The Kent State University fight song blared down Main Street, the city of Kent was flooded with blue and gold, alumni and friends gathered and reminisced about their Kent State days, fans packed the stadium to cheer on their beloved Golden Flashes and the entire campus boomed with Kent State pride.
Kent State celebrated Homecoming on Saturday, Sept. 21. Kent State alumni, students, parents, faculty, staff and the community were invited to take part in one of the university’s long-standing traditions. Student events occurred the week leading up to Homecoming across the eight Kent State campuses throughout Northeast Ohio.
The morning of Homecoming kicked off with the 19th Annual Bowman Cup 5K Race. The race, named after fedora-loving former Kent State President George Bowman, was a chip-timed race that started and ended in front of the Warren Student Recreation and Wellness Center.
The Homecoming Parade began at 10 a.m. on the corner of Midway Drive and Main Street, traveling west on Main Street into downtown Kent. The parade featured floats, Kent State and local high school marching bands, university colleges and departments, Kent State cheerleaders and athletes, student organizations, local officials and more. The 2019 Grand Marshal and the Homecoming Courts anchored the parade. This year’s Homecoming Grand Marshal was Kent State President Todd Diacon, who is marking his first Kent State Homecoming as university president.
Kent State Alumni hosted the Welcome Home Party at the Center for Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement, which is located at 350 S. Lincoln St. in Kent. The Welcome Home Party was free and fun for all ages with festive food, activities and Kent State giveaways. Colleges on the Kent Campus hosted a free open house or event at one of their respective buildings. Events included meet and greets with the college deans and refreshments.
Couples who feel that Kent State played an important role in their relationship gathered 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 at 12:30 p.m. A special performance by the Kent Clarks a cappella group and activities also took place.
Before the football game, alumni and students tailgated at Dix Stadium. The Kent State Golden Flashes took on Mid-American Conference East Division foe the Bowling Green State University Falcons, defeating them 62-20. The game was Kent State’s first conference game of the season. The Homecoming Courts – more than 30 representatives from all Kent State campuses – were recognized at the game, and Kent State’s 2019 Homecoming Royalty was announced and crowned.
For more information about Kent State’s 2019 Homecoming, visit www.kent.edu/homecoming.
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Media Contact:
Emily Vincent, evincen2@kent.edu, 330-672-8595