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ABOUT  & OUR MISSION4

2017 THEME 5

GRAND MARSHAL &

HONORARY GRAND

MARSHAL

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EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 7

EVENTS 10

FAQ12

HISTORYO U R

Pennsylvania State University was founded in 1855 and has grown to be one of the most well-known and respected universities in the country; proudly built on tradition and pride. Every year, students, alumni, faculty, staff and community members come together for Homecoming week to celebrate all that is Penn State. In the 1860s, alumnigathered to play football during Harvest Home and Pennsylvania Day Celebrations. This tradition developed intoan annual occurrence and eventually led to the first Penn State Homecoming football game, which was played on October 9, 1920 against Dartmouth. Since then, Penn State Homecoming has gained participation and it now includes a year-long effort to bring together the students, alumni, faculty, staff and the community

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HOMECOMINGA B O U T

Penn State Homecoming is the largest student-run homecoming celebration in the nation. Penn State Homecoming's 300 student volunteers donate their time tocreating a multitude of events that make the Homecoming celebration a yearlong event. Students work with their peers, alumni, sponsors, and various other community members to help make Homecoming Week and our other annual events occur. Homecoming maintains lasting relationships with those in and outside of Penn State University to ensure a successful celebration each year.

MISSIONO U R

The mission of Penn State Homecoming is to celebrate tradition and instill pride in all members of the Penn Statefamily through active engagement of students, alumni, faculty, and staff across the community.

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THEME2 0 1 7

The 2017 Homecoming theme is “Embrace the Journey, Roar with Pride”. As we started to formulate themes, we agreed that we allcome to Penn State with different stories and experiences. Furthermore, we each have unique experiences at Penn State.

This school, and everything that comes with it, shapes each and every one of us. That’s why we chose to incorporate “Embrace the Journey.” Our time here is truly a journey, filled with many great times and learning experiences. We chose to incorporate “Roar with Pride,” because Nittany Lions not only roar, but here in Happy Valley we roar with pride.

One of the most unique characteristics of going to Penn State is thepride that comes with it. Fans, students and alumni alike share the same immense pride in this University - in the quality of education, the opportunities that arise here, and the global reach of Penn State.                               — Jillian Susi, Homecoming Executive Director 2017

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Embrace The Journey,

Roar With Pride

MARSHALSH O M E C O M I N G 2 0 1 7

The Homecoming Executive Committee selects two individuals to honor each year from the Penn State community as a part of the Homecoming celebration. These individuals

are chosen as the Honorary Grand Marshal and Grand Marshal. Together, they representthe Penn State community for the year’s Homecoming and are honored for all of their

achievements throughout the week-long celebration.

The Honorary Grand Marshal is a local figure that has made an impact on the Penn State community. The Honorary Grand Marshal is someone that has gone above and

beyond for the community and embodies the spirit of Penn State.

The Homecoming Executive Committee also selects an alumnus who exemplifies qualities such as loyalty, leadership, and Penn State pride to serve as Homecoming’s Grand Marshal for the year. This individual is recognized for their perseverance and

dedication in promoting ideals that make the Penn State community proud since their time at the University.

The Executive Committee chose Scott Shirley as the Honorary Grand Marshal and John

Urschel as the Grand Marshal for Homecoming 2017.

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2017 Grand Marshal

John Urschel 2017 Honorary Grand Marshal

Scott Shirley 

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

M E E T T H E

The members of the 2017 Homecoming Executive Committee were charged with planning, organizing and executing the events that make up one of the largest homecoming celebrations in the country. Starting nearly a month after the conclusion of Homecoming 2016, this committee worked hard to put together over ten events to highlight the pride and tradition of Penn State.

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Executive Director: Jillian Susi | Senior | Boiling Springs, PA

Jillian is majoring in Public Relations. The Executive Director oversees all directors for Homecoming and servesas the voice for the organization.

Alumni Relations: Emily Heere | Senior | Reading, PAEmily is majoring in Kinesiology. The Alumni Relations Director plans the Student - Alumni Ice Cream Social, the Tailgate Competition, and works with the Alumni Association to better their experience when returning to Homecoming

Competition: Jamie Letender | Junior | Pittsburgh, PAJamie is majoring in Supply Chain and Information Systems. The Competition Director records points accumulated by the Overall Competitors, secures judges at all applicable events, and modifes the Rulebook to ensure fairness for all those competing in Homecoming events.

Distribution Management: Kara Fickinger | Senior | New London, PAKara is majoring in Supply Chain and Information Systems. The Distribution Management Director keeps inventory of all Homecoming materials and assists with day-of preparation and tear- down of all supplies at events.

Donor Relations: Natalie Scott | Junior | Haddonfield, NJNatalie is majoring in Health Policy Administration. The Donor Relations Director heads the effort for securing all in-kind monetary donations for Homecoming and establishes positive relationships with all donors.

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Finance: Brittney Falcon | Senior | Tampa, FLBrittney is majoring in Enterprise Risk Management. The Finance Director manages funds for Homecoming as well as sets up fundraisers to support Homecoming throughout the year

Merchandise: Matt Johnson | Senior | Hershey, PA

Matt is majoring in Biomedical Engineering. The Merchandise Director manages the ordering and sales of all Homecoming apparel, develops new products, and approves of all future designs.

OPPerations: Shannon Buono | Senior | Pittsburgh, PAShannon is majoring in Biology with a specialization in Neuroscience. The OPPerations Director plans the logistics of set-up and tear down at all Homecoming events.

Internal Development: Ally Berdan | Junior | Elkridge, MDAlly is majoring in Supply Chain and Information Systems. The Internal Development Director works to promote professional and personal growth of all Homecoming volunteers by planning various workshops and retreats throughout the year.

Parade: Emma Hoffnagle | Senior | York, PAEmma is majoring in Biobehavioral Health. The Parade Director organizes all of the year-long efforts for the largest Homecoming parade in the country through keeping alumni, community, and student organizations informed.

Pride Events: Matt Monaghan | Senior | West Chester, PAMatt is majoring in Secondary Education. The Pride Events Director plans and executes the Legacy Celebration, Past to Present Celebration, Best of Penn State Carnival and various other Homecoming events through the year.

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Production: Paige Wisehaupt | Junior | Mechanicsburg, PAPaige is majoring in Film and Video Studies. The Production Director produces all footage and promotions for Homecoming and writes scripts for the Homecoming Emcees.

Public Relations: Marielle Ravally | Junior | Point Pleasant, NJMarielle is majoring in Marketing. The Public Relations Director serves as the liaison to all press and media outlets and heads all social media, advertisements and promotions pertaining to Homecoming.

Royalty: Anuja Jonnalagadda | Senior | Wayne, PAAnuja is majoring in Mechanical Engineering. The Royalty Director coordinates all selection, voting and execution of the Student, University, Alumni and Graduate Student Courts.

Security: David Fanelli | Senior | Downington, PA

David is majoring in Chemistry. The Security Director ensures safety and security at all Homecoming events and acts as the liaison between Homecoming and the University Police, Medical Services, the State College Borough and auxiliaries.

Technology: Ewurafua Asiedu | Senior | Columbia, MDEwurafua is majoring in Information Sciences and Technology. The Technology Director maintains and further develops the Homecoming website to ensure that it is up-to-date and easy to navigate.

University Relations: Bailey Gibson | Senior | Reading, PA

Bailey is majoring in Rehabilitation and Human Services. The University Relations Director seeks to increase student involvement and plans the Homecoming Day of Service and Dance Competition as well as many Homecoming events throughout the year.

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Dance Competition and Homecoming Concert Sunday, November 5th 6:30 - 11 PM | Alumni Hall

The Homecoming Dance Competition aims to highlight student talent, as well as heightenexcitement for the week ahead by featuring performances from Penn State’s top dance

organizations. This year’s Homecoming/SPA Concert performer will be Cheat Codes. This event isfree and ticketless to all Penn State students with a valid Penn State ID.

Doors open at 6 PM for both events.

Pollock Party Monday, November 6th 1 - 4 PM | Pollock Quad

This carnival-style event is fun for all with food and games galore. The event allows students to"return to their roots" while introducing freshmen to the Penn State family and igniting the spirit

of Homecoming in them. 

Past to Present Celebration Tuesday, November 7th 11 AM - 4 PM | HUB-Robeson Center Past to Present is a celebration held in the HUB that highlights not just our current successes butalso Penn State history. This event consists of food, performances by Penn State organizations,

and activities including a Penn State museum.

For The Glory Talent Show Tuesday, November 7th 6:30 PM | Eisenhower Auditorium

The For the Glory Talent Show is an opportunity for student organizations to show theircreativity through performances. Competitors are encouraged to incorporate the Homecoming

theme and the top three point earners are invited to perform during THON 2018. Tickets areavailable leading up to the event at Eisenhower Auditorium, the Bryce Jordan Center and the

Downtown Theatre Center free of charge. Doors open at 6 PM.

Best of Penn State Carnival Wednesday, November 8th 1 - 6 PM | HUB Lawn

The Best of Penn State (BOPS) is a celebration of all the different aspects of Penn State. Theevent gives students and community members the opportunity to celebrate our Penn Statefamily with a day of fun including a carnival full of music, treats, games, inflatables and a live

petting zoo. 

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Student-Alumni Ice Cream Social Friday, November 10th 1 - 4 PM | Hintz Family Alumni Center

The Homecoming Ice Cream Social is an event that all students, alumni, and members of thePenn State community are welcome to come to. With help from the Nittany Lion, Berkey

Creamery ice cream is served along with a fun assortment of toppings to all guests. Throughoutthe event, guests have the opportunity to win festive prizes as well as watch performances by

students and the Alumni Blue Band. The Ice Cream Social helps boost pride and morale leadingup to the Homecoming Parade.

Homecoming Parade Friday, November 10th 6 PM | Campus and East College Avenue 

The annual Homecoming Parade brings together students, alumni, faculty and staff membersacross the Penn State community through a procession down the University Park Campus and

downtown State College area. Every year, we welcome back the Alumni Chapters who travel fromaround the country to attend or walk in the Parade. Spectators line up along College Avenue towatch the students demonstrate their school pride by designing an elaborate float for the Float

Competition or walk along the Parade route with their organization. The Grand Marshal andHonorary Grand Marshal ride in convertibles along with all members of the Homecoming Courts.

Tailgate Competition Saturday, November 11th Prior to Kickoff Tailgate Grounds

Leading up to kick-off for the Homecoming football game against Rutgers University, studentsand alumni have the opportunity to compete in a tailgate competition like no other. Tailgates will

be assessed based on their creativity, pride, food, atmosphere, and quality by multiple judges.Before fans start entering Beaver Stadium, winners will be announced and presented their

prizes. Categories for winners include: Best Overall, Best Food, Most Creative, and Most Spirited. 

Homecoming Football Game Saturday, November 11th 12 PM | Beaver Stadium

The Homecoming football game ends the week-long celebration of Penn StateHomecoming. The Homecoming Courts are introduced during the game and the 2017

King and Queen will be announced.

QUESTIONSF R E Q U E N T L Y A S K E D

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WHERE CAN I FIND PENN STATE HOMECOMING UPDATES?

Updates regarding Penn State Homecoming can be found  athomecoming.psu.edu or through a subscription with the monthly

online newsletter. More information can also be found on the PennState Homecoming social media pages:

Facebook/Twitter/Instagram/Snapchat (@psuhomecoming).

 I AM A MEMBER OF THE MEDIA. WHO CAN I CONTACT IF I HAVE QUESTIONS REGARDING PENN STATE HOMECOMING?

All members of the media should direct questions to the Public Relations Director, Marielle Ravally, at prhomecoming@psu.edu.

HOW MANY STUDENTS VOLUNTEERS ARE INVOLVED IN PENN STATE HOMECOMING?

Penn State Homecoming currently engages over 270 studentvolunteers. These students are directly responsible for the planning,

coordination and execution of Homecoming events year round.