DSU Celebrates 100 Years of Football with Unforgettable Homecoming Weekend

The 2025 Dickinson State University (DSU) Homecoming weekend was a nonstop celebration to mark 100 years of Blue Hawk football, held October 5–11. Student events kicked off the week with balloon art, homecoming gear giveaways, and a concert by the DSU Music Department, which built excitement ahead of the arrival of DSU alumni, friends, and fans from near and far. By the weekend, Blue Hawk spirit was in full force.

From the Alumni Honors Banquet and Hall of Fame Luncheon to open practice and BAC facility tours, every event reflected the legacy and pride of DSU athletics. Friday night’s 100 Years of Football Social offered a powerful reminder of the enduring Blue Hawk tradition.

"This weekend was about more than a milestone — it was about connection, pride, and what it means to be part of the DSU family. Seeing so many alumni return and instantly feel at home reminded me why the work we do truly matters, said Ty Orton, Executive Director of the DSU Heritage Foundation.

Saturday was the truest showcase of the motto “once a Blue Hawk, always a Blue Hawk,” as the campus buzzed with energy for the Alumni & Friends Breakfast, Homecoming Parade, and a jam-packed Tailgate leading into the big game. The DSU Blue Hawks fought hard and delivered a strong performance against the Dakota State Trojans, and while the game ended with a narrow 27-25 loss for DSU, you would never know from the energy in Dickinson on Saturday afternoon.

“This weekend was nothing short of incredible,” added Kierra Kathern, Director of Alumni Relations. “Seeing generations of DSU Football alumni and friends come together—laughing, sharing stories, and realizing how deeply they're connected—was truly moving and something I’ll never forget."

As DSU alumni relived their memories of past Homecomings this past weekend, the legacy of Blue Hawk football cemented a new memory in this unforgettable celebration.

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Written by Sarah Griffis – DSU HF Content Writer