Jaguar-Mania
Homecoming 2025
Sunday, October 26, 2025 - Saturday, November 1, 2025
Schedule of Events
Sunday, October 26
Jaguar 5K
Time: 9 a.m. (Registration)
Location: Governors State University, Main Entrance
Registration Fee: $35* *Students get $15 off when using the code 15FORJAGUARS!
Whether you are chasing a personal best or enjoying a stroll through campus, this FUNraising event is your chance to be part of something special.
WHAT'S IN STORE?
ALL-DAY MUSIC, FREE Yoga, Kinesiology, club events and more!
RACE DAY T-SHIRT: Free custom shirt & snacks with registration. Register early to secure your shirt size!
CHIP-TIMED RACE, AWARDS & CEREMONY for 5k top finishers!
WARM-UPS led by GovState's Physical Therapy team!
FAVORITE area food trucks: Joey's, Willie P's BBQ and King of Falafel and more!
FREE Kids Dash and other fun activities provided by Lupus Society of Illinois.
***Don't miss a race day photo with Jax the Jaguar!
Monday, October 27
SAC's Tie Dye Takeover
Time: 12 p.m.
Location: Hall of Governors
Jaguar Mania opens with a splash of color hosting the Student Activities Council Tie Dye Takeover! Join SAC to make your own custom tie-dye t-shirt, hang out with friends, and enjoy good vibes. All materials are provided—just bring your creativity!
Clubs Wars
Time: 1 p.m.
Location: Hall of Honors
Let the battles begin! Join the Center for Student Engagement and Leadership for a round of Club Wars, the ultimate showdown where campus clubs and organizations compete in fun, high-energy challenges to prove who reigns supreme.
Rolling with the Jaguars
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Hall of Governors
Grab your friends and lace up your skates for an evening filled with music, laughter, and fun. Whether you're a seasoned skater or a first timer, this event is perfect for everyone! Skates provided.
Tuesday, October 28
Jaguar Culture Fest
Time: 12 p.m.
Location: Hall of Governors
Join us for Jaguar Culture Fest 2025, an unforgettable celebration of the world’s rich tapestry of traditions through food, dance, and art! This vibrant cultural showcase brings together communities from around the globe for an immersive experience that delights the senses and connects the soul.
Clubs Wars
Time: 1 p.m.
Location: Instagram
Let the battles begin! Join the Center for Student Engagement and Leadership for a few rounds of College Club Wars, the ultimate showdown where campus clubs compete in fun, high-energy challenges to prove who reigns supreme.
Silent Podcast Party
Time: 6 - 8 p.m.
Location: Social Justice Initiative Building
Are you ready to tune in and chill out? On Tuesday, October 28, 2025, from 6 – 8 p.m., come to the Social Justice Initiative Building to enjoy a one-of-a-kind Silent Podcast Party, shining a light on BIPOC and LGBTQ voices. Hosted by Chicago-based storyteller and community organizer Anna DeShawn (E3 Radio, The Qube), attendees will listen to a curated set of audio stories through state-of-the art headphones, then participate in thoughtful, community-focused discussion. Enjoy refreshments and smooth tunes from GovState alum DJ Tam from 6 – 6:30 p.m.; podcast listening and discussion begins at 6:30 p.m.
All are welcome, but space is limited so register today!
This event is sponsored by the Center for Community Media, with support from GovState's Social Justice Initiative, the Wellness and Counseling Center, and the Intellectual Life Grant Committee.
Register Now
Women's Volleyball Game
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: GovState Gymnasium
Get ready for an exciting evening of fast-paced action, team spirit, and great energy as Women's Volleyball take on the Judson Eagles. Bring your friends, wear school colors, and help GovState cheer our team on to victory!
Wednesday, October 29
Junior Jaguar Parade
Time: 10 a.m.
Location: Hall of Governors
Celebrate Jaguar-Mania at the Junior Jaguar Parade! Watch our youngest Jaguars from the Family Development Center (FDC) show off their pride as they march through campus in fun costumes, creative outfits, and lots of Jaguar energy. This heartwarming event is perfect for all ages—come support our future leaders and enjoy the smiles, cheers, and community vibes!
Clubs Wars
Time: 1 p.m.
Location: Hall of Honors
Let the battles begin! Join the Center for Student Engagement and Leadership for College Club Wars, the ultimate showdown where campus clubs compete in fun, high-energy challenges to prove who reigns supreme.
Family Fun Fair
Time: 3:30 p.m.
Location: Hall of Governors
Don't miss the Family Fun Fair for Jaguar-Mania Homecoming 2025! Join us for family-friendly activities like Face Painting, Balloon Sculpting, Games, Story time, and more!
Homecoming Bonfire Bash
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Hall of Governors Patio
Get ready to light up the night at the Homecoming Bonfire Bash! Join GovState Greek Life for an evening of music, games, and refreshments as we celebrate the Homecoming 2025 with good vibes and great company.
Thursday, October 30
Jaguar Mania Pep Rally
Time: 1 p.m.
Location: Hall of Governors
Meet the teams, cheer with the squad, and get loud with your fellow Jaguars—it’s time to put the mania in JAGUAR-Mania!
Boss Up: Expand Your Brand, Elevate Your Network
Time: 5 p.m.
Location: E-Lounge
Elevate Your Brand, Expand Your Network. Sponsored by the College of Business.
Women's Volleyball - Orange Out Game
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: GovState Gym
Support the GovState Jaguars by wearing all orange as they take on the St. Francis Fighting Saints! This will be an exciting night of competition, school spirit, and community pride. Let’s pack the stands, bring the energy, and help our team spike their way to victory! First 100 students will receive a complimentary t-shirt and snacks. Sponsored by Student Senate.
Friday, October 31
Jaguar Costume Crawl IG Challenge
Time: 12 p.m.
Location: Hall of Governors
Jaguar Costume Crawl IG Challenge is your chance to dress up in your best Halloween look, snap a photo at one of our spooky campus photo stations and post it on Instagram with #JaguarCostumeCrawl. Be sure to tag @govstjaguars_connect for a chance to win fun prizes and be featured on our page. Creativity, school spirit, and Halloween flair are highly encouraged!
Tip-off Classic
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: GovState Gym
Get ready to hit the court at the Tip-Off Classic Basketball Tournament! Join us for an action-packed weekend of competitive basketball, camaraderie, and winter fun. Whether you're a player or a fan, this tournament promises excitement for everyone!
John Waters: A Live Director’s Commentary and Screening of Serial Mom
Time: 8 p.m.
Location: Center for Performing Arts
The Center welcomes the king of camp—groundbreaking filmmaker, screenwriter, author, and cultural icon—John Waters, for an unforgettable Halloween night of cult cinema and twisted storytelling. Waters will present a live director’s commentary and screening of his classic Serial Mom—sharing behind-the-scenes stories, real-life inspirations, and unfiltered observations along the way. Includes a post-screening Q&A.
GovState students can experience this legend in person with an exclusive post-show meet & greet for the first 50 students to reserve free tickets.
Here’s how students can claim their free ticket:
TERMS:
- • One free ticket per student
- • Students must present their valid GovState student ID or provide their GovState email when reserving and/or picking up tickets.
Up to 3 additional tickets may be purchased in person or over the phone at the $20 student rate.
Deadline: Reservations close Thursday, October 23, 2025 (first-come, first-served — only 50 free tickets available!)
Nightmare on University Parkway
Time: 10 p.m. - 2 a.m.
Location: E-Lounge
Hang out with the Student Activities Council (SAC) at our Halloween Party featuring a costume contest and Halloween-themed treats. Come dressed to impress (or scare!) (See costume guidelines, patrons will be turned away). GovState Students Free with One Card and Visiting Students $10, ID Required. Doors close at Midnight - No Re-Entry after this time.
Mania at the Masquerade
Time: 3 p.m.
Location: Hall of Honors
Calling GovState Students! The Kaleidoscope Service Council needs your help in solving a mystery - Join us for an afternoon of Mystery, Madness and MANIA! Mania at the Masquerade promises to be an unforgettable experience where students solve a crime. Costumes encouraged. Complimentary refreshments.
Open to GovState students only. Limited seats, must register on Jaguar Connection by 10/24/25.
Questions? Email the Center for Student Engagement and Leadership at getinvolved@govst.edu.
SCHEDULE SUBJECT TO CHANGE