October 21, 2004

Homecoming kicks off Oct. 29

Northwestern Homecoming festivities the weekend of Oct. 29 to 31 include a concert, parade and football game against Purdue.
It also is Reunion Weekend for the classes of 1959, 1964, 1969, 1974, 1979, 1984, 1989, 1994 and 1999.

Northwestern Alumni Association Executive Director Cathy Stembridge poses last year with Homecoming royalty.

photo by Andrew Campell

While current and former students participate in a variety of activities centered on socializing with classmates or former classmates, athletics and alumni education, the public is welcome to attend the concert, parade and football game.

• During the 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 29, Homecoming Concert at Pick-Staiger Concert Hall, Northwestern’s Symphonic Wind Ensemble will headline the School of Music’s annual celebration of Wildcat spirit. This year’s concert also celebrates the 150th anniversary of John Philip Sousa’s birth. The program will include Leonard Bernstein’s “Profanation” from Symphony No. 1 (“Jeremiah”), Richard Wagner’s “Trauermusik” and Ottorino Respighi’s “The Pines of Rome.” Music faculty member Mallory Thompson, director of bands, will conduct.

Parking on campus will be limited because Sheridan Road will be closed to north- and southbound traffic between Lincoln Street and Hinman Avenue for the Homecoming Parade that starts right after the concert. Concert patrons can enter the parking lot south of Pick-Staiger by driving northbound on Sheridan Road.

• The Homecoming Parade begins at 8 p.m. at the intersection of Sheridan Road and Chicago Avenue and proceeds north on Sheridan Road to Lincoln Street.

The parade will include University President Henry S. Bienen; 2004 Parade Marshal Jay Scharer, an alumnus and media and entertainment executive; the Wildcat Marching Band; Marching Band alumni; the Evanston Township High School Marching Band along with several other high school bands; outgoing Alumni Association President David Kragseth; incoming Alumni Association President Richard H. Dean; Willie the Wildcat; cheerleaders, drum majors and color guard; and parade student co-chair and Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences senior Bryan Tolles.