Homecoming activities Oct. 9-12 include new events, familiar traditions, reunions and more

ASHLAND, Ohio – Ashland University is excited to welcome alumni, families of current students, faculty and staff members and all other friends to this year’s Homecoming festivities on Oct. 9-12, to reconnect with one another and show off that Purple and Gold pride.

There will be a mix of new events, familiar traditions, reunions and opportunities to cheer on your favorite Eagle teams throughout the weekend.

The busy slate kicks off Thursday, Oct. 9, with an opening reception for an alumni exhibition at Coburn Art Gallery from 4:30-7 p.m., as well as a men’s soccer game at Ferguson Field starting at 6:30 p.m.

Friday’s highlights includes a dedication ceremony of the pillars recognizing the achievements of Katie (Nageotte ’13) Moon, two-time Olympic medalist, and the late Jud Logan, who coached AU track and field teams to three NCAA Div. II championships. The pillar dedication will be held at 4 p.m., outside the Dwight Schar Athletic Complex.

Also Friday, the 50th reunion for the Class of 1975 is at the John C. Myers Convocation Center, where a dinner and program will take place, and the volleyball team will play the first of two weekend home matches at Kates Gymnasium at 6 p.m. It will be the team’s Morgan’s Message Match, in support of the non-profit organization that strengthens student-athletes’ mental health.

The bulk of the Homecoming celebration will take place on Saturday, featuring annual favorites like the 5K Fun Run, the AU Hall-of-Fame induction ceremony, the Pizza Pizza Pizza Fan Fest and the football game at 1 p.m., followed by the 5th Quarter Celebration.

One new addition is “Welcome Home”-coming Coffee from 10:30-11:30 a.m., at Archer Library where alumni can meet and mingle with members of university leadership and faculty while enjoying some drinks and snacks. Former AU football coach Lee Owens will be on hand and signing copies of his new book, “The Spirit of a Team.”

Also new this year will be an Eagle Scavenger Hunt. Pick up a sheet at Safety Services, located in the Hawkins-Conard Student Center, then find the cast iron eagles, painted purple and gold, across campus, and turn it back in for a prize and to be entered into a raffle for one of three $60 gift cards to the AU Campus Store.

Finally, there will be a 60th birthday celebration for the most famous eagle on campus, Old Abe, the 20-foot statue outside the Rec Center. The university is encouraging everyone to gather around Old Abe at noon on Saturday for a fun rendition of “Happy Birthday,” with the AU Eagle Marching Band, and to enjoy a piece of birthday cake.

For more information, including a detailed schedule of events, visit ashland.edu/homecoming.