Photo by Laramie Cotten
For the University of Wyoming’s 2026–27 homecoming week, new beginnings and new traditions were a common theme. This was shown in no better way than through the Homecoming bonfire, hosted on Friday, Sept. 25, by the University of Wyoming Alumni Association (UWAA) and the Associated Students of the University of Wyoming (ASUW).
Advertised through the slogan “Ignite the Tradition!” on social media, the bonfire seemed the perfect way to build a new experience on campus while still celebrating alumni and the cowboy spirit.
“Traditions are critical,” said Jack Tennant, executive director of the UWAA. “Traditions are all a part of the dynamic campus culture that we’re trying to build here at the University of Wyoming.” This year’s bonfire marks the first time in decades the event had been held.
While the fire was scheduled for 7:30 p.m., a large crowd had already gathered as early as 7:00. The intersection of Willet Drive and 15th Street, where the ceremonies began, was brimming with anticipation as the band lined up to lead the march to the bonfire. As music played, the band waved their instruments high in the air in rhythmic unison, and the march began.
The march led hundreds of students, faculty, alumni and Laramie community members, many donning the bonfire event’s exclusive T-shirts, to the field beside the University of Wyoming Art Museum. There, a large, fenced-off, wooden shell sat, ready to be lit ablaze. Igniting the bonfire was University of Wyoming President Shane Reeves, who took the stage before throwing a pineapple in.
At the bonfire, Reeves commented that “young people seem to want to connect. They want a campus where it is fun and dynamic and they can build good relationships.”
Since his entrance into the position in July 2026, many eyes have been on Reeves and his plans to lead the University into the new academic year. This has culminated in many events for the campus; some new, such as the bonfire, some returning after hiatus, like the Cowboy Kickoff Concert earlier this month, and some classic, like the parade and Homecoming game, both held Saturday, Sept. 26.
Many in the crowd expressed enthusiasm for the event and excitement for the future. Malea Gomez, a senior, said, “it’s like a cool event that we had in high school, so it’s a cool thing to bring it here.” Many other juniors and seniors reported never feeling this same amount of effort toward the homecoming week as they did this year. “I think it just brings a large group of people together, and it can help you meet new people and make new friends,” said Gillian Holman, a first-year student at the university.
The bonfire was not the only spectacle to be seen; a hot air balloon sporting the Cowboy’s logo stood tall not too far away, provided by University of Wyoming alumni Bruce Pivic. Large bursts of fire illuminated the inside, creating an impressive display of Cowboy pride.
For students, faculty, and alumni, the pride of being a Cowboy is alive and well. It appears that this is only just the start of new beginnings and new traditions at the University of Wyoming.
