University of Kentucky faculty, staff, students and alumni were invited by UK Student Organizations and Activities and UK Alumni Association to celebrate Homecoming week from Oct. 12-19.

The event consists of a week full of activities designed to celebrate the UK community, and was topped off Saturday, Oct. 18, with UK football’s Homecoming game against the University of Texas at Austin.

Since the first celebration in 1915, the premise of homecoming has been to celebrate UK and its community, according to Jill Smith, executive director of the UK Alumni Association.

“The very first staple was the Homecoming game,” Smith said. “Really, back then … games weren’t on TV, you had to come to see it, and so it truly was an invitation for alumni to come back home.”

According to Smith, although the internet makes it easier for alumni to keep up with the campus, many are shocked by the changes since their time at UK, especially since some haven’t returned since their graduating year.

“They kinda jokingly say, ‘I need a map, I don’t know where I’m at’ … and that’s a good thing,” Smith said. “I think we’ve done a good job of trying to preserve the past, but also recognize that we have to move forward, we have to expand.” 

Another annual tradition held during Homecoming week is the “Golden Wildcat Reunion,” where the graduating class from 50 years prior is invited to return and reconnect with the campus.

This year, the “Golden Wildcats” will be from the graduating class of 1975.

“The stories that come out of the weekend are my favorite part,” Smith said. “Just to appreciate the traditions that we have here and to appreciate how far the institution has come, I think, is really special.”

Smith, who was Homecoming Queen in 2004, said that many Homecoming court candidates become involved in alumni post-graduation, even assisting with planning.

The Homecoming court was introduced to the University in 1950, and UK has crowned a Homecoming King and Queen at the homecoming football game every year since. 

This year, for the first time, the crowning of the Homecoming King and Queen was moved to Oct. 14’s Royalty Showcase, where King and Queen Carson Kitts and Olivia Kitts were crowned, according to UKnow.

“If someone is new to the Wildcat family, you quickly learn that there is a deep love for BBN (Big Blue Nation) and for all things Kentucky Wildcats,” Smith said. “This week is a really great way to show school spirit, to reflect on old things, but also celebrate what might be new on our campus too.”