10/18/96
CONTACT: Dexter Bailey, Ohio University, 614/593-4300
ATHENS, Ohio -- The 1996 Ohio University Homecoming celebration this year will feature a combination of traditional favorite activities as well as a new twist.
The celebration, titled "Meet Me Under the Big Top," runs from Oct. 25-27 on the Athens campus.
Similar to 1995, the official kick off of Homecoming 1996 will begin with a fireworks display at approximately 10:30 p.m. Friday. Spectators will be able to view the fireworks best from South Green, said Richard Harrison, director of the Office of Alumni Relations.
Earlier Friday, President Robert Glidden will deliver his State of the University address, titled "Toward a Shared Vision," at 3 p.m. in 194 Irvine Auditorium on the Athens campus. The hour-long address will be broadcast live on WOUB-AM and made available to the five regional campuses via the Higher Education Microwave System.
The Black Student Cultural Programming Board also will sponsor a bonfire near Peden Stadium at 7 p.m. Friday.
At the annual Alumni Association's Awards Banquet Friday night in Nelson Commons, eight distinguished individuals will be honored for their contributions to Ohio University. They include alumni T. Richard Robe, Jonathan Freeman, Richard Janney, Ray Kellogg, Ekwow Spio-Garbrah and Marie White, and honorary alumni Charlotte Coleman Eufinger and Walter DuPont.
Saturday's activities will begin with the Homecoming parade at 10 a.m., which starts at the corner of Morris and East State streets, travels past the viewing stand at Baker Center and concludes at the Convocation Center on Richland Avenue.
Margaret "Scottie" Silk, a 1949 Ohio University graduate, will serve as honorary grand marshal. Silk, who was named Homecoming queen in 1946, is returning to Athens to celebrate the 50th anniversary of her title.
The parade leads to Homecoming's newest event, "The Big Top Extravaganza." The event will replace Convofest, which was a structured academic reception and luncheon at the Convo for the past five years. The Big Top will provide more family entertainment and a livelier atmosphere, Harrison said.
"The Big Top Extravaganza" begins at 11 a.m. and is set outside on South Shafer Street behind the Visitors Center. Three large tents will be set up for the event. The Big Top will be lined with food vendors from the Athens area and will include seating inside. Next door, a college tent will be filled with representatives from the university's colleges and organizations to meet alumni. The art tent will house the work of more than 15 artists whose specialties range from glass art and ceramics to crafts and paintings. The art tent will be organized by the Foothills School of American Crafts in Amesville. Classic 1960s and '70s rock by Athens-based "Willie and the Poor Boys" will launch the entertainment schedule. At 1 p.m., the Alumni Band will be presented with a Distinguished Service Award by the Alumni Association before band members take the stage for their own performance. At 1:30 p.m., the Marching 110 will lead the Alumni Band and the crowd over to Peden Stadium for the Ohio-Bowling Green football game beginning at 2 p.m. In addition to the football game, weekend athletic events include volleyball and field hockey matches and two club hockey games. Saturday's festivities also feature the Homecoming concert by the legendary groups the Coasters, the Drifters and the Platters at 8 p.m. in Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium as part of the Performing Arts Series. Call the box office at 614/593-1780 weekdays from noon to 5:30 p.m. for information. The Blackburn-Spencer Scholarship Coronation Banquet will take place at 7 p.m. Saturday at Old Nelson. Admission is $12, or $10 plus two canned goods for the 1996 canned food drive. The "Back to the Groove" dance will follow at 11 p.m. Admission is $5 at the door for those who do not attend the banquet, and free for banquet participants. Call Allia Carter in the Office of Multicultural Programs, 614/593-4027, for more information. Homecoming sponsors are the Alumni Association, First USA, Follett's Bookstore, McDonald's of Athens, Continental Cable, Marketeers, the colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business, Communication, Education, Health and Human Services, and Engineering and Technology, University College, Honors Tutorial College, the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, and the Sports Administration and Facilities Management Program. For more information regarding student organizations and groups who are hosting events throughout the weekend, call the Office of Alumni Relations at 614/593-4300.