When Tennessee Tech University’s 2025 homecoming parade makes its way through the heart of campus on Saturday, Nov. 1, a renowned alumnus and hometown legend will be leading the procession.
Two-time Tech graduate, university trustee and retired NASA astronaut Barry “Butch” Wilmore will serve as the parade’s grand marshal before watching his Golden Eagles take on Gardner-Webb University in the homecoming football game later that day.
Susan Luna-Hazlewood, executive director of Tech’s Crawford Alumni Center, said selecting Wilmore for the coveted place of honor in Tech’s homecoming festivities was an easy call that came at the perfect time.
“Captain Wilmore is an American hero who made Tennessee Tech a launching pad for a career that has earned him a spot in the history books. Asking him to serve as parade grand marshal was among the easiest decisions we’ve made,” said Luna-Hazlewood. “And with Captain Wilmore also being a former Tech football player, inviting him back to campus during a historic season for the Golden Eagles – currently 7-0 and on a 12-game winning streak – just adds to the excitement!”
Wilmore, who became a household name over the last year during his unexpected nine-month stay at the International Space Station, will also be feted on Friday, Oct. 31 at 2 p.m. with the formal dedication of “Wilmore Way,” a pedestrian walkway and plaza on Tech’s campus that Wilmore’s fellow university trustees unanimously voted to name in his honor earlier this year.
“Captain Wilmore embodies so many of the core values of Tennessee Tech. It really makes him the perfect role model for our students, faculty and staff,” said Tech President Phil Oldham in an interview ahead of the walkway’s dedication. “Being able to name this new walkway in his honor is a great opportunity, because it is not only the way students will get around on campus, but more importantly, it points us back to Barry’s life, career and character. The ‘Wilmore Way’ is a great way to live and set an example for others.”
The university’s 2025 homecoming theme is “Tech on Broadway.” A homecoming parade watch party hosted by the Crawford Alumni Center will begin Nov. 1 at 8 a.m. in the Varsity Building, located at 705 N. Dixie Ave. on Tech’s campus. The parade itself begins at 9 a.m. along Dixie Avenue.
The homecoming football game against Gardner-Webb University kicks off at noon at Tucker Stadium. Tickets can be purchased at www.ttusports.com.
Various Tech academic departments, student organizations and other affinity groups will also hold alumni reunion events throughout homecoming weekend. See a full listing of upcoming alumni events at www.tntech.edu/AlumniEvents.
