Homecoming week activities to begin with Unity Walk

Marshall University will officially kick off Homecoming week on Monday, Oct. 24, as faculty, staff, students, family and alumni come together in a bold display of unity, inclusion and oneness.

The signature event takes place each year with a march around campus, followed by food, fellowship and fun.

“As one of the co-creators of this event 10 years ago, we envisioned a family reunion for all of Herd Nation,” said Matt James, executive director of alumni relations. “As the concept evolved over the years, we incorporated the announcement of our Homecoming Court and added a guest speaker whose remarks have always focused on the importance of diversity and inclusion on our campus. We are so proud the Unity Walk is now an annual event and has become known as the official launch for Homecoming.”

James says the idea behind the event is deeply rooted in the #MarshallUFamily mantra.

“The Unity Walk embodies what it means to be a member of the Marshall Family,” said James. “A gathering of individuals from all backgrounds and affiliations brought together by one common purpose: our love for one another and for our great university. We hope those who attend all feel a part of something much larger than themselves – one, united campus community.”

Activities begin at 5 p.m. with special speakers, including Jessica Kern Huff, CEO and CFO of the Jessica Kern Foundation, Marshall University President Brad D. Smith, Vice President of Intercultural and Student Affairs Dr. Marcie Simms and Student Body President and Vice President Isabella Griffiths and Walker Tatum.

The path for the walk begins at the Rec Center, where half of the group will turn toward Third Avenue on 20^th Street while the other half of the group turns toward Fifth Avenue. The two groups reunite on the Memorial Student Center Plaza, where the winners of the Unity Walk’s Banner Contest will be revealed, along with the announcement of Marshall’s Homecoming Court.

Simms says the walk is an excellent opportunity for the Marshall community to step outside of offices and classrooms to embrace differences.

“The Unity Walk is a kickoff to Marshall Homecoming,” said Simms. “To me, Homecoming represents family, fellowship and fun. This event reminds us that although we are all different, we are one Marshall family.”

The event is free and students, alumni, family and community members are welcome. Media are invited and encouraged to attend.

To view a full list of Homecoming activities involving the Marshall University Alumni Association, visit https://www.herdalum.com/herdhomecoming/calendar-of-events. Other student-focused events taking place can be found by visiting https://www.marshall.edu/homecoming/events.