Eastern Kentucky University’s 2019 Homecoming weekend will take place earlier in the month than usual, welcoming graduates and their families and friends to the Richmond campus Oct. 3-5.
This year’s Homecoming celebration coincides with the launch of the public phase of EKU’s second-ever comprehensive campaign, dubbed the Make No Little Plans Campaign. The campaign is raising $50 million to shore up three of EKU’s most important pillars: Student Success, Academic Excellence and Campus Revitalization
“Homecoming is undoubtedly EKU’s biggest celebration each and every year. This year is even more special with the announcement of the campaign, an initiative that will create untold opportunities for the next generations of Colonels,” said Dan McBride, associate vice president for development and alumni engagement. “We invite the greater EKU family, whether or not you can join us on campus for Homecoming, to join in as we ‘Make No Little Plans’ for the future of our great University.”
Thousands are expected to attend for the festivities, which begin at 5:30 p.m. Thursday with the fan-favorite Colonel Corn Roast in Powell Plaza. The annual Homecoming Parade will take place at 6 p.m. Friday and follow its usual route north on Lancaster Avenue and east on Main Street. The Homecoming football game, which pits the Colonels against Ohio Valley Conference rival UT Martin, kicks off at 3 p.m. Saturday.
The newest EKU Alumni Award winners 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 Rick McQuady, ’77 ’78; Tom Colbert, ’76; Debra Lambert, ’83; and Timothy Brown, ’72. Winners of the Professional Achievement Award are Ken Tippett, ’62 ’63; Edward B. Hall Jr., ’96 ’99; Marla Ridenour, ’78; and Dr. Steven Pollock, ’80 ’81. Distinguished Service Award winners are Sheila A. Hill, ’82 ’84; Jon R. Akers, ’70 ’74; and Col. Alvin E. Miller Sr., ’81. The 2019 Young Alumni Award Winners are Lacy Andrews, ’10; Matthew Ledford, ’13; Tatiana Cody, ’14; Amber Ungaro, ’08; and Dr. Caelin Scott, ’07 ’10 ’14.
Additional signature Homecoming events include:
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Eastern’s Got Talent - 7 to 9 p.m. Oct. 3 - O’Donnell Auditorium, Whitlock Building
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Decal Drive Thru - 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 4 - University Drive outside the Keen Johnson Building
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Homecoming Campus Tours - 1 to 4 p.m. Oct. 4 - Alumni Center at Blanton House
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Richmond Chamber Town and Gown Homecoming Tailgate - 5 to 8 p.m. Oct. 4 - Downtown Richmond
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Young Alumni After Party - 9 p.m. to midnight Oct. 4 - Paddy Wagon
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Homecoming 5K Presented by Soft Shoe - 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. Oct. 5 - Fitness & Wellness Center
Homecoming weekend also includes various organizational, departmental and college reunions, as well as campus tours and numerous sporting events. To see a complete list of all Homecoming events, including maps, tickets and registration details, visit homecoming.eku.edu, email alumni@eku.edu or call 859-622-1260.