You Can Always Come Home

 
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LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 12, 2010) – October in Kentucky means three things – Keeneland racing, Kentucky football and UK Homecoming! “Wildcats Roaring Through the Decades” is the theme for UK Homecoming 2010 which runs from Sunday, Oct. 17, through Saturday, Oct. 23 and culminates in a gridiron battle between the University of Kentucky Wildcats and the Georgia Bulldogs at 7:30 p.m. at Commonwealth Stadium.

UK’s Homecoming celebration is hosted by the UK Alumni Association and the newly formed UK Student Homecoming Coalition. The coalition is comprised of representatives from the Student Activities Board (SAB), the Black Student Union (BSU), the Center for Community Outreach (CCO) and DanceBlue, the Inter Greek Programming Assembly (IGPA) and the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC). These five groups have historically planned events for Homecoming week for students and community alike, but had never come together to collectively plan. 

The group formed in February 2010, and began work to streamline the planning and promotion of Homecoming week, an effort that has persisted through the summer and into this semester. The coalition has had additional, fruitful conversation in regard to what are treasured UK Homecoming traditions in the eyes of the students and how collaboration among student organizations benefits the greater good. This year’s Homecoming calendar of events reflects the students’ efforts.

“We wanted to come together and create a very cohesive and defined homecoming week and the coalition has really worked together to make this happen,” Jaclyn Hawkins, SAB’s director of traditions, said.

Homecoming week is chocked full of events that appeal to Wildcats of all ages, and many are free.

“Homecoming week is a unifying experience for students, alumni and the Lexington community,” Hawkins continued. “We care so much about our university that it’s a chance for us to invite the community on campus and give back to them.”

“Our alumni all love to do one thing – reminisce – and this year’s theme goes right along with that,” Jill Smith, UK Alumni Association associate director for clubs and programs, said.

Below is an abbreviated list of Homecoming 2010 events. For a complete list, visit www.ukhomecoming.com.

Sunday, Oct. 17th

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DanceBlue 5K

Race begins at 3 p.m. at Commonwealth Stadium, near gate 4. Registration will be open from 1-2:30 p.m.

Come race for the kids in this annual 5K to benefit the Pediatric Oncology Clinic at the Kentucky Children’s Hospital. DanceBlue is one of the state’s largest student-run philanthropies and hosts events throughout the year to raise awareness about pediatric cancer. To register, visit www.danceblue.org for the participation form and payment information. Registration fee is $12 for UK students until Oct. 15; $16 for non-UK student participants and for onsite registration.

Monday, Oct. 18th

Paint the Town Blue PicKnic

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.; POT Plaza

Come check out the amazing murals of Paint the Town Blue while enjoying some tailgating favorites! Windows will be painted on POT and White Hall Classroom Building showcasing the infamous UK pride!

Tuesday, Oct. 19th

Kitty Karnival

5  - 7 p.m., South Campus Courtyard (rain location is the Student Center Harris Grand Ballroom)  

Kitty Karnival has become an annual UK tradition. Student organizations create carnival games and booths for Lexington children to come enjoy as a kick-off to the fall season. This year, children are invited to wear their Halloween costumes as part of the Karnival theme, “Where Little Ghosts and Goblins Come to Play.” All UK and Lexington families are invited to participate in this fun and family-centered event on UK’s campus!

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Mo’ Betta Basketball Tournament

7 p.m., Alumni Gym

This event is a men’s basketball game as students compete against alumni. Winners receive bragging rights until the following year and the game is a huge tradition for the Black Student Union.

Wednesday, Oct. 20th

Mr. and Miss Black UK Pageant

8 p.m., Seay Auditorium

This event has been on campus since the late 1980s as this competitive pageant includes a talent section and choreographed dance. The winners become representatives of the African-American community on campus. Tickets are $3 with a canned good or $5 and are available at the door.

Thursday, Oct. 21st

Homecoming Concert featuring Jason Derulo and B.o.B. with special guest Playboy Trey

8 p.m., Memorial Coliseum; doors open at 7 p.m.

THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT.

Recording sensations Jason Derulo and B.o.B. will be on UK’s campus for UK's first of what is expected to become an annual Homecoming concert. Derulo and B.o.B. are all over the Billboard charts and are on constant play on America’s radio stations. This is not a show to miss!

Friday, Oct. 22nd

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“see blue.” Day at Keeneland

11 a.m. – 12:30 p.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! Join us as we celebrate Homecoming weekend and help us raise money for UK’s DanceBlue fundraiser to benefit UK’s Pediatric Oncology Clinic. Former Wildcat Football Coach, Rich Brooks, will be on hand for a book signing from 1 – 2:30 p.m.

Homecoming Pep Rally

6 – 8 p.m., Stoll Field (across from Memorial Coliseum)

Come celebrate Homecoming with the UK cheerleaders, band, athletes and coaches! The Pep Rally will be sure to get you game ready with a cook-out brought to you by UK Dining and Catering, a DJ playing the best UK hits and games for UK fans big and small. The cook-out will feature a traditional tailgating meal for only $5!

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NPHC Annual Homecoming Step Show

7:30 p.m., Memorial Coliseum; doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Tickets are available at the Student Center Ticket Office and www.ticketmaster.com. UK student tickets are $10 in advance with a valid UK ID and general public tickets are $12 in advance. All tickets will be $20 day of show.

Saturday, Oct. 23rd

Parade Watch Breakfast

8 – 9:30 a.m., King Alumni House
Enjoy breakfast featuring fruit, scrambled eggs, bacon, pastries, biscuits and gravy and more. During breakfast, you can step outside and watch as the 2010 UK Homecoming parade passes in front of the King Alumni House. The event is $5 for UKAA members, $8 for nonmembers and free for children 12 and under. Click here to register.

Homecoming Parade

Beginning at 9 a.m. at Memorial Coliseum

The route will take the parade up Avenue of Champions and will take a right onto Rose Street. The parade will then take a left onto Hugelet Avenue and another right onto University Drive. The parade will conclude at the corner of University Drive and Cooper Drive.

Bring your coffee and be ready for a spectacle as UK’s finest floats and performers participate in this year’s Homecoming parade. Special guests include the UK Cheerleaders and local Boy and Girl Scouts. 

Classes Without Quizzes

10 – 11 a.m., Dickey Hall
Go back to class, reminisce about your days as a UK student, and learn something new along the way in one of two classes. Click here to register.

Join UK College of Nursing Professor Janet Forren to learn about “The Changing Nature of Surgical Care.” She’ll give us the reason behind shorter hospital stays, more outpatient procedures and how to manage post-op symptoms at home. 

Join Doug Boyd, director of the Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History at UK, for “A Look Into the Big Blue Archives.” Take a trip down Wildcat Memory Lane and enjoy a special Big Blue Archives presentation featuring some of your favorite Kentucky greats including Coach Adolph Rupp, Bill Keightley and Claude Sullivan.

Lyman T. Johnson Homecoming Gala

6 – 11 p.m., UK Student Center
$35 per person, $50 per couple, $12 per child, 12 and under. Click here to register.
Join fellow alumni and friends for a night of fun and fellowship. The registration fee gets you access to all of the activities, food and entertainment for the evening. Events include: Awards and Recognition Program, Black Greek Hall of Fame Installation and step show, Jazz Cafe and R&B Lounge, Comedy Show and the Class Reunion/Memory Room.

Other attractions included in the fee for the Homecoming Gala:

Jazz Cafe & R&B Lounge
Performance by SOUSE – Three times nominated by the Cincinnati Entertainment Awards as the "Best R&B" and "Best Jam/Fusion" act, Souse is comprised of seven talented musicians who are dedicated to forging a new sound for Funk, Jazz, and Fusion lovers.

Comedy Show
Enjoy a performance by Lexington native and 2002 UK graduate Angel Laketa Moore. After graduating, Moore moved to Los Angeles and worked on NBC’s hit television show “ER” for the final three seasons. She currently performs stand-up comedy with the all female troupe Foxy Brown Comedy.

Class Reunion/Memory Room

20th Annual Lyman T. Johnson Awards and Recognition Program

7 p.m., Center Theater
Please join fellow alumni and friends for a night of fun and fellowship. Awards will be presented to deserving African-American alumni, faculty, staff and students.

Black Greek Hall of Fame Installation and Step Show

8 p.m., Worsham Theater
The inaugural class of outstanding alumni, who were members of predominantly black Greek letter organizations as undergraduates, will be honored and inducted during a special program. The evening will include an alumni Greek step show and a special tribute to chapters celebrating anniversaries.

Tailgate Tent Party
5 p.m., Commonwealth Stadium lot
Enjoy tailgate food along with exciting games, entertainment, face painting, giveaways and performances by the UK Cheerleaders, mascot, and pep band at this tent party. Food will be provided courtesy of O'Charley's. The event costs $5 for UKAA members, $10 for nonmembers or is free for children 12 and under. Click here to register.

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Georgia vs. UK Football Game

7:30 p.m., Commonwealth Stadium
Iit's Cats versus Bulldogs as UK takes on Georgia in the 2010 Homecoming game. Tickets are $46 and may be purchased by calling 1-800-928-2287 or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

UK’s Homecoming King and Queen Competition and Crowning

Crowning of the king and queen will occur at halftime of the UK versus Georgia football game. Winners of the Wildcat Cup, a competition for student organizations, will also be announced.