Western Kentucky University kicks off a week of homecoming activities, titled &#8220A Century of Spirit,” on Monday.

Numerous events are planned for Homecoming Week, including reunions of campus groups and organizations; induction ceremonies for the Hall of Distinguished Alumni and Athletic Hall of Fame; a parade and Big Red Street Fest; Big Red’s Roar; a concert by Dierks Bentley; a Department of English celebration; the annual Step Show; and the crowning of the Homecoming Queen at halftime of the WKU vs. Indiana State football game.

Homecoming Week highlights

Monday – Homecoming Coloring Contest: Bowling Green and Warren County elementary students participate in this annual contest. Winners are announced Friday at the Big Red Street Fest.

Tuesday – Glasgow Homecoming Tailgate Party at 6:30 p.m. at the WKU-Glasgow Campus, featuring football head coach David Elson, WKU cheerleaders and more.

Wednesday – Office decorating contest: WKU faculty, staff and students can build their own homecoming memories by decorating their campus offices. Prizes will be awarded for the best decorated departmental office.

Thursday – Chili and Cheese Luncheon and Pep Rally from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at First Christian Church of Bowling Green. Tickets are $5.

• Eighth annual Summit Awards: 5:30 p.m. at the Carroll Knicely Conference Center, WKU South Campus. WKU honors its outstanding volunteers.
• L.Y. Lancaster-Hugh Puckett Lecture Series: 6 p.m. at Mass Media and Technology Hall Auditorium. Featured speaker is Dr. Fred Roisen, a noted stem cell researcher from the University of Louisville.
• Homecoming concert at 8 p.m. at E.A. Diddle Arena, featuring Dierks Bentley, Miranda Lambert and Randy Rogers Band. Tickets are $23 for WKU students, $33 for non-students.

Friday – Hall of Distinguished Alumni Luncheon and Induction Ceremony at 11:30 at Sloan Convention Center.

• Homecoming Parade at 5:30 p.m. Parade begins near the Hardin Planetarium and proceeds down Normal Drive.
• Big Red Street Fest from 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m. at Downing University Center South Lawn. Sponsored by Citizens First Bank.
• Homecoming Comedy Show: 8 p.m. at Downing University Center Theatre.
• Big Red’s Roar: 8:30 p.m. at Fine Arts Center Colonnade, featuring football coach David Elson, the 2006 WKU football team, Big Red, the Big Red Marching Band, cheerleaders, Topperettes and queen candidates.

Saturday – Reunions: Several campus organizations, clubs and departments will meet for Homecoming reunion activities and will have reunion tents set up at Festival of Friends.

• Centennial exhibit: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at Kentucky Library and Museum.
• 55th annual Student Publications Breakfast at 9 a.m. at Mass Media and Technology Hall Atrium. Groundbreaking for a new publications building will follow.
• &#8220WKU: The First 100 Years” book signing from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Downing University Center.
• Festival of Friends: 1 p.m.-3 p.m. at Downing University Center South Lawn. Various departments and campus organizations will have reunion tents set up. The Muckrakers will provide musical entertainment.
• WKU vs. Indiana State at 4 p.m. at Smith Stadium. The 2006 Homecoming Queen will be crowned at halftime.
• Step Show at 8 p.m. at E.A. Diddle Arena, sponsored by the National Pan-Hellenic Council. Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 at the door. Proceeds benefit the National Pan-Hellenic Council Scholarship Fund, which awards book scholarships to WKU students.
• Alumni Dance from 10 p.m.-2 a.m. at Carroll Knicely Conference Center, WKU South Campus. Sponsored by the Society of African American Alumni.

Oct. 29 – 10th annual Jim Wayne Miller Celebration of Writing at 2 p.m. at Garrett Conference Center Auditorium.

• Annual WKU Homecoming Concert at 3 p.m. at Van Meter Auditorium, featuring University Choir and Symphony Band.

– The complete Homecoming Week schedule is available online at http://www.wkualumni.org/homecoming2006.pdf.