EKU Celebrates 2023 Homecoming Weekend Oct. 13-14

Published on October 06, 2023

By Sarah Bashford

The Campus Beautiful will be lively with a plethora of events scheduled for Eastern Kentucky University’s (EKU) 2023 Homecoming weekend from Oct. 13-14. All students, alumni and friends of the Colonel community are invited to attend.

“Homecoming is a time to honor our shared history and strengthen our EKU community. We are not just a university; we are the School of Opportunity," said EKU President David McFaddin. “For many, EKU became a home where lifelong friendships and careers began. We’re excited for EKU Colonels, past and present, to join us for another Homecoming weekend and to celebrate the ties that bind us together.”

Homecoming festivities will kickoff on Tuesday, Oct. 10, with a livestream from President McFaddin. The annual Homecoming Parade will take place at 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13, with its traditional route on Lancaster Avenue and Main Street. Following the parade, EKU’s HOCO Block Party starts at 7 p.m. on Water Street with live music, food and drinks from several vendors. 

Saturday morning, Oct. 14, the parking lot in Alumni Coliseum opens at 9 a.m. for tailgating ahead of the Homecoming football game. The game begins at 3 p.m. with the Colonels playing against Tarleton State. The Homecoming Royal Court will be crowned during half-time. 

The 2023 EKU alumni award recipients will be recognized at the J.W. “Spider” Thurman Alumni Awards and Pioneer Brunch, scheduled for Saturday at 10 a.m. Colonels being inducted into the Hall of Distinguished Alumni include Meribeth McBride Berman, ’92, Reggie Gay, ’84, Alan Long, ’79,  and Dr. Geri Spurlin, ’64. 

Winners of the 2023 Professional Achievement Award are Mickey L. French, ’89, Tracie Prater,  ’06, Lori Holt, ’94, and Dexter Santos, ’93.

Alumni receiving the 2023 Distinguished Service Award are Chris Girdler, ’02, Marietta “Mary” Lee, ’81, and Calvin Music, ’11.

The 2023 Young Alumni Award winners are Debbie Beausejour, ’19, Dr. Clint Pinion, ’19 ’22, and Adria Thompson, ’12 ’14.

Additional signature Homecoming events include: 

  • Light Up Your ResLife - 7:30 p.m. Oct. 11 - Powell Plaza

  • Colonel Corn Roast - 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 12 - Powell Plaza

  • Homecoming Campus Tours - 1 to 4 p.m. Oct.13 - Alumni Center at Blanton House

  • Young Alumni After Party - 9 p.m. Oct. 13 - Paddy Wagon Irish Pub

  • Homecoming 5K - 8 a.m Oct. 14 - EKU Campus Recreation Center

Homecoming weekend has additional events planned for the campus community, ranging from various organizational, departmental and college reunions, to campus tours and numerous sporting events. To see a complete schedule of all Homecoming events, including maps, tickets and registration details, visit homecoming.eku.edu.