UK Holds True to Tradition With Homecoming 2021
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 4, 2021) — The 106th Homecoming at the University of Kentucky is full of opportunities for students and alumni to continue the tradition of what it means to be a Wildcat. The UK Alumni Association, Student Organizations and Activities, Black Student Union, National Pan-Hellenic Council, Student Activities Board and many other groups have been working hard to make Homecoming week a special time in the lives of students, alumni and all who participate.
From Oct. 5-9, there are events leading up to the Homecoming football game against Louisiana State University.
Tuesday, Oct. 5
Mr. and Ms. Black UK Scholarship Pageant
- The Mr. and Ms. Black UK Pageant has been a UK tradition since 1987. Hosted by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. and the Black Student Union, the event will take place at 7 p.m. at the Gatton Student Center Grand Ballroom. If you present a valid student ID, tickets will be $8, or $5 if you bring a hygiene product for donation. For non-UK students, tickets are $10 or $7 with a product to donate.
Wednesday, Oct. 6
Student Activities Board Blue & White Breakfast
- Students can stop by for a Homecoming week pick-me-up on the way to or from class in the Gatton Student Center Barker Plaza from 9 a.m.-noon. There will be free breakfast, activities, T-shirts and prizes!
Thursday, Oct. 7
Student Activities Board Homecoming Vibes
- SAB is hosting a Homecoming T-shirt tie dye event from 6-8 p.m., at the Gatton Student Center Barker Plaza. There are limited supplies available, so students are encouraged to come early.
Student Activities Board Homecoming Royalty Showcase
- Students, staff and faculty get the chance to meet the candidates for this year’s Homecoming Court from 7-9 p.m., in Gatton Student Center Ballroom A. At the showcase, the Homecoming court will display their speaking skills, poise and public presentation of talent. Following the event, all UK students will be able to cast their votes for UK Homecoming king and queen on BBNvolved. Voting will be open for 24 hours. The list of Homecoming court candidates can be found on the Student Activities Board website, here.
Saturday, Oct. 9
UK Football game against Louisiana State University
- Cheer on the Wildcats in the annual Homecoming game as they take on the Louisiana State University Tigers for an SEC matchup at Kroger Field. Stick around during halftime as the 2021 University of Kentucky Homecoming king and queen will be crowned.
As part of the Homecoming festivities, UK Alumni Association will welcome back the Class of 1970 and the Class of 1971 for a long weekend of 50th Reunion activities, including the Golden Wildcat Society 50th Reunion Dinner & Pinning Ceremony scheduled for Oct. 7. For a list of all Golden Wildcat Society events, as well as individual college Homecoming festivities, visit: www.ukalumni.net/s/homecoming.
UK Alumni Association will also host alumni of all ages at its Homecoming Tailgate Tent Party beginning 4:30 p.m., Oct. 9, at Kentucky Proud Park. The tailgate and pep rally will include food and drinks along with exciting games, entertainment, giveaways and a special performance by the UK cheerleaders and Pep Band. Register to attend the tailgate here.
Homecoming has been a special tradition on UK’s campus since 1915. As students come and go, it’s always important to pay tribute to those who came before them, and to celebrate the longevity and success of the university.
“The traditions that we create and commemorate at the University of Kentucky are a memorable part of the student experience,” said Lexi Greer, SAB director of traditions. “When it comes to feeling a sense of belonging at our university, common experiences like celebrating Homecoming bring students together in a very special way.”
As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.
In 2022, UK was ranked by Forbes as one of the “Best Employers for New Grads” and named a “Diversity Champion” by INSIGHT into Diversity, a testament to our commitment to advance Kentucky and create a community of belonging for everyone. While our mission looks different in many ways than it did in 1865, the vision of service to our Commonwealth and the world remains the same. We are the University for Kentucky.