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Nearly 4,000 Bobcats cast their vote for the annual theme selection. “Athens State of Mind” was the clear favorite after the votes were tallied.

This year’s Homecoming weekend – October 15-20 – will follow the theme “Athens State of Mind,” a celebration of how Bobcats carry the spirit of Athens no matter where they go.

The idea is credited to alumna Sharon Miller, BA ’14, whose collegiate days as an English major inspired the theme.

“A quote from a book I read for an English course, ‘freedom is a state of mind,’ reminded me of all of the things that Athens reminds me of,” Miller said. “It’s that grin that stretches across my face when I see the word Athens or anything related to it.”

Nearly 4,000 Bobcats cast their ballots for the annual theme selection. Athens State of Mind took a tremendous lead with 2,308 votes, with “Band of Bobcats” coming in second place at 936 votes, and “OHIO Original” collecting 665 votes.

“This year will celebrate a unique theme that resonates with both our alumni and our current students,” said Dawn Werry, senior director of external relations for the OHIO Alumni Association. “The idea that Athens isn’t just a place, but a state of being, is a creative way to convey the message that Athens never truly leaves you.”

Miller explains that when she can’t make it to Athens, she channels the town’s familiar energy by surrounding herself with fellow Bobcats or playing music that brings her back to her collegiate days on the bricks.

“The Athens state of mind is a combination of joy, magic and excitement. You can conjure this up anywhere you go,” Miller said. “When life is getting too mundane, Athens will rejuvenate you.”

Students, faculty, staff and alumni are invited to submit their original designs for the event logo that will be used throughout Homecoming week.

Submissions must be delivered to homecoming@ohio.edu or the Konneker Alumni Center in the form of a full color 300 dpi .ai, .pdf or .jpeg file by March 20 to be considered. An OHIO gift worth $100 will be awarded for the best design.

For more details about Homecoming 2018 as they become available, please visit ohio.edu/homecoming.