By Hazel Scott/ASU
From the youngest aspiring members of the Hornet Nation family to students shaping the future of Alabama State University, and from proud alumni to generations of distinguished Hornets, a special runway will soon tell the story of where ASU has been, where it is today and where it is going.
The University’s history will come to life during the 2026 ASU Homecoming Fashion Show, “Evolution of a Hornet,” an evening celebrating fashion, creativity, family and the generations that make up the Hornet community.
The highly anticipated event is scheduled for Sunday, October 4, 2026, at the Joe L. Reed Dunn-Oliver Acadome on the Alabama State University campus. Doors will open at 5 p.m., with the fashion show beginning at 6 p.m.
The event will be hosted by Jonathan “Cookie” Adams, a 2009 graduate of Alabama State University. Adams will bring his trademark personality and Hornet pride to the runway as he guides guests through an evening that celebrates the University and the people who represent it.
Adding to the fashion-forward experience, the show will feature designs from local designers, ASU vendor 8th Wonder and the ASU bookstore. The collections will provide a platform for fashion and creativity while showcasing connections between the University and the broader Montgomery community.
“‘Evolution of a Hornet’ is more than a fashion show—it’s a celebration of where we come from, who we are and how we continue to evolve. This Homecoming, the runway becomes a place where Hornet pride, creativity and style come together,” said Amber Douglas, ASU’s brand and marketing director.
At the heart of the show will be the University’s students, with a majority of the models being current ASU students. Joining them on the runway will Little Miss Hornet, ASU alumni, Golden Class members, 50 Under 50 members and their families.
The multigenerational lineup is designed to showcase the Hornet progression — from the youngest members of the ASU family experiencing the tradition for the first time to students currently creating their own ASU memories and alumni who continue to carry the Hornet legacy forward.
Rather than simply showcasing fashion, “Evolution of a Hornet” will use the runway to celebrate the people, traditions and experiences that connect generations of the Alabama State family.
As Homecoming brings generations of Hornets together, Douglas said “Evolution of a Hornet” offers another opportunity to celebrate the legacy, energy and creativity that continue to shape the Alabama State University experience.
With students, youth, alumni and families sharing the runway, the evening will provide a visual representation of the Hornet journey — one generation passing the legacy to the next, while each generation adds its own style to the story.
Tickets are currently available online at https://fundraise.givesmart.com/form/lfjSQw?vid=1spaus