October 5, 2006

Colbert, Michigan State game highlight Homecoming Oct. 20-22

Northwestern alumnus Stephen Colbert, star and executive producer of the Emmy-nominated late night series on Comedy Central, “The Colbert Report,” will serve as Grand Marshal for Northwestern’s 2006 Homecoming Parade the weekend of Oct. 20-22.

Colbert, who graduated from the School of Communication in 1986, also will have the opportunity to mingle with former classmates because Oct. 20-22 is Reunion Weekend for the classes of 1961, 1966, 1971, 1976, 1981, 1986, 1991, 1996 and 2001.

Touted as “one of the best television shows of the year,” “The Colbert Report” has garnered ratings and critical success as one of the top new entries on television. Colbert’s half-hour nightly platform takes on issues of the day and tells viewers why everyone else’s take is wrong.

In addition to the Friday, Oct. 20 parade that Colbert will lead, other Northwestern Homecoming festivities will include a pre-parade concert and pep rally at Cahn Auditorium and a Saturday, Oct. 21 football game against Michigan State.

While current and former students participate in various activities centered on socializing with classmates or former classmates and athletics, the public is welcome to attend the Friday night Homecoming concert and parade and the Saturday morning Walk With Us event, pre-game tailgate party and football game.

• During the 7 p.m., Oct. 20 Marching Band Homecoming Concert and Pep Rally at Cahn Auditorium, the Wildcat Marching Band will perform pre-game, half-time and Ryan Field favorites including a program directed by School of Music faculty member Daniel J. Farris.

• The 2006 Homecoming Parade begins at 8 p.m., Oct. 20 at the intersection of Sheridan Road and Chicago Avenue and proceeds north on Sheridan Road to Lincoln Street. This year’s Homecoming week theme is “Roll Out The Purple Carpet,” inspired by Hollywood’s Walk of Fame.

In addition to Parade Marshal Colbert, the parade will include University President Henry S. Bienen; Evanston Mayor and Northwestern alumna Lorraine H. Morton; the Wildcat Marching Band; Alumni Association President Alan Wolfson; drum majors; the Homecoming Court; and 2006 Homecoming Committee Student Chair Amber Jones and Homecoming Parade Committee Student Chair Derek Linkous.

• Football fans also are invited to help greet the University’s football team when it arrives at Ryan Field by joining the Wildcat Marching Band and singing the Northwestern “Fight Song” at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 21 during the Walk With Us event. Meet at the corner of Ashland and Walker Way (the driveway between Ryan Field and Welsh-Ryan area).

• The 9 a.m. Saturday pre-game Wildcat Alley Alumni Tailgate party at Rocky Miller Park, at the corner of Ashland and Isabella, is open to the public. The tailgate party will end at 10:45 a.m.

• The 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 21 Homecoming Game at Ryan Field will pit the Wildcats against the Michigan State Spartans. Reserved seating is $50 and end zone seating is $30. For information or to order tickets, call (847) 491-CATS.