---
title: Homecoming Retakes the Field
date: 2021-11-01T05:30:00-04:00
author: University of Maryland
canonical_url: "https://today.umd.edu/homecoming-retakes-the-field"
section: Articles
---
# Homecoming Retakes the Field

*November 1, 2021* — by [Maryland Today Staff](/author/maryland-today-staff)


> Thousands Celebrate Terp Pride, Fueled by In-Person Fun, a Football Win and a Focus on Grand Challenges

*Homecoming Tailgate 10302021 SC 3882 1920x1080 — Terp students and alums joined for a week of festivities, philanthropy and feats of athleticism (both on the field and at tailgating events) for Homecoming ‘21, which reestablished itself on campus after a celebration hampered last year by the pandemic. From left, Leydi Hernandez ’23, Anna Edwards, Lidia Gonzalez ’23, Mikey Tanner ’23, Franklin Sorto ’22 and Melanie Ventura ’23 pause from tailgating to show off this year’s Homecoming giveaway scarf.*

A rousing victory from Maryland’s football team on Saturday capped off a week of in-person events at this year’s Homecoming, a title that felt especially meaningful after 2020’s pandemic-quieted lineup.

Quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa threw for a career-high 419 yards in leading Maryland to a 38-35 win over Indiana, a matchup that drew a big and enthusiastic crowd. Gameday also included honoring the 2021 Spirit of Maryland winners and the Ralph Friedgen-led 2001 Terrapins to mark the 20th anniversary of their ACC championship, and special reunion tailgates across campus.

The inaugural Beyond the Field address, from sociology Professor Rashawn Ray, executive director of the Lab for Applied Social Science Research, was streamed on Facebook at halftime. He spoke about the "power of research to create meaningful change" in the face of daunting inequities, ranging from police killings of unarmed African Americans to the disparate toll of diseases including COVID-19 in minoritized communities.

The week also featured arts exhibitions and performances, “spirit box” giveaways and traditional Homecoming activities that Terps welcomed back: the SEE Comedy Show that expanded to two shows to meet demand; Tuesday Night Lights on Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium, with record attendance; and the always-lively Nyumburu Cultural Center Juke Joint, which got an added boost from guest host Jason Reynolds ’05, bestselling author of children and young adult books.

See the gallery below for a peek at the week's highlights:



*Terps fill up bags of delicious charitable food for local families at Terps Against Hunger event*



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*UMD cheerleaders demonstrate their moves to young fans at Tuesday Night Lights event at football stadium*



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*Performers at Juke Joint*



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*SEE comedy show crowd*



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*Terps at photo booth*



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*Terps play cornhole at tailgate*



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*Cheerleaders pose with Testudo*



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*Tayon Fleet-Davis poses with fans*



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*Wide receiver Carlos Carriere outruns Indiana’s defense*



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*Spirit of Maryland Award winners Josie Shaffer, left and M. Pease are honored on Capital One Field with President Darryll J. Pines.*




**Topics:** [Campus & Community](https://today.umd.edu/tags/campus-community)


**Tags:** [Alumni](https://today.umd.edu/topic/alumni), [Homecoming](https://today.umd.edu/topic/homecoming)


**Units:** [Alumni Association](https://today.umd.edu/topic/alumni-association)