The University of Toledo is celebrating Homecoming this week with activities to engage currents students and alumni returning to campus.

This year’s theme, Rockets Flashback, is part of the University’s yearlong sesquicentennial celebration.

“Homecoming is The University of Toledo’s longest-standing tradition and is a representation of Rockets of the past, present and future,” said Dr. Sammy Spann, vice president of student affairs and dean of students. “It gives me great pride to be a part of it. I love our UToledo students and how they continue the traditions that are so important to UToledo and its history.”

The campus community will enjoy food trucks on Centennial Mall, a petting zoo and an outdoor movie night on the University Hall lawn.

And distinguished alumni will be recognized at the annual Homecoming Gala at 6 p.m. Friday in Thompson Student Union Auditorium. The Alumni Association will present this year’s Gold T, Daniel Saevig Blue T and Edward H. Schmidt Young Alum Award, and distinguished alumni from each college also will be recognized.

“We’re proud to celebrate 150 years of life-changing education at UToledo and Homecoming is only the start,” said President Gregory Postel. “In the coming months, we’ll continue to honor this tremendous milestone with Rockets here in northwest Ohio and around the world.”

Rockets everywhere will come together to celebrate Homecoming on Saturday, Oct. 1, with a parade and tailgate party leading up to the football game. Events include:

• The Edward C. and Helen G. Schmakel Homecoming Parade sponsored by Blue Key National Honor Society beginning at 10 a.m. The route will begin at West Bancroft Street and Campus Road and go east to Cheltenham Road to Christie Street to Middlesex Drive and back to West Bancroft Street.
• Alumni Pregame Party from noon to 3:30 p.m. in the William and Carol Koester Alumni Pavilion. Stop by for a free hot dog, chips and non-alcoholic beverages. There will be a cash bar for those 21 and older with proper ID.
• The Toledo Rockets vs. Central Michigan University Chippewas football game kicks off at 3:30 p.m. in the Glass Bowl. Homecoming Parade float winners will be announced at the game, and there will be an iconic halftime performance from the Rocket Marching Band.

Attendance to the homecoming football game is free for students. Other fans can purchase tickets through the Athletics website.

A promotional offer also is available to UToledo alumni to attend the game at a discounted price with $5 of every ticket sale donated to the Rocket Boost Scholarship. For more information, call the Rocket Ticket Office at 419.530.4653 or visit the utrockets.com/alumni website.

For more information about homecoming week events, go to the Homecoming website.