Published on Sep. 26, 2025
By Kampbell Hemeyer
For senior Nadia Gresham, Mizzou Homecoming has been marked on her calendar every year since she could walk. As a Columbia native, Gresham is no stranger to Homecoming. She remembers attending the parade and seeing the campus decorations every year with her family.
“We always hosted Homecoming get-togethers at our house,” Gresham said. “I’ve never been a huge football fan. It was more about my mom’s friends coming into town, dressed in all black and gold Mizzou attire. It’s a time when so many people come home to Columbia and reunite with family.”
Even with these fond memories, Gresham was hesitant to attend Mizzou after high school, initially looking at out-of-state schools. But when she graduated from Rock Bridge High School early, at age 16, she decided to stay close to home. Now majoring in medical laboratory science with minors in biology, psychology and criminal justice, Gresham was surprised by how many opportunities Mizzou had to offer.
Once on campus, Gresham dove right in; getting involved in several campus organizations. She became a Summer Welcome Leader, helping freshmen transition from high school to Mizzou. She often worked with students she knew from Rock Bridge, describing it as “very special” to advise the same students she grew up with.
She began participating in TRiO Student Support Services, utilizing its resources to navigate college as a first-generation student. She was active in the Missouri Students Association and sang in the Sankofa Chorale. One of her favorite experiences was serving on the 2024 Homecoming Steering Committee (SteerCo).
“I didn’t understand how important SteerCo is,” said Gresham. “Seeing Mizzou pride at Homecoming is truly magical. But being able to work and help put it together has given me a much greater appreciation for it. I didn’t know Homecoming is student-run.”
On SteerCo, Gresham was a member of the Special Events sub-committee, helping plan several Homecoming activities such as the flag football tournament, Decorate the District and Light the Dome. She connected with local businesses and coordinated with students to bring these traditions to life, creating memorable experiences for past, present and future Tigers, while leaving her own mark on Mizzou Homecoming.
Where she once watched from the curb, Gresham found herself riding in the 2024 Homecoming Parade alongside the rest of SteerCo’s student leaders.
“Mizzou Homecoming is an experience you will never forget. It reminds you of the Tigers who came before you, offers a chance to reflect on where you’ve been and inspires you to look ahead to where you’re going” Gresham said. “The celebration is so much fun. You truly feel the love seeing the Mizzou and Columbia communities come together.”
Homecoming is September 27 and this year, the columns are calling. Will you answer the call?
Experience Homecoming and step into Mizzou tradition by scheduling your campus tour this fall. Learn how you can get involved by visiting the Homecoming website and following the official Homecoming profile on Instagram.