Although much of the country is sweltering through August, fall weather is not far behind. And fall at Penn State means football, tailgating, and Homecoming weekend on Oct. 12–13.

Fifteen student leaders have been hard at work since last December planning the many events that comprise Penn State’s annual Homecoming celebration. Two of the highlights of Homecoming weekend are the parade on Friday night and the tailgating competition throughout Saturday—and of course, the game against the Wisconsin badgers.

 “The true spirit of Penn State is bound up in pride and tradition,” said Roger Williams ’73, ’75g, ’88g, executive director of the Alumni Association. “Nowhere is that spirit better exemplified than in our annual Homecoming weekend.”

This year’s Homecoming theme is Reflecting the Spirit. The logo is a blue image of head football coach Joe Paterno’s glasses with the year ’07 reflected in one lens. “This logo showcases and advertises Homecoming while also honoring a figure that has been part of our true spirit here at Penn State,” said Sarah Woolley, a graphic design major who designed the Homecoming logo. “I am proud to be a Penn State student and feel I owe a part of the spirit that I have for this institution to such a leader and driven man, the well-renowned Joe Paterno.”

Homecoming weekend events will include:

Friday, October 12

• Ice Cream Social at 1:00 p.m.—Students and alumni are invited to this old-fashioned ice cream social at the Hintz Family Alumni Center, with free Berkey Creamery ice cream, a meet and greet with the Grand Marshall, music by the Blue Band, and free prizes.
• Homecoming Parade at 6:00 p.m.—The Penn State Homecoming Parade in downtown State College brings together student groups, alumni groups, the Homecoming Court, organization performances, floats, and athletes for a great evening of family entertainment.
• Pep Rally/King Queen Coronation at 9:00 p.m.—On the steps of Old Main, athletes, student organizations, the Blue Band, the Nittany Lion, and the Penn State cheerleaders will come together for a Pep Rally to remember. At the end of the Pep Rally, the Homecoming King and Queen will be crowned.
• Guard the Lion Shrine at 10:00 p.m.—Alumni and friends Guard the Lion Shrine from the Wisconsin Badgers late into the evening with guest speakers, food, drinks, and music.

Saturday, October 13

• Huddle with the Faculty at 10:00 a.m.—Anthropology professor Dean Snow lectures on “Climate Change Déjà vu: The Lessons of Southwest Archaeology.” Learn what archaeological explorations of the American Southwest can teach us about responding to today’s climate change. A complimentary Continental breakfast begins at 9:30 a.m. at The Nittany Lion Inn.
• Homecoming Hospitality Tent at 12:30 p.m.—Stop by the Penn State Alumni Association’s Homecoming Hospitality Tent outside Gate A of the Bryce Jordan Center. Enjoy complimentary refreshments and pick up a class year button.
• Young Alumni Homecoming Celebration at 12:30 p.m.—Celebrate and tailgate with young alumni and the young at heart at the Penn State Alumni Association’s Tailgate Tent across from Beaver Stadium at Porter Gardens at Lubrano Park. Enjoy a live performance of “cheesy 80’s music” by Velveeta, music by the Alumni Blue Band, and a tailgate buffet including beer and wine. $25 for Alumni Association members; $35 for non-members; and $15 for children. Pre-registration required.
• Homecoming Game at 3:30 p.m.—This is what it’s all about. Head out to Beaver Stadium for the Nittany Lions’ square off with the Wisconsin Badgers.

In addition, the Hintz Family Alumni Center will be open throughout the weekend. Alumni and friends can visit together, browse old La Vies, and enjoy refreshments.

For more information about the Alumni Association’s Homecoming events, visit www.alumni.psu.edu/events or call 800-548-5466, option 4. For information on Homecoming 2007, go to www.homecoming.psu.edu.