It's Homecoming Time! LL Cool J is This Year's Ambassador and Parade Marshal LL Cool J, internationally acclaimed actor and recording artist, will serve as this year’s Grand Marshal and Homecoming Ambassador for the 2004 Howard University Homecoming. As such, he will lead the pre-game parade at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 30, and perform the official coin toss before kick-off at 1 p.m. The announcement was made during the unveiling of the Homecoming Commemorative Button and Poster on Friday, Oct. 15, in the Punch Out. Keith Miles, parade coordinator, was joined by President H. Patrick Swygert, Homecoming Chair Lauren Bridges, Homecoming Executive Treasurer V. Renee Alsop, Vice Provost for Student Affairs Franklin Chambers, as well as HUSA President Conrad Woody and Vice President Freda Henry, in announcing the entertainer’s participation.

Standing at the commemorative poster and button are (l. to r.) Bridges and Alsop.

Miles also stated that the entertainer is further expanding his connection to Howard. Having performed during a previous Yardfest, plans are underway to establish the LL Cool J scholarship.

Under the theme “Phenomenon: An Episodic Occurrence,” Homecoming activities will begin on Friday, Oct. 22, with the Miss. & Mr. Howard Pageant and will culminate with the Bison playing the Norfolk State Spartans. Other events include an R&B concert featuring Anthony Hamilton, a gospel concert extravaganza, as well as comedy and fashion shows. There are also scheduled alumni events. For a complete listing of either, visit www.howarduhomecoming.com (students) or www.howard.edu/alumni/homecoming2004 (alumni).

The John H. Johnson School of Communications will host a special Howard University Night on Broadway on Nov. 19, to see August Wilson’s "Gem of the Ocean" at the Walter Kerr Theater, located at 219 West 48th Street in New York. The 8 p.m. performance will star Tony Award-winner Phylicia Rashad (B.F.A. '70). The goal of this exclusive theater party is to raise funds to support the building of a new School of Communications structure. The ground breaking is scheduled for fall 2005.

"Gem of the Ocean" is the ninth play in Wilson's chronicle of the African-American experience. Other notable works include "Two Trains Running," "Fences" and "The Piano Lesson."

If you have questions, contact Kira Calm Lewis, special projects coordinator, Office of the Dean, at 806-6528 or visit: http://www.howard.edu/schoolcommunications/NewsEvents/NewsArchive/Gem_of_the_Ocean.htm.

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