University of Kentucky students and alumni began celebrating homecoming week with a block party at Alumni Commons.

Hosted by multiple organizations, including UK’s Alumni Association and Student Activities Board (SAB), on Sunday, Oct. 12, the event featured live music, vendors offering free items and activities including mural painting.

Jill Smith, executive director of UK’s Alumni Association and UK alumna, said the event made her feel nostalgic. Although homecoming celebrations have changed since she graduated, Smith said events like the “Homecoming Block Party” still help the campus community connect with one another.

“I think about our university history and all the many people that have come through this great institution,” Smith said. “It really does tie all the generations together.”

The purpose of homecoming is not only to give alumni a chance to “come home,” but also to celebrate the current student body, according to Smith. 

“I think it’s a really good opportunity for the two of those to intersect,” Smith said.

Morgan Sicard, a senior political science and philosophy student at UK and co-director of SAB’s traditions committee, said traditions such as homecoming are an important aspect of UK, as they help foster a sense of community.

“I think it shows a lot of school spirit,” Sicard said. “We’re a school with a ton of spirit, and it’s a good way just to get everyone involved.” 

Elizabeth King, a senior finance and flute performance student, said the block party marked one year since she was crowned UK’s 2024 homecoming queen, making the event extra special to her.

“It just feels like such a full circle moment,” King said. “My favorite part is hanging out with the little kids, little girls who come up to you and they see a crown on your head, and they just look up, they’re like, ‘Wow, you’re like a real life princess.’”

Describing homecoming as “the heart of a Wildcat,” King said she hopes the celebration will become a “greater deal” as the years go on.

“Alumni get to come home here to UK and celebrate, and remember and reminisce on all of their wildcat memories,” King said. “I have made my Wildcat memories of my own outside of homecoming week, and now during homecoming week, it’s become a huge part of my story.”