FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 1, 2007
Contact: K.E. Schwab
724.738.2199
karl.schwab@sru.edu

SRU Alumni Association taps Laughners as homecoming parade marshals

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – Carl Laughner, a member of the Slippery Rock University class of ’49 and former faculty member and retired director of the SRU Alumni Association, and his wife, Norma Watson Laughner, a 1948 SRU graduate and former alumni association secretary, will serve as this year’s marshals for the University’s annual homecoming parade.

           “The Laughners have greatly influenced the development of our alumni association and have remained active in their University. Their longstanding contributions to SRU make them the perfect couple to lead our traditional parade and homecoming festivities,” said Michael Saraka, director of the Office of Alumni Relations at SRU. The 2007 homecoming theme is “Rockopoly.”

           In addition to their leadership in the association, Laughner and his wife created the Carl and Norma Laughner Scholarship for association members or their relatives. 

           The homecoming parade kicks off from the Giant Eagle Plaza at 10 a.m. Oct. 13 then travels to Franklin Avenue, before turning west toward Main Street. The parade marches south through downtown on Main, then passes Old Main before disbanding in the Russell Wright Alumni House Parking Lot.

           In addition to the parade, weekend festivities include the Fall Classic Golf Scramble at Olde Stonewall Golf Course in Ellwood City at 10 a.m. Oct. 12. A pep rally with students, athletes, the Marching Pride Band, SRU cheerleaders and coaches is at 6 p.m. Oct. 12 on Old Thompson Field. This year’s homecoming king and queen will be announced at the rally followed by fireworks, a bonfire and a percussion concert by Recycled Percussion in Morrow Field House.

           Following the Oct. 13 parade, the alumni association will offer an alumni reception tent sponsored by First National Bank of Pennsylvania. Food, games for children and live music by Making Trax will be offered. Various academic departments and Greek organizations will host tailgate parties in areas surrounding N. Kerr Thompson Stadium. The President’s Commission for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues will host a pre-game picnic at the N. Kerr Thompson Stadium Pavilion at noon.

           In athletics, The Rock football team takes on Clarion at 2 p.m. in the stadium. Other weekend competitions include, the men’s soccer team hosting Kutztown at 1 p.m. Oct. 13 on James Egli Soccer Field followed by the  women’s soccer team taking on  Charleston at 3 p.m. SRU’s women’s field hockey teams hosts East Stroudsburg at 11 a.m. Oct. 14 in the stadium. 

           The pre-homecoming week buildup begins Oct. 9 with “Chalk the Walk” from 3 to midnight. “Stuff the Plush,” making plush stuffed animals, from noon to 4 Oct. 10 in the University Union and a visit with Veronica and Rachel from MTV’s “Road Rules” at 8 p.m. in the union. Oct. 11 activities include a “Big Toy Party” at 11 a.m. in the Union, an Alien Haunted House at 3 p.m. in the Robert N. Aebersold Student Recreation Center and voting for homecoming king and queen throughout the day. The film “Old School” will be shown at 8 p.m. Oct. 11 on the patio outside the Union.

Slippery Rock University is Pennsylvania’s premier public residential university. Slippery Rock University provides students with a comprehensive learning experience that intentionally combines academic instruction with enhanced educational and learning opportunities that make a positive difference in their lives.

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