who came home to the Hill and helped make the week a celebration of the Blue Tiger community.