Kent State University will celebrate its Homecoming on Saturday, Oct. 5. This year’s Homecoming theme, “New and Old, Forever Blue and Gold,” will honor Kent State’s past while looking forward to the university’s future.
“This year’s theme really embodies the transitions Kent State and the community are going through now,” said Joy Foreman, assistant director of outreach with Kent State’s Alumni Relations and Homecoming chair. “The university is constantly evolving, but no matter what changes on campus, there’s always that Kent State pride. That always stays consistent.”
Sponsored by the Kent State University Alumni Association, the festivities will begin with the 13th annual Bowman Cup 5K race at 8 a.m. followed by the complimentary alumni continental breakfast and parade viewing at the Williamson Alumni Center, located at 1200 Main St. in Kent.
The Homecoming parade will begin at 11 a.m. this year, an hour later than previous years. The parade will take place on Main Street and include entries from numerous campus organizations and the community. Following the parade, the alumni association will host tours of newly rejuvenated downtown Kent aboard Lolly the Trolley.
Other activities will include a faculty lecture on Kent State and May 4, 1970, the third annual Kiss on the K and a free concert featuring Flash in the Pan, Kent State’s own steel drum band. New this year, the Kent State Fashion School will host a grand opening reception for the TechStyleLAB and a Fashion Walk on the new Kent State University Esplanade extension.
Bring the whole family to watch the Kent State Golden Flashes football team battle the Northern Illinois Huskies at 3:30 p.m. at Dix Stadium. A Family Fun Zone with inflatables, caricature artists and other family friendly activities will be located on the south side of the stadium. The 2013 Homecoming King and Queen will be announced during halftime. Golden Flashes fans also are asked to show their support by wearing the university’s colors – blue and gold – to the game.
“Homecoming is the best time for Kent State to come together to celebrate the past and future,” Foreman said. “We have so many activities planned. There really is something for everyone.”
Additional information and a full list of events for Kent State’s 2013 Homecoming are available at www.ksualumni.org/homecoming.