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Kentucky State University’s (KSU) 2024 Homecoming week was a resounding success.

Here are a few highlights from KSU’s sensational Homecoming week:

Student Government Inauguration

The KSU student body celebrated the inauguration of the 91st Student Government Association Executive and Class Officers.

The keynote speaker, Vice President of the Kentucky State University National Alumni Association and KSU Class of 1995 alumnus, Tish Norman, gave a riveting motivational speech to the newly inaugurated administration.

“I leave with you the charge to represent yourself, to represent the institution, and to represent the office that you all stood right here and took an oath to with dignity and pride,” she encouraged.

SGA President, Aury Rios-Alcantara addressed the distinguished gathering and encouraged all student leaders to work together to be the change they want to see on campus.

“We have inherited a legacy of resilience, perseverance and excellence, but to live up to that legacy, we must come together. We must stay united in our purpose with hearts full of positivity and love for one another. The change we need doesn’t come from one person or one office, it comes from all of us – students, staff, faculty - each contributing, uplifting each other, and striving for greatness,” said Rios-Alcantara.

“Our goals go far beyond this campus. The elevation we seek here at Kentucky State University is meant to impact our families, our communities, and the world around us. We are the seeds of change and it is up to us to nurture that growth. If we want to see more love in the world, we must first show it here with one another. If we want to show more positivity, we must start by encouraging one another, uplifting one another,” she continued. “We hold the power to create the future we envision, so let’s rise together, hand in hand, and take the steps necessary to elevate Kentucky State University and make a lasting impact.”

Mister and Miss KSU Coronation

The KSU community came together to celebrate the coronation of the 95th Miss KSU, Erica McPheeters and the 31st Mister KSU, Trenton M. Findley, Jr.

Miss McPheeters, a Louisville, KY native and senior majoring in Political Science, has held multiple leadership roles and remained active in a variety of organizations both on and off campus. Following graduation, she aspires to be a social advocate and criminal defense attorney to support marginalized communities in the legal system.

“The last four years have been blissful. Every step that I have taken at Kentucky State University has felt like I’m getting closer to my destiny. Before I arrived at KSU, I felt lost. My sense of direction and purpose have never been more clear, like it is now. The role of Miss Kentucky State University has taught me about myself, the world, and my future in fruitful ways. I am grateful for this opportunity to thank those who have helped me get here and beyond,” said McPheeters.

Mister Findley, Jr. who hails from Memphis, TN, is a senior pursing a degree in Computer Science with a concentration in Mathematics. Since transferring to KSU in 2022, Mister Findley, Jr. quickly established connections with peers and faculty and became involved in multiple organizations. He envisions a future where he can blend his many interests including the arts, sewing, photography, videography, and technology as well as advocate for academic curricula that prioritizes mental health education alongside traditional subjects.

“Doubt kills more than failure ever will. If you have something in your mind, do it, because if you keep it in your mind, it won’t become a reality. As a creative, I make things out of nothing and you can do that too. All it takes is to start. You’re the starting point, you’re the focal point of your life, your reality is no one else’s,” encouraged Findley.

With the creative, dynamic, and service-orientated Mister and Miss KSU, KSU is sure to enjoy a remarkable year ahead.

To watch footage of the coronation of Mister and Miss KSU, visit our Facebook @KyStateU.

Founders’ Day Convocation

KSU’s 138th Founders’ Day Convocation honored the rich legacy of KSU and celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Golden Class of 1974 and the 90th anniversary of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated’s Alpha Pi Chapter at KSU. Keynote speaker, Stephanie Terry, alumna from the Class of 1998 and the Mayor of Evansville, IN, presented an electrifying speech, inspiring Thorobreds of every age to persevere onward and upward.

“We come together not just as individuals but as a part of something remarkable - a legacy, a movement, a family. This isn’t just any university, this is our Kentucky State University,” said Terry. “A place where greatness is born, where it’s nurtured and sent out into the world. And today I’m here to remind you, to celebrate with you, and to say loudly: Great things come out of KSU because we are "Sensational."

Ms. Sharon “Pat” Taylor, class of 1974, provided the Golden Class response and reflected on the pivotal moment in 1972 when then Kentucky State College evolved to become Kentucky State University. The Golden Class of 1974 became the second class to graduate from The Kentucky State University.

Following the Golden Class response, the KSU Gospel Choir and alumni joined together to perform the song, “His Mercy Endureth Forever,” inspiring the audience to reflect on the long legacy of KSU and their respective journeys.

In his address, KSU President, Dr. Koffi C. Akakpo, congratulated the Golden Class and reflected on the significance of their homecoming for their 50th anniversary.

“Your journey from graduation up to now is a testimony to the solid education, resilience, and Thorobred spirit you received at KSU and we are so grateful for the ways you have honored Mother KSU through your advocacy of and generosity back to our students,” he said.

Again, congratulations to our Golden Class of 1974. May you live every day like it’s golden!

For the full live stream of the Founders’ Day Convocation, visit our Facebook @KyStateU.

Homecoming Parade, Football Game, and Concert

KSU students, faculty, staff, alumni, friends, family, and the local community came together to enjoy KSU’s annual Homecoming Parade in downtown Frankfort on Saturday, October 5th. Festivities continued on KSU’s campus as crowds participated in the tailgate and watched KSU and Lane College battle it out on the football field, followed by the student Homecoming concert.

KSU Thorobreds defeated the Lane College Dragons in an exciting 24-20 Homecoming victory.

Lane College struck first on a one-yard rush to convert an 11-play drive of 75 yards into an early 7-0 lead at 8:25 in the first quarter. The Thorobreds responded with a 52-yard rushing touchdown from Cedric Ward and an extra point from Landon Grover tied the game at 707 with 6:15 remaining in the first quarter.

At the top of the second quarter Offensive Lineman Walter McClinton recovered a fumble to push the Thorobreds to a 14-7 at 13:02 in the second quarter. Grover followed with a 34-yard field goal to extend the Kentucky State to a 17-7 going into halftime.

Early in the first quarter, Lane College scored on a short rushing touchdown to come within three of the 17-14 Kentucky State lead. Denim Johnson found Kazi Hazzard on a four-yard pass to give the Thorobreds some breathing room with a 24-14 lead at 5:59. Lane College scored on a 43-yard receiving touchdown but would go on to be defeated 24-20 by the KSU Thorobreds.

These are just a few highlights from the sensational 2024 Homecoming week. Thank you for joining us and we hope you enjoyed your time!