Penn State

2018 Media Kit

WWW.HOMECOMING.PSU.EDU

Homecoming

Table of Contents

HISTORY

ABOUT & OUR MISSION

GRAND MARSHAL &

HONORARY GRAND MARSHAL

2018 Theme

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

EVENTS

FAQ

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OUR HISTORY

Pennsylvania State University was founded in 1855 and has grown to beone of the most well-known and respected universities in the country;proudly built on tradition and pride. Every year, students, alumni, faculty,staff and community members come together for Homecoming week tocelebrate all that is Penn State. In the 1860s, alumni gathered to playfootball during Harvest Home and Pennsylvania Day Celebrations. Thistradition developed into an annual occurrence and eventually led to thefirst Penn State Homecoming football game, which was played onOctober 9, 1920 against Dartmouth. Since then, Penn State Homecominghas gained participation and it now includes a year-long effort to bringtogether the students, alumni, faculty, staff and the community.

Penn State Homecoming is the largest student-run homecomingcelebration in the nation. Penn State Homecoming's 300 studentvolunteers donate their time to creating a multitude of events thatmake the Homecoming celebration a yearlong event. Students workwith their peers, alumni, sponsors, and various other communitymembers to help make Homecoming Week and our other annualevents occur. Homecoming maintains lasting relationships with thosein and outside of Penn State University to ensure a successfulcelebration each year.

OUR MISSION

The mission of Penn State Homecoming is to celebrate tradition andinstill pride in all members of the Penn State family through activeengagement of students, alumni, faculty, and staff across the community.

ABOUT HOMECOMING

Penn State is all about tradition and taking pride in this university. When Idesigned this year’s Homecoming logo, I wanted to make sure it paidhomage to the Penn State culture while also serving as a representationof a brighter future. The Nittany Lion is such an iconic symbol, and Iknew I wanted to depict him in a way that showed his true leadership.Just as the Nittany Lion leads the team into Beaver Stadium at everyfootball game, he also guides us to a successful future. No matter if youare an alumni or current student, Guide State Forward is a theme thatresonates with everyone, and it was an honor to design the logo forHomecoming 2018." -Frank Kleinsorge, 2018 Logo Designer

2018 THEME

GUIDE STATE FORWARD"

The Homecoming Executive Committee selects two individuals to honor each year from the PennState community as a part of the Homecoming celebration. These individuals are chosen as theHonorary Grand Marshal and Grand Marshal. Together, they represent the Penn State community forthe year’s Homecoming and are honored for all of their achievements throughout the week-longcelebration. The Honorary Grand Marshal is a local figure that has made an impact on the Penn State community.The Honorary Grand Marshal is someone that has gone above and beyond for the community andembodies the spirit of Penn State. The Homecoming Executive Committee also selects an alumnus who exemplifies qualities such asloyalty, leadership, and Penn State pride to serve as Homecoming’s Grand Marshal for the year. Thisindividual is recognized for their perseverance and dedication in promoting ideals that make thePenn State community proud since their time at the University. The Executive Committee chose Troy Alesi as the Honorary Grand Marshal and Lisa Salters as theGrand Marshal for Homecoming 2018. 

2018 Grand Marshal

Lisa Salters2018 Honorary Grand Marshal

Troy Alesi

GRAND MARSHAL & HONORARY GRAND MARSHAL

Executive Director: Ally Berdan | Senior | Elkridge, MD Ally is majoring in Supply Chain and Information Systems The Executive Director oversees all directors for Homecoming and serves as the voice for theorganization.

The members of the 2017 Homecoming Executive Committee were charged with planning, organizingand executing the events that make up one of the largest homecoming celebrations in the country.Starting nearly a month after the conclusion of Homecoming 2016, this committee worked hard to puttogether over ten events to highlight the pride and tradition of Penn State.

Alumni Relations: Sarah Leipham | Junior | Horseheads, NY Sarah is majoring in Psychology and Political Science The Alumni Relations Director plans the Student - Alumni Ice Cream Social, the TailgateCompetition, and works with the Alumni Association to better their experience when returning Homecoming

Competition: Ashley Wong | Junior | Clarksburg, MD Ashley is majoring in Biology with a focus in Vertebrate Physiology The Competition Director records points accumulated by the Overall Competitors, securesjudges at all applicable events, and modifes the Rulebook to ensure fairness for all thosecompeting in Homecoming events. 

Distribution Management: Hannah Lanzelotti | Junior | Pittsburgh, PA Hannah is majoring in Supply Chain and Information Systems The Distribution Management Director keeps inventory of all Homecoming materials andassists with day-of preparation and tear-down of all supplies at events.

Donor Relations: Isabella Webster | Sophomore | Bucks County, PA Isabella is majoring in Security Risk Analysis and EconomicsThe Donor Relations Director heads the effort for securing all in-kind monetarydonations for Homecoming and establishes positive relationships with all donors.

MEET THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Finance: Kristen Luzell | Junior | Punxsutawney, PA Kristen is majoring in Economics and minoring in Philosophy and Business and the Liberal Arts The Finance Director manages funds for Homecoming as well as sets up fundraisers to supportHomecoming throughout the year

Merchandise:Allison Gaddis | Junior | Leonardtown, MD  Allison is majoring in Enterprise Risk Management and minoring in Psychology and Statistics The Merchandise Director manages the ordering and sales of all Homecoming apparel,develops new products, and approves of all future designs.

OPPerations: Sean Karasik | Junior | New Haven, CT  Sean is majoring in Accounting The OPPerations Director plans the logistics of set-up and tear down at all Homecomingevents.

Internal Development: Maggie Straub | Sophomore | Downingtown,PA Maggie is majoring in Marketing The Internal Development Director works to promote professional and personal growth of allHomecoming volunteers by planning various workshops and retreats throughout the year.

Parade: Lexie Naber | Junior | Gwynedd, PA Lexie is majoring in Biobehavioral Health and minoring in Women's Studies and HumanDevelopment and Family Studies The Parade Director organizes all of the year-long efforts for the largest Homecoming paradein the country through keeping alumni, community, and student organizations informed.

Pride Events: Olivia Soda | Sophomore | Philadelphia, PA Olivia is majoring in Biobehavioral Health The Pride Events Director plans and executes the Legacy Celebration, Past to PresentCelebration, Best of Penn State Carnival and various other Homecoming events through theyear.

Production: Alex Hyneman | Junior | Reading, PA Alex is majoring in Film/Video and minoring in English The Production Director produces all footage and promotions for Homecoming and writesscripts for the Homecoming Emcees.

Public Relations: Kylie Schneck | Senior | Lancaster, MA Kylie is majoring in Advertising and double minoring in Digital Media Trends and Analyticsand Business The Public Relations Director serves as the liaison to all press and media outlets and headsall social media, advertisements and promotions pertaining to Homecoming.

Royalty: Renee Clauson-Rivera | Junior | Wilmington, NC Renee is majoring in Political Science The Royalty Director coordinates all selection, voting and execution of the Student,University, Alumni and Graduate Student Courts.

Security: Deanna Gavlick | Junior | Robbinsville, NJ Deanna is majoring in Industrial Engineering The Security Director ensures safety and security at all Homecoming events and acts asthe liaison between Homecoming and the University Police, Medical Services, the StateCollege Borough and auxiliaries.

Technology: Aaron McKenzie | Sophomore | Brooklyn, NY Aaron is majoring in Information Sciences and Technology and minoring in Security and RiskAnalysis The Technology Director maintains and further develops the Homecoming website to ensurethat it is up-to-date and easy to navigate.

University Relations: Emily Ianovale | Junior | Drexel Hill, PA Emily is majoring in Accounting and Finance The University Relations Director seeks to increase student involvement and plans theHomecoming Day of Service and Dance Competition as well as many Homecoming eventsthroughout the year.

SPA/Homecoming Concert  Sunday, October 7th 8:00pm | Alumni Hall The Homecoming Concert occurs the Sunday before Homecoming week and serves as a kick-off toHomecoming.

Allen Street Jam Monday, October 8th 2:00 pm-8:00 pm | Allen Street Downtown Allen St. Jam is a fun mini festival on Allen St. at the start of Homecoming week. This event consists of foodtrucks, games and performances throughout the night for everybody to come and enjoy. The HomecomingDance Competition will occur this night where Penn State dance organizations will compete and show theirPenn State Pride. This night is for everyone of all ages to come, have fun, and socialize all starting off anincredible Homecoming week.

Past to Present Tuesday, October 9th 11:00 am-4:00pm | HUB Past to Present is a celebration in the HUB that focuses on Penn State’s history and how it has come to bewhat we see today. Our Penn State tradition is what guides us into the future which is why we must look backon it and celebrate all that Penn State has accomplished. This event consists of displays and performancesfrom many different Penn State organizations, interactive activities and food for the PSU community to enjoy.This event also showcases a Penn State Museum which presents the largest documented collection of PennState memorabilia.

FTG Talent Show Wednesday, October 10th 7:00 pm | Schwab Auditorium   The For the Glory Talent Show displays the vast array of talents possessed by our student body. The show isjudged by invited esteemed faculty and students. Top 3 performances get the opportunity to perform their act atTHON, and places 4th through 6th are invited to walk in the Homecoming Parade during Homecoming week.Tryouts for the show on October 9th will take place on September 13th. We welcome any and all performers tocontact the Competition Director for more information. 

HOMECOMING EVENTS

Student-Alumni Ice Cream Social Friday, October 12th 1 - 4 PM | Hintz Alumni Center  The Homecoming Ice Cream Social is an event that all students, alumni, and members of the Penn Statecommunity are welcome to attend. With help from the Nittany Lion, Berkey Creamery ice cream is servedalong with a fun assortment of toppings to all guests. Throughout the event, guests have the opportunity towin festive prizes, as well as enjoy performances by students and the Alumni Blue Band. The Ice Cream Socialhelps welcome alumni back home for the weekend while boosting pride and morale leading up to theHomecoming Parade for Penn Staters of the past and present alike.

Parade Friday, October 12th 6 PM The Penn State Homecoming Parade is one of the largest student-run Parades in the nation. The HomecomingParade brings together students, alumni, faculty and staff across the community in an annual celebration ofPenn State pride. The Parade travels through University Park campus and downtown State College. Spectatorsline the Parade route to watch Alumni Chapters, who travel from around the country, student groups, who showtheir pride by walking and decorating floats, and, The Grand Marshal, Honorary Grand Marshal, HomecomingCourts, and all other VIPs. The Parade brings people together to celebrate Penn State.

Tailgate Competition  Saturday, October 13th Before Kickoff | Tailgate Lots Leading up to the kickoff of the Homecoming football game against Michigan State, students and alumni havethe opportunity to compete in a tailgate competition like no other. Tailgates will be assessed based on theircreativity, pride, food, atmosphere, and quality by multiple judges. Before fans start entering Beaver Stadium,winners will be announced and presented with their prizes. Categories for winners include: Best Overall, BestFood, Most Creative, Most Spirited, Nittany Newcomer, and Best Student Organization.

Football Game Saturday, October 13th 3:30 PM Kickoff | Beaver Stadium  Leading up to kick-off time for the Homecoming football game against Michigan State, students and alumnihave the opportunity to compete in a tailgate competition like no other. This event will take place from 9 am to11am on the Tailgating Grounds. During the Football Game versus Michigan State, Homecoming will behonored at half time, with the competing organization winners announced along with two members of theStudent Court receiving the Guide State Forward Award. The Homecoming Executive Committee will also beintroduced.

Best of Penn State Carnival  Thursday, October 11th 2 - 7 PM | HUB Lawn The Best of Penn State Carnival is Homecoming’s very own carnival on HUB Lawn. This event engages allmembers of the Penn State community for a day full of fun. There are countless activities to participate insuch as carnival games, face painting, inflatables and more! Fun carnival food is available throughout the day,perfect to snack on while enjoying the performances of different Penn State students and organizations. Thisevent truly showcases the Best of Penn State and encompasses Homecoming’s mission by bringing togetherstudents, faculty, staff, alumni all across the community.

HOW MANY STUDENTS VOLUNTEERS ARE INVOLVED IN PENN STATEHOMECOMING?

Penn State Homecoming currently engages over 270 studentvolunteers. These students are directly responsible for the planning,coordination and execution of Homecoming events year round.

WHERE CAN I FIND PENN STATE HOMECOMING UPDATES?

Updates regarding Penn State Homecoming can be found  athomecoming.psu.edu or through a subscription with the monthly onlinenewsletter. More information can also be found on the Penn State Homecomingsocial media pages: Facebook/Twitter/Instagram/Snapchat (@psuhomecoming).

I AM A MEMBER OF THE MEDIA. WHO CAN I CONTACT IF IHAVE QUESTIONS REGARDING PENN STATE HOMECOMING?

All members of the media should direct questions to the Public Relations Director,Kylie Schneck, at prhomecoming@psu.edu or by phone at (978) 339-3903

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS