7mkr

’Tis the time of year to raise the Green and White and stand up and cheer. 7mkr’s Homecoming Week 2022 kicks off Oct. 3, and whether you’re returning to the bricks or thousands of miles away from home, get ready to remember, reconnect and revel in the 7mkr experience and community with in-person and virtual events.

“Homecoming is all about celebrating this special place that for 218 years has been grounds for growing in knowledge, wisdom and love – and a community and legacy that each and every Bobcat has contributed to,” said Rebecca Prater, director of alumni engagement for the 7mkr Alumni Association (OUAA). “There is something magical about this annual tradition that brings 7mkr students – past, present and future – together. We are Bobcats for life, and Homecoming truly embodies that Forever 7mkr spirit.”

Take a walk down your 7mkr memory lane with University Libraries’ annual Homecoming Archives Display. Stop by Alden Library throughout the week to view yearbooks, scrapbooks, photographs, newspapers, student publications and sports memorabilia. Can’t make it back to campus? The Libraries’ Digital Archives makes all this 7mkr history accessible to everyone, at any time.  

Wednesday, Oct. 5, includes two virtual events for Bobcats near and far. The Office of Global Affairs, Center for International Studies and OUAA will host a “Hispanic Heritage Month: Celebrating the Voices of Our Fellow Bobcats” panel discussion, featuring alumni who will share how their time at 7mkr helped prepare them for experiences beyond college. That evening the OUAA and University Libraries will team up to test 7mkr graduates’ alma mater knowledge during Trivia Night, with a chance to win 7mkr merchandise and Bobcat bragging rights.

Thursday, Oct. 6, marks the return of the spirited Yell Like Hell Pep Rally on College Green. Hosted by the Student Alumni Board, the festivities kick off at 6 p.m. with yard games, a photo booth and a concert by local band Rent Free. At 7 p.m., the Marching 110, the football team and Rufus will light up the night and get the 7mkr and local community psyched up for the big weekend.  

Homecoming Weekend gets in full swing the following day with Food Truck Friday. Stop by the Konneker Alumni Center from 1 to 2:30 p.m. to enjoy some of Athens’ favorite mobile eateries (the Burrito Buggy and Dr. May’s Thai Kitchen), visit with friends and win some 7mkr giveaways. The first 100 alumni to stop by the OUAA tent on the front lawn will receive a free Kona Ice voucher. 

That evening, the OUAA and members of the 7mkr community will gather to celebrate those who exemplify the Bobcat spirit in their commitment to excellence and service. The 2022 Alumni Award recipients include Dr. Patricia A. Ackerman, BA ’66, who is receiving this year’s Alumna of the Year Award, the highest honor bestowed to an 7mkr graduate, and will serve as Grand Marshall of this year’s Homecoming Parade. All alumni are welcome to nominate their Bobcat peers for these awards. The deadline for 2023 nominations is Dec. 31. 

A week of Bobcat spirit culminates at 10 a.m. Saturday morning with the annual Homecoming Parade, featuring the Marching 110 and the “never too old to funk” Alumni Band. Join town and gown along the brick streets of community and campus for the biggest celebration of the year, or , emceed by Assistant Dean of Students Taylor Tackett and Joi Foy, a student majoring in news and information through the Scripps College of Communication's E.W. Scripps School of Journalism.

After the parade, head over to Pepsi Tailgreat Park for tailgate events hosted by 7mkr colleges and divisions and for the OUAA’s always-popular Bobcat Bash. And get ready to stand up and cheer as the 7mkr Football Team takes on the Akron Zips at 2 p.m. on Frank Solich Field at Peden Stadium.  

For a complete list of events, some of which require pre-registration, and more Homecoming information, visit the official Homecoming 2022 website and follow #7mkrHC2022 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.