Spectators line the streets as the 2014 KU homecoming parade marches north on Massachusetts Street on Friday, Sept. 26, 2014, in downtown Lawrence.

This year’s homecoming theme, “Home on the Hill,” might conjure up more than a few memories and emotions for University of Kansas alumni.

Remembering defining moments during college, but also creating new memories and opportunities, is what this year’s organizers of homecoming week, Sept. 22-29, hope to accomplish.

Alumni reuniting and returning to campus is, of course, the hallmark of homecoming, said Jennifer Jackson Sanner, the KU Alumni Association’s senior vice president of public affairs, as is the homecoming football game, which this year will be against Oklahoma State on Sept. 29.

However, for those who can’t make the trip to Lawrence, an opportunity is available for alumni to connect with former classmates by posting memories of favorite places or special activities from their college days. People can send those thoughts to share@kualumni.org.

Returning traditions include the homecoming parade, scheduled for 6 p.m. on Sept. 27 on Massachusetts Street.

The parade will feature Rich and Judy Howard Billings, of Lakewood, Colo., this year’s grand marshals. The Billings, both 1957 KU graduates, are life members of the Alumni Association and Presidents Club donors. They also are benefactors of the annual Spirit of 1912 Award, which commemorates the first year of KU’s homecoming and recognizes school spirit, pride and tradition.

“They are storied personalities,” said Ally Stanton, director of student programs at the Alumni Association. “They have missed one reunion in 60 years.”

One of Stanton’s favorite homecoming traditions is Chalk and Rock, which will begin at 9 a.m. on Sept. 25 at Wescoe Beach on Jayhawk Boulevard. At this event student groups and campus organizations create chalk murals depicting the homecoming theme.

“I would love to see it stretch the entire boulevard,” Stanton said.

Stanton is working closely with the student-led Homecoming Steering Committee to encourage participation.

“We want all parts of the university community to be involved,” Stanton said. “It’s not just about football or the Greek letter you wear. We’re excited to see a larger variety of participation. There will be a big scholarship hall presence this year.”

One opportunity to be launched during homecoming week will be KU Mentoring, a program that functions like the LinkedIn model of connecting professionals.

“It will provide a forum for alumni to share their knowledge and life experiences with students. Mentors can provide valuable firsthand insight,” said Kristi Laclé, assistant vice president of the Jayhawk Career Network.

Homecoming is an ideal time to launch the site mentoring.ku.edu, Laclé said.

“This online platform is a way for a lot of Jayhawks around the globe unable to travel to Lawrence for the reunion to still connect via email or chatting,” she said.

Students can connect and suggest times for communicating with mentors. Alumni can specify how many people they’d like to mentor and what level of engagement works for them.

The mentoring.ku.edu software is provided by PeopleGrove. The startup company offers a similar program to Stanford University and Notre Dame, Laclé said.

The network is currently being filled with alumni. Students will register during homecoming week. For safety and privacy, the students can see the alumni profiles but the alumni cannot see the students’ profiles.

“Students aren’t going to be trolled on this site,” Laclé said.

However, alumni can see other alumni.

“There are two ways to mentor: student to alumni, and alumni can network and mentor other alumni,” Laclé said.

The software has a licensing agreement with LinkedIn that allows profiles from LinkedIn to be shared to mentoring.ku.edu.

For a complete schedule of the homecoming events go to http://www.kualumni.org/events/homecoming/homecoming-schedule/