Last year, 鶹ý celebrated 100 years of Homecoming. This year, the university starts the next century of Kent State Homecoming celebrations with a new president leading the institution.
Kent State President Todd Diacon will serve as Kent State’s 2019 Homecoming Grand Marshal. Kent State alumni, students, employees and members of the community are encouraged to join Diacon at this year’s Homecoming festivities on Saturday, Sept. 21.
“Over the past seven years at Kent State, I have always enjoyed the tradition of Homecoming on our beautiful campus,” said Diacon, who previously served as Kent State’s executive vice president and provost before becoming university president. “Seeing all the alumni who return each year is the best part of this celebration. I am honored to take part in my first Kent State Homecoming as the 13th president of Kent State and Homecoming Grand Marshal.”
Diacon became Kent State’s 13th president in July 2019. A tireless advocate for student success, he has more than 30 years of experience in higher education leadership.
His commitment to college affordability and access has resulted in nationally recognized initiatives to boost student retention, graduation rates and academic achievement.
Diacon joined Kent State as provost in 2012 and has been at the forefront of expanding Kent State’s international presence, has led the charge to recruit and promote more diverse faculty, and has helped the university attract world-renowned leaders in the fields of aviation, engineering, brain health, liquid crystals, and peace and conflict studies.
The Homecoming Parade is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m., followed by the Alumni Welcome Home Party at 11 a.m. at the Center for Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement located at 350 S. Lincoln St. in Kent. The Kent State Golden Flashes will then host the Bowling Green State University Falcons at 3:30 p.m. at Dix Stadium.
For more information about Kent State’s 2019 Homecoming and a full schedule of events, visit www.kent.edu/homecoming.
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Media Contacts:
Eric Mansfield, emansfie@kent.edu, 330-672-2797
Emily Vincent, evincen2@kent.edu, 330-672-8595