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 FUNdraising 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!

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's Tie Dye Takeover! Stop by the SAC table 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! Click here to register.

Clubs Wars

Time: 1 p.m.
Location: Hall of Honors

Let the battles begin! Join the Center for Student Engagement and Leadership for the first round of Club Wars, the ultimate showdown where campus clubs and organizations compete in fun, high-energy challenges to prove who reigns supreme. Spectators are welcome to attend!

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. 

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 the second round of  Club Wars, the ultimate showdown where campus clubs compete in fun, high-energy challenges to prove who reigns supreme. Spectators are welcomed to attend!

Silent Podcast Party

Time: 6 - 8 p.m.
Location: Social Justice Initiative Building

Are you ready to tune in and chill out? 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, Counseling and WellnessCenter, and the Intellectual Life Grant Committee.

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 takes on the Judson Eagles. Bring your friends, wear school colors, and help GovState cheer our team on to victory!

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 Day 3 of Club Wars, the ultimate showdown where campus clubs compete in fun, high-energy challenges to prove who reigns supreme. Spectators are welcome to attend!

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, games and treats for all ages. Sponsored by the Alumni Association.

Homecoming Bonfire Bash

Time:  7 p.m.
Location: Hall of Governors Patio (Inclement Weather location - Engbretson Hall)

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 Homecoming 2025 with good vibes and great company.

Jaguar Mania Pep Rally

Time: 1 p.m.
Location: Hall of Governors

Meet our Athletic teams, cheer on the Cheer Team, and dance along with GovState's student clubs/organizations. Come get loud with your fellow Jaguars—it’s time to put the mania in JAGUAR-Mania! Special Guest Performance. Homecoming Swag giveaway and treats. T-shirt giveaway at 3pm in Jaguar Den, A2150. Limited supplies. Early arrival is highly encouraged. Sponsored by the Center for Student Engagement and Leadership.

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 and Center for Student Engagement and Leadership.

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:

• • Complete the online reservation form OR
• • Reserve in Person at the Box Office during open hours OR
• • Over the Phone by calling 708-235-222

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! Please see costume guidelines on Jaguar Connection, 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 Community Service Council needs your help in solving a crime - Join us for an afternoon of Mystery, Madness and MANIA! Mania at the Masquerade promises to be an unforgettable experience where students are encouraged to dress in ballroom or detective attire. Complimentary refreshments provided.

Open to GovState students and alumni only. Limited seats, must register on Jaguar Connection by 10/30/25.