Eastern Kentucky University invites past and current students, friends of the University, and residents of Richmond and Madison County to our 2021 Homecoming, taking place this weekend on The Campus Beautiful and in the City of Richmond. This year’s homecoming for students, graduates, and friends of the University is a return to the traditional in-person events we’ve all come to enjoy over the years.
“Homecoming is undoubtedly one of EKU’s biggest celebrations each and every year. This year we’re going to celebrate all things EKU in-person for the first time since 2019, and see the Colonels play their first ASUN/WAC opponent in conference play,” said EKU President Dr. David McFaddin. “We invite the greater EKU family back to campus to relive some of their college days, and to make some new memories at the revitalized Roy Kidd Stadium.”
Thousands are expected to attend the festivities, which begin at 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 30 with the always popular Colonel Corn Roast and pumpkin painting in Powell Plaza. The annual Homecoming Parade will take place at 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 1, and follow its usual route north on Lancaster Avenue and east on Main Street. A great spot to take in the excitement is the Richmond Chamber Town and Gown Homecoming Tailgate. Bring your own vehicle, food, and drinks, and participate in the tailgate fun. Alternatively, you can arrive on foot and take advantage of the free food that will be available from 5 - 6:30 p.m. while supplies last. There will also be cornhole and ladder ball competitions, as well as members of the Men’s and Women’s EKU Basketball coaching staffs and teams greeting fans.
The Homecoming football game kicks off at 3 p.m. on Saturday with the Colonels hosting new ASUN-WAC challenge rival Tarleton State Texans. The Homecoming Court will be crowned at halftime.
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 C. Richard Mattingly, ‘78, J. Thomas Hennessey, Jr., ‘65, ‘73, Delma Francis, ‘75 and Charles K. Childers, ‘62.
Winners of the 2021 Professional Achievement Award are Billy Glenn Turpin, ‘69, ‘74, Lisa Michele Anderson, ‘87, Steve Lyons, ‘80, Adam C. Lanzarotta, ‘05, and DeVone Holt, ‘95.
The 2021 Distinguished Service Award Winners are Dale Morgan, ‘09, Jennifer L. Lainhart, ‘09, Deanna L. Frazier, ‘92, and Cheryl L. Duncan, ‘83.
The 2021 Young Alumni Award Winners are Tavis L. Martin, ‘02, ‘11, ‘20, Zach Lawrence, ‘11, ‘13, Jordan Christine Burton, ‘13, and Angela Bailey, ‘13.
Additional signature Homecoming events include:
· Eastern’s Got Talent - 7:30 - 9 p.m. Sept. 30- EKU Center for the Arts
· Decal Drive Thru - 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Oct. 1 - University Drive outside the Keen Johnson Building
· Homecoming Campus Tours - 1 - 4 p.m. Oct. 1 - Alumni Center at Blanton House
· Richmond Chamber Town and Gown Homecoming Tailgate - 5 to 8 p.m. Oct. 1 - Downtown Richmond
· Young Alumni After Party - 9 p.m. - midnight Oct. 1 - Paddy Wagon
· Homecoming 5K - 8 a.m. - 9 a.m. Oct. 2 - Campus Rec, or take part in the virtual race.
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.