BARBOURVILLE — Union Commonwealth University invites alumni, family members, and the broader community to join in this year’s homecoming festivities – “The re-Union” – Friday, October 4 and Saturday, October 5. Both days feature several free, family-friendly activities, including the President’s Picnic Friday evening and the pancake breakfast, carnival games, and “40 Years of Football Celebration” on Saturday.
Union’s 2024 Homecoming itinerary* is as follows:
Friday, October 4th
• 50th Reunion Lunch (Class of 1974): Student Center (upper level), Noon
• Daniel Boone Festival History: Sharp Academic Center, 2 p.m.
• Lecture on Frontier Life with Dr. Joseph Pearson: Sharp Academic Center, 2:30-3 p.m.
• Alumni Bingo: The Kennel (upper level of Student Center), 3-4 p.m.
• President’s Picnic: front lawn of Sharp Academic Center, 5-7 p.m.
• Softball Scrimmage vs. Midway: Union Field, 5 p.m.
• Women’s Soccer vs. Columbia: Williamson Stadium, 6 p.m.

Saturday, October 5th
• Market on the Square (Community Yard Sale): Court Square in downtown, 7 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Golf Scramble: Wasioto Winds in Pineville, 8 a.m.
• Men’s Soccer Match: Williamson Stadium, 10:30 a.m.
• The re-Union Tailgate – a carnival-like atmosphere with food trucks, vendors, inflatables, photo booth and more: Student Center Parking area, 11 a.m.- 4 p.m.
• Hall of Fame Ceremony & Luncheon: Sharp Academic Center, Noon
• 40 Years of Football Celebration & Football Game vs. Bluefield University: Williamson Stadium, 4 p.m.
• Knox Street Thunder: Court Square in downtown, 5-10 pm
*Note: Some events may be added or changed. For up-to-date details, see unionky.edu/homecoming.
“Union is a family, and we want this year’s gathering to feel like a family reunion and a true coming home,” said Union Interim President and 2003 alum Dr. DJ Washington. “I’m looking forward to meeting and reconnecting with more alumni and community members at homecoming and celebrating our history, our community, and the Bulldog spirit.”
One of the things Washington is especially excited to celebrate is the 40-year anniversary of bringing football back to Union’s campus in the fall of 1984. The sport was put on hold in 1942, due to World War II, and reinstating it was a team effort amongst campus, community, and alumni. Former football players Ossie Burch and Bill Nau were instrumental in fundraising, Knox Central Vocational School built the ticket booths, Pepsi-Cola Company of Corbin donated the scoreboard, and Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds Bob Potter designed the weight room.
“Coming together for a common cause is what we want to do more of as Union Commonwealth University,” Washington said. “The return of Union football is a powerful story of what we can do when we unite for a shared goal, and we want to honor that in addition to celebrating the program and all the players who have built our competitive program over the last four decades.”
Part of the celebration will include inviting football alumni, including Head Football Coach John Luttrell ’84, to participate in the pre-game walkout alongside the current team.
Pre-registration for homecoming events is highly encouraged, but registration upon arrival is allowed, as well. Those who register prior to September 27 will receive a Union coffee mug and will be entered into a drawing for a free Kindle.
To register and learn more about each event, see unionky.edu/homecoming, email alumni@unionky.edu, or call (606) 546-1281.