2023 Homecoming parade to honor former royalty as Grand Marshals

Louisiana Homecoming 2023 is quickly approaching, and the Alumni Association is excited to honor a special group during the annual Homecoming Parade. This year, all past Homecoming Court members of UL Lafayette will be honored as the parade's grand marshals.

Homecoming Court members from any year throughout the University's history will be recognized. Kayla Hebert, assistant director of the Alumni Association, said that the decision to select this group as the grand marshals was inspired by the University's 125th anniversary. "We thought the perfect tie-in to UL Lafayette's 125th anniversary celebration would be to bring back the people that were a part of the University's history on the Homecoming Court," Hebert said. 

The Alumni Association encourages all past Homecoming Court members to fill out a form to be recognized and participate in the festivities. If they're interested, past court members can return to campus during Homecoming Week and ride in the parade on a float. "Everyone is encouraged to sign up and participate in the parade," Hebert said. Depending on the response, a social or reception may also occur during the week for past court members to meet and mingle. Even if a past court member isn't able to return to campus during Homecoming Week to participate, they're still encouraged to fill out the form for recognition. 

These individuals may also expect more engagement and events from the Alumni Association centered around this specific group in the future. "Depending on the reaction and response we get this year, we may try to incorporate previous court members in Homecoming events moving forward and possibly expand into other engagement initiatives with this group of alumni throughout the year," Hebert said.

Bringing back past Homecoming Court royalty for this special occasion is a great way to honor those who left their mark on the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. The University wouldn't be where it is today if it weren't for the people that shaped it throughout its history.

If you were ever a member of the Homecoming Court, please fill out this form by Monday, September 25, to participate in the Homecoming Parade and be recognized. More information about parade logistics and possible other socials during Homecoming Week will be sent out at a later date. For further questions about this recognition and experience, please contact Kayla Hebert at kayla.hebert@louisiana.edu.

Photo Caption: Elijah List and Hailey Boutte ride in the Homecoming parade as members of the 2019 court. Photo Credit: Courtney Bergeron/UL Lafayette