Record-breaking must have been the theme at the 2010 Centennial Homecoming, as attendance records were broken left and right.

The Homecoming parade began with a flyover by five university-owned Cessna 172s.

Students and alumni were represented in all events throughout campus during the weekend. A total of 636 runners participated in the 10th Annual Bowman Cup race, and the Center for Student Involvement saw record-breaking attendance for all of its events. PARTA reported a record-breaking 11,011 passengers on the football shuttle busses, and Dix Stadium hosted its third-largest crowd with 24,000 fans.

The bookstore reported selling more than 2,000 specially designed Homecoming T-shirts, depicting the heated rivalry that played out on the football field in the afternoon.

For the first time during a Homecoming game, the Golden Flashes took on their biggest rival and beat the University of Akron Zips by a tally of 28-17.

In addition, new and old faces gathered together to watch the annual Homecoming parade, which included the Homecoming court, along with community and campus organizations. The Kent State University Veteran's Club took home the grand prize for its parade float.

Homecoming is a family affair for the Schuller family. This particular Homecoming was meaningful to Jennifer Schuller, '02, because she is one of five children, all of whom are either Kent State graduates or current students.

"I have attended some element of Homecoming since 2000, and this year the energy was absolutely like no other. There was such a diverse group of alumni that attended the breakfast and parade at the Williamson Alumni Center," says Jennifer Schuller. "At one point, I looked around and students, recent grads, and those celebrating their 50th class reunion were all well represented."

Jim Friedl, '64, another participant in this year's events, says he was amazed by how much the university has grown.

"My wife and I wanted to attend Homecoming since we have a high regard for the university," Friedl says. "We have not been back for approximately 28 years and wanted to return this year to celebrate the Centennial,"

His personal exploration of the campus during the weekend gave him the opportunity to appreciate the many changes to campus. Friedl says that he and his wife could not wait to see the expansion that has taken place, as well as some of the original buildings where they had attended classes approximately 40 years ago.

"Homecoming's special meaning for me was that I was very proud to have graduated from the School of Business Administration in 1964," Friedl adds. "Graduation and subsequent employment enriched my life and provided me with a very successful career with many accomplishments."

The crowds at this Centennial event illustrated the overall pride alumni feel about their alma mater.

"In addition, as it was the Centennial Homecoming, I was provided an opportunity to reflect on Kent State's history and the role the university has played in Northeast Ohio and around the world," says Schuller. "I really felt such a sense of pride for my alma mater that day and I'm guessing that most other alumni did as well."

By Rebecca Mohr