Kent State’s Homecoming Celebration Takes Place Oct. 15

Kent State University’s Homecoming will take place Saturday, Oct. 15. Sponsored by the Kent State Alumni Association, the day will be 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 kick-off with the 11th annual Bowman Cup 5K Race at 8 a.m. and will be 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 are 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 is “Rock Out the RedHawks.” When the parade steps off at 10 a.m., spectators can expect to see 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 and 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.”

Following the parade, many other activities will take 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 concludes with the traditional Homecoming game. The Kent State Golden Flashes take on the Miami RedHawks with kickoff at 3:30 p.m. and the announcement of Homecoming King and Queen will be made during halftime. Individuals planning to attend the game are encouraged to show their support and pride for the Golden Flashes by wearing the university’s colors; Homecoming apparel will be available through the university bookstore.

Additional information about Homecoming and a full event schedule is available at www.ksualumni.org/homecoming.

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Photo Caption:
Kent State University President Lester A. Lefton assists Kent State students, faculty, staff and alumni in cutting the ribbon to begin the university’s Homecoming Parade at last year’s celebration.

Media Contacts:
Brittney Braydich, brblack@kent.edu, 330-672-5368
Emily Vincent, evincen2@kent.edu, 330-672-8595