Nominations for 2026 Northwestern Homecoming theme, parade marshal open until April 15

March 25, 2026

Members of Northwestern Oklahoma State University’s Northwestern Scholar Ambassadors (NSA) ride on their award-winning float during the 2025 “Rowdy Under the Big Top” homecoming celebrations. Northwestern’s Homecoming Committee is accepting parade marshal nominations and homecoming theme submissions for the fall 2026 homecoming. The deadline for both entries is Wednesday, April 15, at 5 p.m.

ALVA, Okla. — The annual contest to select a homecoming theme and parade marshal for Northwestern Oklahoma State University’s Homecoming has begun and is open to the public. The deadline for submitting entries is Wednesday, April 15, at 5 p.m.

The 2026 Homecoming will be celebrated Thursday through Saturday, Oct. 8-10.

A campus sidewalk lined with hand-painted spirit boards created by Northwestern Oklahoma State University clubs and organizations. The closest board reads
Northwestern Oklahoma State University clubs and organizations created spirit boards to display during the 2025 “Rowdy Under the Big Top” homecoming celebrations. Northwestern’s Homecoming Committee is accepting parade marshal nominations and homecoming theme submissions for the fall 2026 homecoming. The deadline for both entries is Wednesday, April 15, at 5 p.m.

Theme suggestions must be limited to 10 words or fewer and should be something that can be illustrated through designs for floats, as well as dorm and campus building decorations. The person who submits the winning theme will receive $25 in Alva Area Chamber of Commerce Chamber Bucks.

Persons nominated for parade marshal must have a significant connection, current or past, to Northwestern, whether as a student, faculty member, staff member, coach, administrator or friend of the university.

Suggestions may be submitted by filling out the Homecoming Theme and Parade Marshal Form online, or nominations may also be turned in to Dr. David Pecha, homecoming chair, on the second floor of Herod Hall, or by emailing him at dmpecha@nwosu.edu.

Man in red jacket seated in the driver's seat of a silver pickup truck. A magnetic sign on the door reads
2025 Parade Marshal Ken Brown waves at the crowd during the Homecoming Parade last October. Northwestern Oklahoma State University’s Homecoming Committee is accepting parade marshal nominations and homecoming theme submissions for the fall 2026 homecoming. The deadline for both entries is Wednesday, April 15, at 5 p.m.

For a list of previous themes and parade marshals visit the Northwestern Homecoming webpage. The page will be updated as details are finalized.

-NW-

Media Contact:
Sean J. Doherty, University Relations Specialist
Email: sjdoherty@nwosu.edu
Phone: (580) 327-8480