10/13/2004

Contact: K.E. Schwab  -- 724-738-2199;  e-mail: karl.schwab@sru.edu

SRU HOMECOMING TO INCLUDE ‘MR BELDING’ AND TRADITIONAL DOWNTOWN PARADE

              SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – The theme for Slippery Rock University’s  homecoming is “Rock the ‘80s” and includes a visit from Dennis Haskins, best known as Mr. Belding on the popular 1980’s television series “Saved by the Bell,” and the traditional homecoming parade through the downtown allowing returning alumni and friends the chance to see downtown redevelopment efforts.

           The Oct. 23 parade, including floats, area high school marching bands and SRU’s Rockpride Marching Band, directed by Jim Berry, assistant professor of music, will leave the Giant Eagle Plaza Parking Lot at 10 a.m., travel along Franklin Street, then south on Main Street, before entering campus on Morrow Way and ending in the Russell Wright Alumni House Parking Lot. At 2 p.m., the SRU football team takes on Edinboro University in
N. Kerr Thompson Stadium and the SRU women’s soccer team takes on Edinboro on Jim Egli Field.

          Due to downtown upgrade work last year the parade was held on campus, but returns to the downtown to spotlight the $4.3 million in central business district improvements, including new street lights, sidewalks, roadways and removal of overhead utility lines.

          Haskins will provide information on the popular TV comedy about high school, which is still in worldwide syndication, and its cast of characters in a free 7 p.m. Oct. 19 lecture in the University Union sponsored by the University Program Board.

          Tuesday [Oct. 19] will also see the traditional “All University” photo taken at 12:30 p.m. outside Bailey Library. The all-inclusive, campuswide photo will be followed by individual campus group and organization photos.

          The week’s activities open Oct. 18 with “Make Your Own Photo Puzzles” offered from 11:30 a.m. to
3:30 p.m. in the University Union and an “SRU Star Search” program at 8 p.m. Oct. 21 in the University Union.

          The traditional homecoming pep rally, including announcement of the winners of the homecoming king and queen contest, will be held Oct. 22 on the quad outside Bailey Library (rain location Robert N. Aebersold Student Recreation Center). SRU football coach Dr. George Mihalik, his team and the SRU cheerleaders will be on hand for the event, with music provided by the rock band “Son of Glam.” A “Homecoming Party” will follow the rally at the Aebersold Recreation Center, with tickets $5 in advance and $10 at the door.

          The week concludes with a 9 p.m. “Homecoming Cabaret,” featuring comedian John “JB” Bell and the Fuzz Band in the University Union. Tickets to the Student Union for Minority Affairs-sponsored event are $7 advance, $10 at the door.

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