The Kent State University Golden Flashes family was marking milestones and making memories at Homecoming 2022, held Saturday, Oct. 1. Kent State alumni, students, parents, employees and community members donned their blue-and-gold gear and reunited for one of the university’s long-standing traditions.
This year’s homecoming theme was “Milestones and Memories.” Several activities and events took place leading up to the Homecoming Parade and football game.
@kentstateu Kent State Homecoming 2022 in a flash ?? #KentState #KentHC #GoFlashes #College ♬ Vibes - ZHRMusic
Bowman Cup 5K Race and 1-Mile Fun Run
The morning of Homecoming kicked off with the annual Bowman Cup 5K Race and 1-Mile Fun Run at the university’s Warren Student Recreation and Wellness Center. The race, named after Kent State's fedora-loving former President George Bowman, was a chip-timed race that allowed participants to enjoy the scenic route through Kent State and its surrounding community.
Homecoming Parade
The Homecoming Parade began at the corner of Midway Drive and Main Street, traveling west on Main into downtown Kent. The parade featured floats, Kent State and local high school marching bands, the Homecoming Court, university colleges and departments, Kent State cheerleaders and athletes, student organizations, local officials and more. With it being the 50th anniversary of Title IX in the United States, 37 former female student-athletes, representing each of the women’s sports teams, served as this year’s Homecoming Parade Grand Marshals. For those who couldn’t make it back to campus, a livestream of the parade was available.
Kiss on the K
Kent State couples celebrated the place that brought them together by gathering on the K at Risman Plaza (in front of the Kent Student Center) for a special Homecoming tradition called Kiss on the K. All couples kissed on the K when the bell rang.
Dedication of the E. Timothy Moore Student Multicultural Center
Kent State held a ceremony dedicating the E. Timothy Moore Student Multicultural Center on the second floor of the Kent Student Center. Made possible through a donation from D’Andra Mull, Ph.D., a 2002 Kent State graduate, the naming of the E. Timothy Moore Student Multicultural Center honors the memory and legacy of E. Timothy Moore, a three-time Kent State alumnus who served as associate professor of Pan-African Studies and associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. During his time at Kent State, Moore served as president and minister of art for Black United Students.
Homecoming Football Game
The Homecoming football game featured the Kent State Golden Flashes taking on Mid-American Conference East Division foe the Ohio University Bobcats. The game was Kent State’s first conference game of the season. Fans packed Dix Stadium and saw the Golden Flashes defeat the Bobcats 31-24 in an exciting overtime win.
The Homecoming Court was recognized at the game, and Kent State’s 2022 Homecoming Royalty were announced at halftime.
