Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) is set to kickoff Homecoming weekend Oct. 24-25, bringing students, alumni, faculty, staff and the Richmond community together for celebration and tradition. Events include the annual parade, the block party and the much-anticipated football game.
“We’re excited to welcome our entire Colonel Family to campus for Homecoming weekend,” said EKU President David McFaddin. “It’s a chance for students and alumni across generations to celebrate together as One Eastern and to showcase the strong community that defines our university.”
EKU Homecoming 2025 Schedule Highlights
Wednesday, Oct. 22
- Light Up Your ResLife, 8-10 p.m., Powell Plaza
Thursday, Oct. 23
- Colonel Corn Roast, 5-7 p.m., Powell Plaza
- NPHC Pre-Game Party, 8-10 p.m., Keen Johnson Plaza
Friday, Oct. 24
- Campus tours, 1-5 p.m., starts at Alumni Center in Keen Johnson
- Homecoming Parade, 6 p.m., Lancaster Avenue and Main Street
- Homecoming Block Party, 7-10 p.m., Water Street
- Young Alumni After Party, 9-11 p.m., Paddy Wagon
General James E. Rainey, ’87, along with his wife, Tracy Rainey, ’88, will serve as grand marshal of the Homecoming Parade. Following the parade, EKU’s HOCO Block Party features live music, food and drinks from several vendors.
Saturday, Oct. 25
- Homecoming 5K, 8-10 a.m., starts at Student Recreation Center
- Homecoming Tailgate, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Alumni Coliseum parking lot
- J.W. Spider Thurman Alumni Awards and Pioneer Brunch, 10 a.m., Keen Johnson
- Homecoming Football Game, 3 p.m., CG Bank Field at Roy Kidd Stadium
- Trolley service available, 11 a.m.-11 p.m., from campus to downtown Richmond
At the Alumni Awards, Colonels inducted into the Hall of Distinguished Alumni include Juan Carlos Castro, ’00; Matthew A. Evans, ’91; and Ron House, ’69 ’70. Recipients of the 2025 Professional Achievement Award are Lindsey Cross, ’09; Dr. Maisha L. Jack, ’95; Amy Baumann Sapsford, ’81; and Paige Williams, ’87. Alumni receiving the 2025 Distinguished Service Award are Kenton T. Buckner, ’99 ’08; Michael Nygren, ’70; and David G. Silver, ’90. Whitney Coy, Ed.D., ’15; Jessica Gutzwiller, ’19; Mollie Harris, ’06 ’13 ’21; and Alexandra Szarabajko, ’15 ’16 ’18, will be honored with the 2025 Young Alumni Award.
The Colonels face Tarleton State in this year’s Homecoming Football game. The Homecoming Royal Court will be crowned during halftime.
Additional Homecoming events planned for the campus community range from various organizational, departmental and college reunions and events. Find all the details at 2025 EKU Homecoming.
