Connect, Compete, Celebrate: Join the Homecoming 2026 Ultimate Frisbee Alumni Game

There’s no shortage of activities for students and alumni alike during North Park University’s (NPU) annual Homecoming celebration. Whether you’re cheering on the football team or reveling in the nostalgia of your time at NPU, Homecoming is a time for the community to come together and celebrate the many reasons to love North Park. Among the activities offered is the ultimate frisbee alumni game, an event in its second year that’s quickly becoming a beloved tradition.  

Ultimate frisbee is one of the university’s most popular club sports offerings. While the dynamic gameplay is what originally draws students in, it’s the long-lasting friendships that keep students coming back. Nothing illustrates this more than the alumni game. 

Hosted by the Office of Advancement and Alumni Engagement, this co-ed event is designed to connect current students with alumni through a shared interest. The game is just one part; before and after, participants have time to mingle.  

“The biggest benefit of this event is connecting and having a fun time. It’s fantastic for students and alumni to meet one another,” said Stewardship and Impact Manager Madelyn “Maddy” Vander Ploeg, BA ’26. “It’s always great for students to see alumni within their first 10 years of graduating to see what the near future can hold. It’s also a great setting for organic networking.” 

You never know where a friendly conversation could lead. During the 2025 game, Abi Sensmeier BA ’26, then a student at NPU, met Justin Prevost-Schultz BS ’11, MBA ’18 and discovered they had more in common than a love for ultimate frisbee. Both Sensmeier and Prevost-Schultz studied nonprofit management. Sensmeier asked Prevost-Schultz if they could get in touch after the game so that she could learn more about his work in nonprofits before she graduated the following spring.  

“I was honored that he agreed and was thrilled to see what life looked like for a nonprofit professional working in downtown Chicago. I learned so much about Justin’s career and his time at North Park,” said Sensmeier. “It was a blessing to connect with an alumnus I had so much in common with.”  

 The interaction extended beyond a simple networking lunch. Hearing Sensmeier’s goals and interests encouraged Prevost-Schultz to connect her further in the industry. 

“After our lunch, I got Abi in touch with some folks I know in the industries and roles she was interested in,” said Prevost-Schultz. “One of those led to an internship and, later, her first job following graduation.” 

Without the ultimate frisbee alumni game, Sensmeier said she wasn’t sure where her life would have led.

“I am so grateful to Justin for meeting with me, and God for orchestrating my post-grad plans better than I could have myself,” said Sensmeier. “I encourage any alumni and students to attend because you never know the opportunities that may come from it, including a fun way to meet other North Parkers.” 

This year’s ultimate frisbee alumni game will take place at 7:30 p.m. on October 30 at the Holmgren Athletic Complex. Those interested must register by October 23. To view the full Homecoming 2026 event schedule, visit the event page.