Back and better than ever!

Alumni from across the globe are invited to celebrate Marshall University’s Homecoming 2021 “Back and Better Than Ever!”

This year’s opportunities will include campus tours; thought-provoking discussions; social activities, opportunities to hear from students and President Gilbert; live events; game nights; and much more! A full schedule of events and online registration can be found below!

Alumni To-Do List:

Mark your calendar for October 4-9, 2021
RSVP through our online registration to gain access to events
Throw on your best green and white gear
Get ready for an amazing Homecoming experience
Share your photos on social media @MarshallUAlumni using the hashtags #HerdHomecoming and #MarshallRises

Homecoming 2021 presented by MUAA

The past year and a half has been a difficult time for many.

Lockdowns, restrictions, and virtual gatherings became the norm and many in the Marshall community, like those around the world, have been left feeling isolated and alone after months away from the warm glow of our campus home.

After a year apart due to the pandemic, Marshall University is excited to welcome alumni, students and friends back to campus for a celebration like no other.

Marshall is proudly proclaiming that Homecoming is “Back and better than ever” in 2021 with a celebration befitting a proud institution such as ours. Join Marshall University and the Marshall University Alumni Association for Homecoming the week of October 4-9 culminating with the Homecoming game against Old Dominion University on Saturday, October 9 at 2:00 p.m.

The game will be preceded by major activities in-person and online throughout the week, including the annual Homecoming Parade and Bonfire on Thursday, October 7, Picnic on the Plaza on Friday, October 8 and a full day of activities on Saturday, October 9 including the Homecoming Stampede 5K, Marshall University Alumni & Family Tailgate and much more!

This is your opportunity to showcase your Thundering Herd pride, reunite with friends, check out the latest growth on campus and celebrate with your fellow Herd Alums after more than a year away. So grab your green and white gear and join us in October because Homecoming is officially “Back and better than ever!”

Grand Marshals

1971 Thundering Herd Football Team
“The Young Thundering Herd”

HOMECOMING WEEK SCHEDULE:

Monday, Oct. 4

All Week – Paint Social Media Green
INFO: Marshall invites you to “Paint Social Media Green” all week on social media! Share with us photos of you and your family in Marshall gear no matter where you are – at home, at an event, or at the game! Share in the link below are post to the official alumni accounts @MarshallUAlumni and use the hashtags #HerdHomecoming and #MarshallRises to be featured!
Submit your photos here!

All Week – Office Photo Contest
INFO: The Office of Alumni Relations is asking all of our participating offices and departments to submit a photo, or series of photos, proudly showing your team in their best Marshall gear in a creative way. These photos can take place in your decorated office space, somewhere on the Marshall campus, or in the Huntington community. The choice of where you take the photo(s) or the creative angles, props, or unique looks is completely up to you. The deadline to submit photos is Wednesday, October 6 at 4:30 p.m. Prizes will once again be awarded during the annual Picnic on the Plaza on Friday, October 8 between 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

4:00 p.m. – Unity Walk & Homecoming Court Announcement
INFO: Students, teams, organizations, clubs, residence halls, faculty, staff and community members are welcome to join in this unifying walk around campus from the Memorial Fountain to the Marshall Rec Center Field and show their Marshall pride! Immediately following the Homecoming court will be announced.

6:00 p.m. – Virtual Game Night- BINGO!
INFO: Join us for a night of fun and games! Free and open to all alumni, supporters and students, win cool prizes and enjoy a fun night of BINGO hosted by the Marshall University Alumni Association. Register here and you will be emailed instructions and login information 24 hours prior to the event!

7:00 p.m. – Exploring Marshall Video Series – Episode 4
INFO: Join us on Facebook or view anytime on YouTube for Episode 4 of Exploring Marshall – a professionally produced web video series taking a look at the iconic and brand new people and places that make Marshall so special!

8:00 p.m. – Virtual Game Night- BINGO!
INFO: Join us for a night of fun and games! Free and open to all alumni, supporters and students, win cool prizes and enjoy a fun night of BINGO hosted by the Marshall University Alumni Association. Register here and you will be emailed instructions and login information 24 hours prior to the event!

Tuesday, Oct. 5

7:00 p.m. – Social Hour w/ Special Guest
INFO: Join us on Facebook LIVE at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 5 for a live chat and Q&A with a special guest hosted by Director of Alumni Relations Matt Hayes. Hear the latest from your alma mater, learn more about Marshall University and have an opportunity to ask your questions for this one hour chat!

Wednesday, Oct. 6

7:00 p.m. – Exploring Marshall Video Series – Episode 5
INFO: Join us on Facebook or view anytime on YouTube for Episode 4 of Exploring Marshall – a professionally produced web video series taking a look at the iconic and brand new people and places that make Marshall so special!

6:00 p.m. – Virtual Game Night- Marshall Jeopardy!
INFO: Join us for a night of fun and games! Free and open to all alumni, supporters and students, win cool prizes and enjoy a fun night hosted by the Marshall University Alumni Association. Register here and you will be emailed instructions and login information 24 hours prior to the event!

Thursday, Oct. 7

6:30 p.m. – Homecoming Parade
INFO: Floats, marching bands, and everything you love about parades fills the air on a Thursday night! And if you can’t make it, join us on social media at @MarshallUAlumni and @MarshallU for a broadcast of the parade.

7:30 p.m. – Pep Rally & Bonfire
INFO: Marshall’s newest Homecoming tradition! Alumni and students can enjoy a bonfire with entertainment from the Marching Thunder, Marshall University cheerleaders, plus activities and appearances by Marshall coaches and players!

Friday, Oct. 8

11:30 a.m. – Picnic on the Plaza
INFO: Marshall’s largest and most exciting on-campus Homecoming party! The Marshall University Alumni Association and Marshall University Foundation throw a party with free food and drinks, live music, games, plus special appearances by the Marching Thunder, Marshall University cheerleaders, coaches, players and more! The event is free to alumni, students, faculty and friends of Marshall! Click on the link below to register for a table to display at the event.

Saturday, Oct. 9

9:00 a.m. – Homecoming Stampede 5K
INFO: Alumni, students and members of the Marshall University community are invited to come together for a fun run around campus! Featuring a new route weaving through campus and prizes for multiple age groups, this is one event you don’t want to miss!

10:00 a.m. – Hal Greer Statue Dedication
INFO: Celebrate the life, legacy and career of Harold Everett “Hal” Greer with the dedication of a statue in his honor on the corner of 3rd Avenue and 18th Street, adjacent to the Cam Henderson Center. Greer is one of the university’s all-time greats. He was part of the 1956 Mid-American Conference championship team that was MU’s first NCAA Tournament participant. He was also the first black scholarship student-athlete. Greer went on to an incredible NBA career from 1958 through 1973 where he was a 10-time All-Star and NBA champion.

11:30 a.m. – Marshall Alumni & Family Tailgate
INFO: The highlight of Homecoming week! ALL are invited to this wonderful tailgating experience in a brand new location! Located in the Joan C. Edwards Stadium East Lot (beside the Chris Cline Indoor Athletic Facility), come enjoy great food, hang with friends, play tailgating games, enjoy live music and performances by the Marching Thunder, Marshall University cheerleaders, and appearances by special guests including coaches and players. Don’t miss the famous Marshall Family & Alumni Tailgate in its new location prior to the game!

Marshall Alumni & Family Tailgate location

2:00 p.m. – Marshall vs. ODU
INFO: The Thundering Herd battles the Old Dominion Monarchs in the annual Homecoming game at Joan C. Edwards Stadium!