The University of Toledo is gearing up to celebrate its longest-standing tradition, Homecoming, to bring together students, alumni, faculty, staff and the greater Toledo community for a week of exciting events scheduled Monday, Oct. 5, through Saturday, Oct. 10.
This year’s Homecoming theme is Greek mythology but with a UToledo twist: “Olympus Unleashed: Rockets Reign.”
The annual Edward C. and Helen G. Schmakel Homecoming Parade will be stepping off at 10 a.m. Saturday in the Old Orchard neighborhood.
Planned by Campus Activities and Programming board, in collaboration with the Division of Student Affairs, Homecoming Week will offer a lineup of events designed to showcase Rocket pride, creativity and community throughout campus.
Monday, Oct. 5
Myths and Movies, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Flatlands.
Tuesday, Oct. 6
Red Cross Blood Drive, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Thompson Student Union Auditorium.
Eat the Streets, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Centennial Mall.
DIY Togas and Crowns, from 5 to 7 p.m. in Thompson Student Union Room 2584.
Thursday, Oct. 8
National Pan-Hellenic Council Stroll Competition, from 5 to 10 p.m. in Doermann Theatre in University Hall.
Friday, Oct. 9
Toga Party, from 7 to 9 p.m. in Thompson Student Union Room 2582.
Saturday, Oct. 10
The celebration continues Saturday, Oct. 10, with one of UToledo’s signature Homecoming traditions, the annual Edward C. and Helen G. Schmakel Homecoming Parade, stepping off at 10 a.m. in the Old Orchard neighborhood.
The parade will feature floats, dignitaries, alumni, honorees, the Rocket Marching Band and mascots Rocky and Rocksy, with Tom Moreland, vice president and director of athletics, serving as grand marshal.
Sponsored by the Blue Key National Honor Society and supported by the Office of Student Engagement and Connections and the Office of Alumni Engagement, the parade will begin at West Bancroft Street and Campus Road, proceed east to Cheltenham Road, Christie Street and Middlesex Drive, before returning to West Bancroft Street.
Homecoming festivities will culminate at 3:30 p.m. in Glass Bowl Stadium as the Toledo Rockets take on the Buffalo Bulls. Attendance is free for students, while faculty, alumni and fans can purchase tickets online.
Parade float winners will be announced during the game, which also will feature a halftime performance by the Rocket Marching Band.
For more information, visit the UToledo Homecoming website.
