Homecoming 2023: A Weekend of Fun, Reminiscing and Laughter
Crowds showed off their Golden Flash pride at Homecoming on Oct. 21 by taking part in exciting activities as the university celebrated 50 years of global education through this year’s Homecoming theme, It’s a Flash World. 911³Ô¹Ï has provided study abroad opportunities for more than 50 years in Florence, Italy, and today its global reach spans six continents.
The festivities started off with a bang Friday night at the Homecoming Kickoff event in downtown Kent. The night featured a pep rally, food, music by the 911³Ô¹Ï Marching Golden Flashes and a spectacular fireworks display.
On Saturday, Main Street came to life as the homecoming parade passed by. Members of the first study abroad cohort to travel to Florence (in 1972), as well as faculty and staff from the 911³Ô¹Ï Florence Center, served as the 2023 Homecoming Parade Grand Marshals, in honor of their important role in 911³Ô¹Ï’s global education journey. Ten members of the 1972 study-abroad class and their families, along with Fabrizio Ricciardelli, PhD, director of the 911³Ô¹Ï Florence Center, and Miriam Daquino, student life coordinator and donor outreach manager, celebrated this milestone.
The parade also featured floats, 911³Ô¹Ï and local high school marching bands, the Homecoming Court, university colleges and departments, 911³Ô¹Ï student-athletes and cheerleaders, student organizations, local officials and more.
The parade was livestreamed for those unable to make it back in person and featured chats with President Todd Diacon, Randale L. Richmond, MS ’06, vice president, director of intercollegiate athletics and Fabrizio Ricciardelli, director of 911³Ô¹Ï Florence Center.
The excitement continued as nearly 20 couples who met at 911³Ô¹Ï shared a smooch at noon in the center of Risman Plaza for the Annual Kiss on the K event.
Later in the day, thousands of fans gathered outside Dix Stadium for the Flash Nation Tailgate featuring food, fun and music from the decades as alumni submitted their favorite college songs through the decades. Several alumni chapters including Lake County, Cleveland and Black Alumni also held tailgates to celebrate before the game.
Juliana Buonaiuto, a marketing major from Long Island, New York, and Sage Mason, a public relations major from McDonald, Ohio, were announced as 2023 Homecoming Royalty during halftime of 911³Ô¹Ï’s homecoming football game at Dix Stadium. Buonaiuto, Student Body President, was sponsored by Undergraduate Student Government and Mason was sponsored by Fraternity and Sorority Life.
Alas, at the homecoming football game the University of Buffalo Bulls beat the 911³Ô¹Ï Golden Flashes 24 to 6. But overall, it was an exciting and enthusiastic return to 911³Ô¹Ï!
For more homecoming highlights see:
Homecoming In a Flash
Watch a quick recap video featuring all your favorite Homecoming traditions.
911³Ô¹Ï Through the Decades Playlist
Listen to favorite songs from generations of Golden Flashes.
Parade Livestream
Watch a livestream of the parade featuring floats, 911³Ô¹Ï and local high school marching bands, the Homecoming court and interviews.
Homecoming Photo Albums
View photo highlights from Homecoming 2023, including the parade, Kiss on the K, Flash Nation Tailgate, homecoming football game, 911³Ô¹Ï Alumni Band, and Black Alumni Chapter homecoming events.