Pittsburg State University

10/10/2026

Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Tony Award-winning musical "In the Heights" comes to Pittsburg's Memorial Auditorium and Convention Center next week as part of the Hispanic Music Festival! Bursting with energy, heart, and incredible music, this celebration of community, culture, and chasing your dreams is one you won’t want to miss. Learn more and get your tickets here: https://bit.ly/3TPtVju

10/09/2026

The field has been narrowed for this year’s Homecoming Royalty competition at Pittsburg State University, with 12 students representing a variety of organizations having been selected as finalists.

This year’s finalists are:

👑 Gibson Baker (El Dorado)
👑 Luke Anderson (Nevada, Missouri)
👑 Alice Carnahan (Parsons)
👑 Trevor Bunt (Claremore, Oklahoma)
👑 Emma Eckstein (Frontenac)
👑 Logan Huser (Fredonia, Kansas)
👑 Indiana Grotheer (Pittsburg)
👑 Darrel McLeod (Pittsburg)
👑 Allison Krafft (Louisburg)
👑 Shane Minor (Pleasant Hill, Missouri)
👑 Ava Van Nieuwenhaus (Pittsburg)
👑 Noah Yeakey (Oronogo, Missouri)

Homecoming Royalty will be crowned at Yell Like Hell at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 16, at Carnie Smith Stadium. Doors open at 6 p.m.

Royalty will be featured in the Homecoming Parade on Broadway at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 17, and will be recognized during the Homecoming Game at Carnie Smith Stadium that afternoon. Kickoff is at 2 p.m.

10/08/2026

Dennis Franchione, the Pitt State and MIAA Hall of Fame coach, passed away following a courageous battle with cancer Tuesday (Oct. 6). He was 75.

10/08/2026

Homecoming Week is just around the corner! ❤️ 💛

Whether you’re coming back to campus for the 90s Greek Reunion or OSC 75th Anniversary Reunion, cheering on the Gorillas, playing with the band again, or making new Homecoming memories, there’s something for everyone!

Homecoming: Friday Events
2:00 | Alumni Awards Reception
5:00 | OSC 75th Anniversary Celebration
6:30 | Yell Like Hell
8:00 | Bonfire & Firework Show

Homecoming: Saturday Events
9:00 | Parade
11:00 | Tailgating & GorillaFest
2:00 | Pitt State Football

10/07/2026

Pitt State Theatre opens its season with “Peter and the Starcatcher” performances at the Bicknell Family Center for the Arts at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 22-24 and 2 p.m. October 24-25.

Tickets are $18 for the general public, $13 for under 17 or over 64, and are free to Pitt State students/faculty/staff with a valid Pitt State ID.

Tickets may be purchased at the University Ticket Office, 306 N. Broadway, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, or by calling 620-235-4796 during those hours.

They may be purchased online at pittstate.edu/tickets, or at the door approximately 30 minutes prior to curtain.

Ahoy Gorillas!
Don't forget to catch Pitt State's production of PETER AND THE STARCATCHER at the Dotty and Bill Miller Theater at the Bicknell Center. The production will run October 22nd-24th at 7:30pm, and October 24th-25th at 2pm. Tickets are FREE for Pitt State staff and students with a valid ID.

Tickets are $18 for the general public, $13 for under 17 or over 64. Tickets can be purchased in the Weede ticket office, by calling 620-235-4796, online at pittstate.edu/tickets, or at the door approximately 30 minutes prior to curtain.

10/07/2026

📣 Calling all Pitt State Pride of the Plains Marching Band Alumni!

Join us for Homecoming on Saturday, October 17!

🎶 Come be part of the tradition again!

☑️ March down Broadway
☑️ Step back onto the field
☑️ Get loud in Gorilla Village
☑️ Make some music in the stands

👇 Registration link in the comments!

10/06/2026

Congratulations to the two recipients of this year’s Dr. Kenneth K. Bateman Outstanding Alumni Award, Derek H. Hoffine and Dr. Sabuhi Sardarli, PhD.

The award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated significant professional growth and advancement since the completion of their degree or last credit hours. Candidates must have earned their last credit hours or degree from Pittsburg State University at least 11 years prior, but no more than 25 years.

Join Pittsburg State Alumni at 2 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 17, at the Wilkinson Alumni Center to recognize the recipients as part of Homecoming activities.

Read the full story: https://www.pittstate.edu/gorillaconnection/2026/09/pitt-state-announces-recipients-of-2026-outstanding-alumni-award.html?image

Congratulations to our 2026 Dr. Kenneth K. Bateman Outstanding Alumni Award recipients, Derek H. Hoffine (BSET ‘02) and Dr. Sabuhi Sardarli, Ph.D., CFA (BBA ‘05)!

This award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated significant professional growth and advancement since the completion of their degree. We are proud to recognize these Gorillas for the accomplishments that have earned them this distinction! You can join us in honoring this year’s recipients on Friday, October 16, at 2 pm at the Wilkinson Alumni Center.

Learn more about these outstanding alumni by visiting https://bit.ly/OustandingAlumni.

10/06/2026

The Pittsburg State Alumni Association has announced Courtney Winrow (Blankenship) and Dr. Kalee D. Woody as the recipients of this year’s GOLD (Gorillas of the Last Decade) Alumni Award.

Join us to recognize these two recipients at 2 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 17, at Wilkinson Alumni Center as part of Homecoming activities.

The award recognizes outstanding graduates within the last 10 years who have made an impact in their career field or community while showcasing Gorilla pride.

Full Story: https://www.pittstate.edu/gorillaconnection/2026/09/pitt-state-announces-recipients-of-2026-gold-award.html?image

Congratulations to our 2026 Gorillas of the Last Decade Award recipients, Courtney Winrow (Blankenship) (BA ‘18, BS ‘18) and Dr. Kalee D. Woody, DO, PMH-C (BS ‘16)!

This award recognizes outstanding graduates within the last 10 years who are making an impact in their career fields and communities while continuing to showcase their Gorilla Pride. We are excited to celebrate these Gorillas and the accomplishments that have earned them this recognition. You can join us in honoring this year’s GOLD Award recipients on Friday, October 16, at 2 pm at the Wilkinson Alumni Center.

Learn more about these remarkable Gorillas by visiting https://bit.ly/GOLDAward.

10/06/2026

Pitt State Athletics is saddened to learn of the passing of Hall of Fame former head football coach and athletic director Dennis Franchione.

Coach Fran compiled an amazing 53-6 record at his alma mater from 1985-89, leading the Gorillas to five straight conference titles and five consecutive postseason playoff appearances. He was twice named the NAIA Division I National Coach of the Year.

"We lost one of the greats today," said Pitt State president Thomas Newsom. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and all those in Gorilla Nation and across the country whose lives he touched."

10/05/2026

Pitt State Women's Soccer is on fire with a 10-0-2 record so far this season! ⚽️

Staying undefeated helps us break into the top 5 in the nation! 🦍⚽️