Homecoming, 2014
“A Blast from the Past” is this year’s theme of The University of Toledo’s Homecoming, and the events surrounding it will fuel your Rocket pride.
Homecoming is the annual tradition at universities of welcoming back the alumni and former students of a school. The history of a school is held in every person who walks across its campus and the week-long honor-bound tradition of Homecoming gives all alumni the opportunity to reminisce of their time at the University.
The tradition of Homecoming has its origin in football games held at colleges and universities since the 19th century. UT hosted its first Homecoming on Oct. 27, 1923. That year Toledo defeated Bowling Green State University 27 – 0.
Early Homecoming activities were sponsored by UT alumni as a means of stirring support and funds for their “good old Alma Mater.”
This year’s “A Blast from the Past” festivities take place the week of Oct. 19 with fun and spirit-filled activities across the campus. This year, students are hosting activities through the decades like the 50s ice cream social and the 60s corn hole tournament.
Other traditional activities that happen during Homecoming include the King and Queen Reunion (which is held every four years), the Golden Alumni Society Luncheon, where the induction of the class of 1964 into their society will be celebrated, and college-specific events all around the University.
The activities that really draw the crowds on campus begin Friday, Oct. 24with the Homecoming Gala. The Gala is the Alumni Association’s and the various colleges’ opportunity to recognize outstanding graduates from UT. That evening, distinguished alumni from around the country will be recognized in a multimedia extravaganza. Be part of this celebration and enjoy all the Homecoming excitement of reconnecting with your friends and The University. To learn more details about the Gala, click here.
On Saturday, Oct. 25 be sure to bring the whole family to The Edward C. and Helen G. Schmakel Homecoming Parade which begins at 9:30 a.m. The parade travels Bancroft, right in front of University Hall before winding through the Old Orchard neighborhood. Viewers of the parade will see floats from fraternities and students, classic cars carrying dignitaries, fellow alumni and honorees, the Rocket Marching Band, Rocky and Rocksy and so much more. The Homecoming Parade is a great time for UT alumni and the community alike.
Before the big Homecoming football game, we invite all alumni to visit us at the William and Carol Koester Alumni Pavilion for the Homecoming Tailgate Party. The Koester Alumni Pavilion is located on the northwest end of the Glass Bowl. The tailgate will open at 11 a.m. and will run until the 2 p.m. kick-off. We will have free hot dogs, chips and non-alcoholic beverages available at the tailgate. New for 2014, we will also have several cash bar options, including a UV Vodka “Rocket Fuel” mixed drink, wine and beer. The band Five O’ Clock Rush will be performing classic hits throughout the event. Everyone is welcome!
Be sure to take advantage of the Rocket Football Homecoming Special for your tickets and help the Rockets bring home a victory in the UT vs. University of Massachusetts football game that kicks off at 2 p.m. As a UT graduate, you may purchase up to four tickets prior to game day at $15 per ticket for this game. You can purchase your tickets online by clicking here and using the customer login: UT ALUMNI HOME and password: UTALUM or mention UTALUM when calling 419-530-GOLD.
Homecoming is The University of Toledo’s longest standing tradition and is cherished by Rockets of the past, present and future. We look forward to seeing you back on campus!
