Fairmont State University will host Homecoming 2019 October 24-26 with the theme “Welcome Home.”

“This is about welcoming home our Falcon family, our alumni,” President Dr. Mirta Martin said. “We are excited to welcome home generations of our alumni who choose to return home during Homecoming. Some are able to return every year and for others it may be decades since they’ve been back.”

The schedule is similar to that of last year’s although some new enhancements will allow the community to be more involved than ever before.

On Thursday, October 24, the three-day festivities will officially begin with the Homecoming Kick-Off Community Bonfire. Starting at 7 p.m., alumni, students, and the community are invited to gather outside Duvall-Rosier Field for an evening full of school spirit, food, and activities for the kids.

“This year we are excited to add balloon artist Mr. Twister, a fire juggler, and a hot chocolate bar to make the event even more community friendly,” Jessie Sharps, Homecoming committee chair, said. “We will also have a huge bonfire, smaller fire pits to make s’mores, a DJ, and food options. It is sure to be a great start to Homecoming.”

On Friday, the Alumni & Emeritus Luncheon will begin at 11 a.m. in the Falcon Center Gym 1 and is sponsored by The Thrasher Group. Registration can be found online.

In addition to inducting the Class of 1969 into the Emeritus Club, the following have been named as alumni award winners:

Outstanding Alumni
Cheri Satterfield
Alieu Demba
Frank Washenitz

Alumni of Achievement
Betty Jane Edwards
Rusty Hutson
Dr. Norman Wood

Outstanding Young Alumni
Emily Hale
Tyler Rodriguez

Lifetime Achievement
Gary Bennett

The Hall of Fame Dinner will follow Friday evening with a social starting at 5 p.m. and dinner at 6 p.m. in the Falcon Center Gym 1. This year’s inductees are: Mike Currence, Kathy Hosaflook, Dale Hounshell, John Jobst, John Lowery, Frank Moore, and Zackery Solly.

Homecoming festivities will continue on Saturday morning with the Homecoming Parade. Once again this year, the parade will finish in front of the University along Locust Ave. Anyone interested in participating in this year’s parade, please register at www.fairmontstate.edu/parade.

Tailgating will begin at noon and then the Fighting Falcons take on West Liberty at 2 p.m. at Duvall-Rosier Field. The Office of Student Success is sponsoring a kid’s zone with an inflatable slide, face painter, balloon artist and more. Anyone attending the game is welcome to enjoy these free activities.

For more information on all of this year’s Homecoming activities and to register for any of the Homecoming events please visit www.fairmontstate.edu/homecoming.