Image
Reignite the Green and White: Homecoming 2023 invites Bobcats to connect, celebrate all things OHIO
It’s Homecoming week: From pep rallies to giveaways to family tailgates, the Bobcat Family has plenty of reasons to Stand Up and Cheer!
“Homecoming is all about Bobcat connections and celebrating the singular place that is our Ohio University,” said Associate Vice President of Alumni Relations & Annual Giving and Executive Director of the OUAA Jennifer Bowie, BSC ’94, MC ’99. “Our goal is to connect graduates to one another and to the university in meaningful ways.”
The OHIO alumni, students and staff featured in this year’s Homecoming promo video also have had Athens on their mind. Check out our 2023 Homecoming video:
“Athens misses you as much as you miss Athens,” Bowie said. “Don't let another Homecoming pass you by without making the trip. Can't make it happen? That's okay. Let Homecoming be your excuse to connect with one another, wherever you are and whatever you're up to this week.”
Even better, Bowie said, share your connections and Homecoming experiences with @ohioalumni on Instagram and Facebook, and follow for updates, photos, and more. And, she encourages each Bobcat to make the most of Homecoming week, from near or afar. “You don't have to be in Athens to enjoy Homecoming, although we'd love to see you here!”
Whether you watch the parade livestream on Saturday, enjoy the Marching 110 playlist on YouTube, or watch a throwback demo of how to make OHIO's signature HoHo cake, you’re never far from OHIO.
However Homecoming fits your schedule, the Alumni Association, along with colleges and units across the university, aim to bring the OHIO family together for a wide variety of activities “that encourage community, spark conversation, honor the past, and point toward the future,” Bowie said. “Those connections are what make the OHIO experience so special.”
Join in person or online for a full slate of Homecoming events, including:
Pack the Pantry
On Wednesday, Oct. 4, help support people in the Athens community and on campus who struggle with food insecurity. The Student Alumni Board (SAB) is hosting a non-perishable food drive for the Athens Food Pantry and the Cats' Cupboard. SAB will accept donations on the lawn of the Konneker Alumni Center.
Yell Like Hell Pep Rally
Join us at the Scripps Amphitheater for one of the most popular Homecoming Week festivities, the Yell Like Hell Pep Rally, presented by Student Alumni Board! This event channels enthusiasm and a love of everything Ohio University, drawing current and former students as well as OHIO faculty, staff, and area residents together to kick off the Homecoming weekend celebrations.
The pre-party begins Thursday, Oct. 5 at 6 p.m. with yard games, a photobooth, and live music. From 7-8 p.m., enjoy performances from the Marching 110 and visit with special guests, including the football team and Rufus!
Food Truck Friday
The Ohio University Alumni Association hosts the Homecoming edition of Food Truck Friday! On Friday, Oct. 6, stop by the Konneker Alumni Center to dine at your favorite Athens food trucks. Sign up for the Bobcat Network and receive your choice of either a free drink from Court Street Coffee or a free slice of pizza from A-Town Pies & Fries, while supplies last. And, visit with local adoptable dogs and have a chance to win fun OHIO giveaways!
Alumni Awards Ceremony
The 2023 Alumni Awards will honor graduates who have excelled in their field with the Medal of Merit Award, graduates who have given of their time and talents with the Distinguished Service Award and a recent graduate who has given back to her community with the Charles J. and Claire O. Ping Recent Graduate Award. In addition, one individual who did not graduate from OHIO will receive the Honorary Alumna Award for her commitment and service to the University. Three outstanding athletes will be added to the Kermit Blosser Ohio Athletics Hall of Fame. The Alumni Awards Gala will be held Friday, Oct. 6, in Memorial Auditorium from 6-8 p.m.
“The Alumni Awards Ceremony is an opportunity to be inspired by Bobcats who've been successful in their lives and careers and who have given back to Ohio University in meaningful ways,” Bowie said.
Homecoming Parade
Starting at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 7, OHIO’s Homecoming Parade brings Bobcats past, present and future to the streets of Athens for a morning dedicated to celebrating all things Ohio University. The parade grandstands will be located at the Schoonover Center for Communication (corner of Union and College Streets).
2023 Parade Route
The parade officially begins as participants turn left onto Union Street (from WUSOC parking lot), continuing up Union Street to turn right on South Congress. The parade will then make a left onto President Street before turning left onto Court Street and proceeding to Washington Street. The parade will turn right onto Washington Street and then right onto College Street. The grandstand will be on the Schoonover patio along College Street. The parade will then turn left onto Union Street and right onto University Terrace. The parade ends at the intersection of University Terrace and Park Place.
Homecoming Parade Livestream
Whether you’re back on the bricks or watching live from afar, all are welcome to watch the 2023 Homecoming Parade! Register to watch the livestream, which starts at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 7.
Celebrate the 110
The Marching 110 will stop in front of Konneker Alumni Center on University Terrace to play during the Homecoming parade. Whether you’ll see them in person this week, or plan to hang on every moment of the parade livestream, you can get even more of the Marching 110 online: Listen to the Marching 110 Playlist and help celebrate the 100th anniversary the marching band at OHIO.
Bobcat Family Tent
After the Homecoming Parade on Saturday, Oct. 7, join the Alumni Association on College Green for a Bobcat party at the Bobcat Family Tent! DJ A-Roc, stilt walkers and balloon artists will make an appearance, as well as the Bobcat Prize Wheel, giveaway items and more. Registration is appreciated for this premiere event. Bobcat family and friends are welcome from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Homecoming Football Game
The Homecoming football game versus Kent State is Saturday, Oct. 7. Kickoff is at 3:30 p.m. at Frank Solich Field at Peden Stadium. The game heralds the Bobcats’ first home conference matchup of the season and will air on ESPN+. A few seats remain–buy tickets at OhioBobcats.com.
Homecoming Archives Display
University Archives will host its popular Homecoming exhibit throughout the week. Stop by Alden Library to view historical Ohio University materials, including yearbooks, scrapbooks, photographs, newspapers, student publications and sports memorabilia. The exhibit is open 8 a.m.-8 p.m. until Oct. 6, and 10 a.m.-8 p.m. on Oct. 7.
Published
October 3, 2023