Homecoming at Kansas University this year will seek to unite the university and surrounding communities in celebration and philanthropy, organizers said.

Events begin with the Jayhawk Jog 5k Walk and Run, which starts at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Kansas Union, and will conclude on Oct. 25 with KU’s football game against Texas Tech.

Most events are scheduled for the week before the football game, when there will be daily activities outside Wescoe Hall.

The time for some Saturday events, like the annual parade, are subject to change, based on the announced kickoff time of the football game.

The celebration leading up to the traditional return of alumni to campus will feature some events with a medieval focus, to highlight this year’s Homecoming theme, “Hail to the Hawks.”

David Wilcox, a Manhattan junior and co-director of the student Homecoming steering committee, said that new this year to the slate of events is a campuswide free barbecue at 6 p.m. on Oct. 23 at Wescoe Hall.

Wilcox, a co-director along with Aly Rodee, a Wichita senior, said he got involved with the celebration last year after not participating in many Homecoming events in his freshman year.

That’s changed now, as Wilcox said he appreciated the opportunity to plan and organize events.

“It gives us a sense of community with Jayhawks of all generations,” he said.

A “Stuff the Bus” food drive is back this year, where students and members of the community will attempt to fill a KU on Wheels bus with food donations.

Students and community members will be able to donate at the Dillons grocery store on 23rd Street, Mrs. E’s Dining Hall and Joseph R. Pearson Hall, said Jennifer Alderdice, assistant vice president of student programs for the KU Alumni Association.

She said the Homecoming celebration at the university dates back to 1912, when the football team beat the University of Missouri in front of 9,000 fans.

“Traditions come and go,” Alderdice said. “But one thing that stays true to Homecoming is Jayhawk spirit and pride.”