2026 Grand Marshals
Every Flash Has a Story.
Celebrating 100 Years of The Kent Stater
For a century, Kent State students have been telling the stories of their university, their community and their generation.
This year’s Homecoming theme, “Every Flash Has a Story,” celebrates the 100th anniversary of The Kent Stater and the many voices that have helped document Kent State history along the way.
The story began in February 1926 with Searchlight, Kent State’s first student newspaper. Just a few months later, on July 29, 1926, The Kent Stater published its first issue under the leadership of its first editor-in-chief, Peg Hayes.
For the past 100 years, The Kent Stater has remained an independent, fully student-run newsroom — a place where generations of journalists, designers, photographers and media leaders found their voices and learned to tell stories that mattered.
Honoring the People Behind the Stories
To celebrate this milestone, former The Kent Stater staff members will serve as the 2026 Homecoming Parade Grand Marshals.
From the earliest editors to the reporters, photographers, designers and staff members who followed, each generation has contributed to the story of Kent State. Their work has captured the moments, milestones and memories that have shaped the Golden Flash community for a century.
This Homecoming, we’re inviting those storytellers back to campus to celebrate The Kent Stater’s legacy and take their place in the next chapter of its story.
Your story is part of Kent State history. Come home and celebrate 100 years of student journalism with us.
If you are a former Kent Stater staff member, learn more or register to be a Grand Marshal.
