Below is the calendar of events for Homecoming 2021, check it out for an idea of what Homecoming 2022 will look like! Stay tuned this spring for an announcement of the Homecoming 2022 date!
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 CourtAnnouncement 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.
7:00 p.m. – Exploring Marshall Video Series – Episode 4 INFO: Join us onFacebook 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!
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!
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
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!
7:00 p.m. – Exploring Marshall Video Series – Episode 5 INFO: Join us onFacebookor 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. REGISTRATION HAS CLOSED.
Thursday, Oct. 7
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!
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
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!
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!
Stampede 5K Campus Course
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!