91²Ö¿â

91²Ö¿â Celebrates Homecoming and 100 Years of The 91²Ö¿âr

Every Flash Has a Story

91²Ö¿â celebrated Homecoming on Saturday, Oct. 3, with a theme honoring a century of student journalism. This year's theme, "Every Flash Has a Story," marked the 100th anniversary of The 91²Ö¿âr, and former staff members of the student newspaper served as Homecoming Parade Grand Marshals.

Alumni, students, families, employees and community members gathered on the Kent Campus in Ohio's best college town for a day of events rooted in a tradition that began in 1918.

The 91²Ö¿âr published its first issue on July 29, 1926, under its first editor-in-chief, Peg Hayes, a few months after Searchlight, the university's first student newspaper, debuted in February 1926. For 100 years, the paper has operated as an independent, student-run newsroom where generations of reporters, photographers, designers and editors began their careers.

Block Party and Kiss on the K

The day began at 9 a.m. with a pre-parade Block Party on the Student Green outside the Kent Student Center along Summit Street, featuring games and family activities. 91²Ö¿â couples took part in the annual "Kiss on the K" ceremony at 10 a.m. on Risman Plaza, sharing a kiss where their relationships began.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Homecoming Parade

The Homecoming Parade stepped off at 10:30 a.m. from the intersection of Johnston Drive and Summit Street near the Warren Student Recreation and Wellness Center and traveled west on Summit Street to Terrace Drive, passing grandstand seating in front of the Kent Student Center.

The parade featured this year's Grand Marshals, former 91²Ö¿âr staff members, along with 91²Ö¿â and local high school marching bands, the Homecoming Court, colleges and departments, cheerleaders, student-athletes, student organizations and local officials. Members of the University Bands Alumni Chapter joined the Marching Golden Flashes in the parade and at halftime. The parade was also livestreamed for those who could not attend.

Homecoming Football Game

At 3:30 p.m., the 91²Ö¿â Golden Flashes faced the Ohio University Bobcats at Dix Stadium. The Homecoming Court was recognized, and this year's Homecoming royalty were crowned at halftime.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

POSTED: Saturday, October 3, 2026 05:41 PM
Updated: Saturday, October 3, 2026 07:20 PM
PHOTO CREDIT:
Bob Christy Rami Daud