UPIKE Homecoming celebrates 125 years of Excellence
0“Institutions, like nations, must pause occasionally to consider their past if they hope to make the most of their future.” Written by then President William H. Owens in his foreword to Alice J. Kinder’s book, “Pikeville College Looks to the Hills.” His words set the tone for the school’s centennial celebration in 1989.
On Sept. 16, 125 years to the day the first classes were held in 1889, the University of Pikeville will commemorate more than a century of service and begin the next era of educating “the youth of the mountains.”
The community is cordially invited to attend the Opening Convocation ceremony on Tuesday, Sept. 16, in the Eastern Kentucky Expo Center at 11 a.m. Four past presidents, Jackson Hall, William H. Owens, Harold H. “Hal” Smith and Paul E. Patton will be presented with honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degrees for their dedication and service to the institution. Following the convocation, the 125th Birthday Bash will be held at noon in the Benefactors Plaza on the upper campus.
The celebration also kicks off a fun-filled Homecoming Week, Sept. 16-20. Later on Tuesday, UPIKE women’s volleyball will host Campbellsville University at 7 p.m., in the UPIKE gymnasium. The match is free.
On Wednesday evening the campus will glow with luminaries for the traditional Lighting of the Campus at 7 p.m., with complimentary carriage rides at the bottom of the 99 steps.
UPIKE men’s and women’s soccer teams will face Hiwassee College at Bob Amos Soccer Complex on Thursday. The men’s match begins at 3 p.m., and the women’s at 5 p.m. Later Thursday evening, the university will honor individuals whose contributions in education have made a significant and lasting impact on hundreds of students’ lives during the Distinguished Educators Hall of Fame ceremony. The community is invited to attend the event beginning at 6 p.m., in Booth Auditorium, located in the Record Memorial Building, level five.
The campus community will wrap up Thursday as UPIKE women’s volleyball takes on St. Catharine College at 7 p.m., in the UPIKE gymnasium. Bears fans will top off the night with a fall sports pep rally featuring a free Sundy Best concert with alumnus Nick Jamerson at 8:30 p.m., at the Hoops Athletic Facility.
The President’s Gala and Alumni Awards Dinner will be held Friday, Sept. 19. The reception begins at 6:30 p.m., and dinner and awards at 7 p.m. The cost is $125 per person. Please R.S.V.P. to (606) 218-5276. The gala will be held at the Expo Center.
On Saturday, Sept. 20, various academic lectures and networking forums will be held across campus from 10 a.m. – noon. Business, Art, Communication, English, and Social Work departments have special events scheduled.
The action-packed Saturday continues as the Bears take the field against Lindsey Wilson College at the Hambley Athletic Complex in Pikeville. Admission to the game includes an invitation to the tailgate at the Beargounds, beginning at 11:30 a.m. Homecoming tailgate activities are sponsored by Food City, Pepsi Bottling Group, Aramark, and the UPIKE Alumni Association. Kick-off is set for 1:30 p.m. Sundy Best, including UPIKE alumnus Nick Jamerson, will sing the national anthem prior to the game. Admission to the football game is $8 for adults and $4 for students. University of Pikeville students are admitted free with UPIKE ID. Faculty and staff, and one guest, are also admitted free with ID. The Homecoming king and queen will be crowned during halftime of the football game.
Women’s soccer will take the field against Cincinnati Christian University at the Bob Amos Soccer Complex on Saturday. The match begins at 3 p.m.