Murray State University will celebrate Homecoming October 17-19

MURRAY, KY – Murray State University is preparing to welcome alumni back to campus this week for Homecoming 2024 on Oct. 17-19.

A detailed schedule of events and important information about Murray State’s Homecoming activities can be found at murraystate.edu/homecoming.

Highlights include:

A taste of the arts – The College of Humanities and Fine Arts will host its annual fundraising gala on Thursday, October 17. Doors open at 5:00 PM and dinner begins promptly at 6:00 PM in the historic Lovett Auditorium. The event is sponsored by FNB Bank. A Taste of the Arts showcases the many talents of Murray State students in art and design, music and theater arts, while offering gourmet dinners and a live auction for attendees. All proceeds are intended for scholarships for visual arts students.

50th Anniversary Golden Class Reunion – The Murray State University Alumni Association (MSUAA) will once again celebrate the Golden Anniversary Class Reunion, honoring the graduating class of 1974. A president’s reception for the 50-year class will be held at the Sid Easley Alumni Center from 5 to 7 p.m. with heavy snacks and a money bar. Throughout the weekend, Golden Reunion attendees will also be treated to a campus tour and VIP seating for the Homecoming Parade and Tent City.

MSUAA Black Alumni Network Welcome and Networking Reception – A welcome and networking reception, sponsored by the Murray State University Alumni Association Black Alumni Network, will take place on Friday, October 18 from 7:00 PM to 12:00 PM in the Small Ballroom of Springhill Suites. The event also includes music, fun, heavy appetizers and a cash bar. Tickets cost 15 euros and can be purchased at murraystate.edu/homecoming. Credit or debit cards are accepted at the door, but prior registration is required. All proceeds benefit the Black Alumni Scholarship Fund.

Homecoming parade – The parade begins Saturday, Oct. 19 at 9:30 a.m. and travels along Main Street from downtown to campus. This year’s grand marshal is Jeanie Morgan, former Murray State University student government advisor and director of the Center for Student Involvement, who retired from the university after 48 years of service. Morgan plans to spend time greeting friends, family, alumni, former colleagues and students under the MSUAA Alumni Tent during Tent City. Anyone who would like to stop by and visit is encouraged to do so. For those unable to attend in person, the parade will be streamed live at murraystate.edu/streaming.

MSUAA Tent City – Tent City kicks off on Saturday, October 19 at 10am within the walls of Roy Stewart Stadium on the east side of the track. A beloved Homecoming tradition since 1989, Tent City offers the university’s Greek organizations, student clubs, academic departments and residential colleges the opportunity to welcome alumni home and give the public a snapshot of all they have to offer. Tent City will once again feature live music from the student-led Murray State University Commercial Music Ensemble under the scoreboard. The popular ensemble is led by College of Humanities and Fine Arts instructor Brent Webster.

Student Government Association annual homecoming photo – Any alumni or former students who have participated in Student Government while on campus are invited to gather under the scoreboard during Tent City at 1:30 PM to participate in the annual SGA Homecoming photo.

Homecoming King and Queen Coronation, football match – The Homecoming King and Queen will be crowned at Roy Stewart Stadium in conjunction with the 2 p.m. football game against Illinois State University on Saturday, October 19.

This year’s Homecoming Court is:

Maggie Blazina: Marion, KY

Ana Moyers: Radcliff, KY

Jenna Kesselring: Ashland, IL

Anna Noles: Benton, KY

Jenna Veatch: Mount Vernon, Indiana

Brendan Hawkins: New Lenox, Illinois

Andrew Orr: Murray, KY

Jaylon Taggart: Hopkinsville, KY

Austin Randolph: Bremen, KY

Hayden Murphy: Hickman, KY

Tickets for the Homecoming game are available at goracers.com or by calling 270-809-3000.

“I predict perfect fall weather, an exciting MVC football game and many new memories during this year’s Homecoming weekend,” said Carrie McGinnis, Director of Alumni Relations. “We can’t wait to welcome everyone home to the ‘Finest Place We Know’.”

If you have any questions, please contact the Murray State University Office of Alumni Relations at 270-809-5600.