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Ivy Lumpkin and Brady Ruffer, 2011 Homecoming Queen and King, are all smiles as they pose for photos with President Lester A. Lefton during halftime ceremonies at Dix Stadium.
Ivy Lumpkin and Brady Ruffer, 2011 Homecoming Queen and King, are all smiles as they pose for photos with President Lester A. Lefton during halftime ceremonies at Dix Stadium.
Students march in the 2011 Homecoming Parade.
Students march in the 2011 Homecoming Parade.
Members of the 2011 Homecoming Court participate in the parade.
Members of the 2011 Homecoming Court participate in the parade.
<p>A float celebrating members of the U.S. Armed Forces makes its way down East Main Street during the 2011 Homecoming Parade.</p>

A float celebrating members of the U.S. Armed Forces makes its way down East Main Street during the 2011 Homecoming Parade.

<p>Spectators enjoy the 2011 Homecoming Parade.<br /> </p>

Spectators enjoy the 2011 Homecoming Parade.

After the homecoming parade "Kiss on the K,” a new tradition intended to recognize all Kent State couples, was held.
After the homecoming parade "Kiss on the K,” a new tradition intended to recognize all Kent State couples, was held.
Kent State linebacker C.J. Malauulu (43) and defensive back Josh Pleasant (2) sack the Miami Redhawks quarterback during the first half of the Homecoming game at Dix Stadium.
Kent State linebacker C.J. Malauulu (43) and defensive back Josh Pleasant (2) sack the Miami Redhawks quarterback during the first half of the Homecoming game at Dix Stadium.
Runners participate in the 11th annual Bowman Cup 5K Race, which kicked off the 2011 Homecoming festivities.
Runners participate in the 11th annual Bowman Cup 5K Race, which kicked off the 2011 Homecoming festivities.
  • Ivy Lumpkin and Brady Ruffer, 2011 Homecoming Queen and King, are all smiles as they pose for photos with President Lester A. Lefton during halftime ceremonies at Dix Stadium.
  • Students march in the 2011 Homecoming Parade.
  • Members of the 2011 Homecoming Court participate in the parade.
  • <p>A float celebrating members of the U.S. Armed Forces makes its way down East Main Street during the 2011 Homecoming Parade.</p>
  • <p>Spectators enjoy the 2011 Homecoming Parade.<br /> </p>
  • After the homecoming parade "Kiss on the K,” a new tradition intended to recognize all Kent State couples, was held.
  • Kent State linebacker C.J. Malauulu (43) and defensive back Josh Pleasant (2) sack the Miami Redhawks quarterback during the first half of the Homecoming game at Dix Stadium.
  • Runners participate in the 11th annual Bowman Cup 5K Race, which kicked off the 2011 Homecoming festivities.

Homecoming 2011:
Oct. 15

Alumni Relations
Kent State University’s Homecoming took place on Saturday, Oct. 15. Sponsored by the Kent State Alumni Association, the day was filled with tradition and exciting activities.
“Homecoming is a time of high energy on Kent State’s campus,” said Brittney Braydich, Kent State assistant director for alumni relations and Homecoming chair. “The students have returned, there are a variety of events throughout the week leading up to the day of Homecoming, we welcome hundreds of alumni back and the downtown and campus just seem to come back to life!”

In keeping with tradition, the festivities kicked-off with the 11th annual Bowman Cup 5K Race at 8 a.m. and were followed at 9 a.m. with the annual alumni continental breakfast and parade viewing hosted at the Williamson Alumni Center, located at 1200 Main St. in Kent.

Braydich said all alumni were welcome to attend the complimentary breakfast and watch the Homecoming parade from beginning to end at this great location.

This year’s Homecoming parade theme was “Rock Out the RedHawks.” When the parade stepped off at 10 a.m., spectators saw different types of floats, walking units, city and student organizations and university departments.

Brittany Maurer, student assistant in the Leadership Department of Kent State’s Center for Student Involvement Homecoming parade co-chair, said, “There will be entries ranging from the Acker-Moore Color Guard to Kent State’s Veteran’s Club to the Homecoming Court Float along with many others. The parade is a full out community and university event where everyone comes together to participate and celebrate.”

A Kent State couple participates in the newly launched Following the parade, many other activities took place including a reunion luncheon for the class of 1961 and a new Homecoming event called “Kiss on the K.”

Carrie Circosta, assistant director for alumni relations at Kent State, said “Kiss on the K” is a new tradition intended to recognize all Kent State couples.

“When two people share a special connection and both are part of the Kent State family, it calls for a celebration,” Circosta said. “Couples are invited to meet at the ‘K’ in Risman Plaza on Homecoming day and, when the library bells strike noon, share a kiss. All participants will receive several giveaways.”

The day concluded with the traditional Homecoming game, where the Kent State Golden Flashes lost to the Miami RedHawks 9-3. The announcement of Homecoming King Brady Ruffer and Queen Ivy Lumpkin occurred during halftime. Homecoming apparel was available through the university bookstore.

Find additional information about Homecoming and a full event schedule.