All Aboard as Cats Set Sail for Homecoming 2011

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 18, 2011) - Fall brings to campus and the city of Lexington many traditions – racing at Keeneland, hayrides and corn mazes at local orchards and UK Homecoming week! University of Kentucky Homecoming 2011 is in full swing and runs through Sunday, Oct. 23.

Homecoming is brought to campus by the UK Alumni Association and the Student Homecoming Coalition. Formed in February 2010, the Student Homecoming Coalition has worked diligently to better coordinate many organizations' individual programming into one, unified Homecoming schedule. The coalition is comprised of representatives from the Student Activities Board, the Black Student Union, the Center for Community Outreach and DanceBlue, UK Student Government, the Inter Greek Programming Assembly, Students Today, Alumni Tomorrow and TEAM WILDCAT and the National Pan-Hellenic Council. The UK Homecoming Coalition received the National Association for Campus Activities (NACA) Outstanding Diversity Achievement Award at the 2011 NACA National Conference in St. Louis in late February 2011.

The theme for Homecoming 2011 is "Cats Set Sail" and was selected for the first time by a popular vote of students, alumni and community members in early March.

While Homecoming is a long-standing tradition at the University of Kentucky, each year the Student Homecoming Coalition and the UK Alumni Association work hard to keep it fun, exciting and fresh. 2011 features a few new twists on classic Homecoming events. This year, the pep rally was moved to Monday and relocated to Haggin Field, the heart of campus, to kick off Homecoming week. Also, the annual Homecoming parade, scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21, has been moved from campus to downtown Lexington, an old tradition that has been revived. The UK Alumni Association is hosting a parade-watch party at the 5/3 Bank Pavilion that evening as well.

Below is an abbreviated list of Homecoming 2011: Cats Set Sail events. For a complete list and more information, visit www.ukhomecoming.com.

Wednesday, Oct. 19

Mr. and Miss Black UK Pageant

8 p.m., Memorial Hall

Dating back to the late 1980s, the Mr. and Miss Black UK pageant is a competition that includes a talent section and choreographed dance. Student competitors wow the crowd with an array of talents every year.

Thursday, Oct. 20

Car Smash Cook-out

6 p.m., Near Library Bowl

Friday, Oct. 21

“see blue.” Day at Keeneland

Beginning at 11 a.m., Keeneland Race Course
Kick off University of Kentucky’s Homecoming weekend with “see blue.” Day at Keeneland. Free general admission for UK students, alumni and faculty with ID and activities for all Wildcat fans! Purchase a commemorative UK/Keeneland 75th Anniversary hat and have it signed by a former football Wildcat. Proceeds benefit Dance Blue. The first 200 UK Alumni Association members who show their membership card at the UK Alumni Association table outside the Gift Shop will receive a free gift. Former UK great Artose Pinner will be on hand to sign the commemorative hats and other memorabilia. Wear blue to the track and stick around and catch all the racing action.

Homecoming Parade Watch Party for All Alumni, Friends and Students

6:30 – 8:30 p.m., Downtown, Cheapside Park (5/3 Bank Pavilion)

Join fellow alumni downtown at our official gathering spot, Cheapside Park (5/3 Bank Pavilion) to watch the 2011 Homecoming parade! UK Alumni Association members who stop by the gathering spot will receive a free gift! Food will be available on site for purchase, along with a live band following the parade. Free, click here to register.

Homecoming Parade for All Alumni, Friends and Students

7 p.m., Downtown

Sit along the parade route and watch the band, cheerleaders, floats, Homecoming royalty and community representatives go by.

NPHC Step Show

7:30 p.m., Memorial Coliseum      

A Homecoming tradition to rival all others, the NPHC Step Show features step routines from each of the NPHC chapters' on-campus. The talent and mastery of step will impress any spectator. Proceeds from the event benefit Big Brothers, Big Sisters and AVOL. Student tickets (with a valid ID) are $10, general public tickets are $15 and all tickets are $20 day of event; for tickets, visit www.ticketmaster.com.

Saturday, Oct. 22

Homecoming Tailgate Tent Party for All Alumni, Friends and Students
9:30 a.m. – Noon, Commonwealth Stadium Lot, Red Lot by Gate 4
Enjoy tailgate food from O’ Charley’s along with exciting games, entertainment, face painting, giveaways, and performances by the UK cheerleaders, mascot, and pep band at this tent party. $5 for UKAA members, $10 for nonmembers, free for children 10 and under, click here to register; click here to view the tent location.

Jacksonville State vs. UK Football Game

Noon, Commonwealth Stadium
It's Cats vs.Gamecocks as UK takes on Jacksonville State in the 2011 Homecoming game. Tickets are $41 and may be purchased by calling (800) 928-2287 or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

UK’s Homecoming King and Queen Competition and Crowning

Halftime of Game, Commonwealth Stadium

Homecoming Royalty will be announced during the Homecoming football game. The Court goes through two rounds of difficult judging focused on academic and involvement at UK and in the community before a student vote decides the new king and queen.

The Wildcat Cup is a Homecoming spirit and participation competition for all student organizations. Student organizations can attain points through participating in numerous events throughout Homecoming Week. Winners in multiple categories will be announced as well as the overall winner for Homecoming 2011.

21st Lyman T. Johnson Alumni Awards and Recognition Program
1 - 5 p.m., Breckinridge Quad (Courtyard between Bradley and Breckinridge Halls).

Rain Location: Memorial Hall
The theme for the awards program is "Upholding the Torch of Excellence." UK’s academic colleges and athletic department will select an African-American alumni, faculty or staff member whose faith, hard work and determination has positively impacted the lives of people on the UK campus, the city, state or nation. These individuals will receive the coveted Lyman T. Johnson Torch of Excellence Award. They will also choose an African-American undergraduate student within their respective colleges/department whose academic achievement and ability to positively impact the lives of others would warrant him or her to receive the Lyman T. Johnson Torch Bearer Award.
 

Student Organizations and Greek Tent Reunions will be recognized during the awards program. Other activities include performances by Black Voices, strolling competition, poetry, Greek Connection and free food. For additional information, contact Buzz Burnam at buzz@uky.edu.

Micheck

7 p.m., Cats Den (in the UK Student Center)

This event is an opportunity for anyone and everyone to come out and show their talent! As Micheck is not a competition, participants may sing, dance, read poetry or any other talent. Everyone is welcome and may sign up at the event.