Eastern Kentucky University will welcome graduates, their families and friends to its Richmond campus when it hosts Homecoming and Reunion Weekend Oct. 19-20.
Thousands are expected for a fall weekend full of festivities, floats, family fun, fellowship and, of course, football. This year’s celebration features a schedule twist, with the annual Homecoming parade scheduled for Friday, Oct. 19, at 6 p.m. along its usual route along Lancaster Avenue and Main Street, and the alumni awards banquet moving to Saturday morning, Oct. 20.
Alumni of all years are welcome. Graduates from the following classes will receive special recognition: 1943, 1948, 1953, 1958, 1963, 1968, 1973, 1978, 1983, 1988, 1993, 1998, 2003 and 2008.
“It’s a great time to celebrate EKUs rich tradition, as well as the exciting transformation that is now taking place at the University,” said Dan. McBride, associate vice president for development and alumni engagement.
The newly named J.W. “Spider” Thurman Alumni Awards and Pioneer Brunch is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 20, at 9:30 a.m. in the Keen Johnson Ballroom. The name change for the event honors the legacy of a standout student-athlete at Eastern who went on to serve from 1962 to 1983 as his alma mater’s first permanent director of alumni affairs.
The banquet will feature the induction of three individuals into the EKU Hall of Distinguished Alumni: Dr. Elaine Farris, Jeri Isbell and Col. (Ret.) James Montgomery. Five will receive Young Alumni Awards: Kimberly Curtis, Dana (Daughetee) Fohl, Nicholas Sexton, Dr. Kevin Steinmetz and Chad Terrell. Three will receive Distinguished Service Awards: Myron Douglas, LCDR Matthew Ellis and Peggy Carter Seal. Professional Achievement Awards will be presented to Dr. Julia (Hogan) Bohannon, Bill Reddick, Tony “Cruise” Tabor and Melody (Kelley) Trimble.
Also at the banquet, the University will recognize its newest group of Pioneers: those who graduated at least 50 years ago (1968 and earlier).
Admission for the J.W. “Spider” Thurman Alumni Awards and Pioneer Brunch is $25. For more information and to register, visit homecoming.eku.edu and select Signature Events and then the banquet.
The Homecoming Parade at 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 19, will coincide with the Richmond Chamber of Commerce Town-and-Gown Homecoming Tailgate, which will run from 5 to 8 p.m. on First Street in downtown Richmond. The Homecoming 5K will take place at 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 20.
The Homecoming football game, at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 20, will pit the Colonels against Ohio Valley Conference foe Murray State University. The Homecoming King and Queen will be crowned at halftime of the game, tickets for which are available through homecoming.eku.edu (select Signature Events and then the game).
For the first time, Homecoming events will have sponsors. The parade is sponsored by Bluegrass Hearing Clinic, the Homecoming Run by Soft Shoe and the awards brunch by Richmond Tourism.
Additional Homecoming and Reunion Weekend events (check the calendars at homecoming.eku.edufor more information on each) include:
Friday, Oct. 19
- John Hines Golf Classic, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., University Club at Arlington.
- African-American Reunion, registration and VIP day party, 4-8 p.m., EKU Science Building.
- Minority Collegiate Connections (MCC) Fashion Show: A Worldwide Excursion, 6-8 p.m., O’Donnell Hall, Whitlock Building.
- National Panhellenic Council Step Show, 8:30 p.m., Brock Auditorium, Coates Building.
- Young Alumni After Party, 9 p.m.-midnight, Paddy Wagon, 150 E. Main St., Richmond, geared to graduates from the last 15 years but open to Colonels of all ages.
Saturday, Oct. 20
- African American Reunion Tailgate, noon-3 p.m., Tom Samuels Track.
- Live @ Your Library, featuring EKU’s own Dr. Carl Hurley, America’s Funniest Professor, 12:30- 2 p.m., Allen Auditorium (Room 108), John Grant Crabbe Main Library.
The 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 ticket/registration details, visit homecoming.eku.edu, email alumni@eku.edu or call 859-622-1260.