ICE CUBE Announced as Howard University’s 2006  Homecoming Ambassador and Grand Marshal

CONTACTS

Stacie B. Royster                                                                     
Media Relations Manager
202-238-2332
sroyster@howard.edu

Kerry-Ann Hamilton
Communications Specialist
202-238-2631
k_hamilton@howard.edu

Washington, D.C., October 5, 2006 – Howard University has unveiled a star-studded line-up for Homecoming 2006: UTOPIA: PINNACLE OF DREAMS with a host of celebrity icons from the fashion, film and music industries. Award-winning actor, recording artist, and film icon ICE CUBE was announced as Ambassador and Grand Marshal. 

“Homecoming is a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together and celebrate the rich legacy of Howard University in a relaxed atmosphere of friendship and family,” said President H. Patrick Swygert.  “And, we look forward each year to our alumni coming home for a walk down memory lane and to engage in the festivities.”

This year’s Parade, It’s a Hollywood Howard Homecoming Parade, will feature 25 bands in the Eighth Annual Chevy Showcase of Bands, some traveling from as far as Florida and Tennessee, and will boast the largest concentration of celebrities since its inception.  Celebrity judges include ICE CUBE (Homecoming Ambassador and Grand Marshal); international supermodel and actor Tyson Beckford, host of the Chevy Showcase of Bands; acclaimed actor Rick Gonzalez (“Biker Boyz”, “Coach Carter”, and “Roll Bounce”); Ken L. (“T” of hit UPN Television Show “The Parkers”); award-winning video director Lil X (client list includes entertainment moguls such as Beyonce, Jay Z, Ludacris, and Sean “Diddy” Combs); international modeling pioneer, trailblazer, and talent icon Bethann Hardison; R&B songstress Lil’ Mo; actor and producer Hassan Johnson (“The Wire”, “Entourage”, “ER”, “A Talent for Trouble”); comedian and actor Brandon T. Jackson; Hip-Hop entertainer Mobb Deep; actor Roman Rivera (“Shaft” and “A Talent For Trouble”); and New York and D.C. Urban radio personality (and Howard University alumna) Steph Lova.

Following the parade, ICE CUBE will perform the official coin toss for the 1 p.m. kick-off Homecoming Football Game between the Howard Bison and the Morgan State Bears on Saturday,

October 14.  Homecoming events spanning October 6-15 will also include Yard Fest, Alumni Fashion Show/Brunch, Comedy Show, and R&B Concert.

For more information about Homecoming 2006, UTOPIA: PINNACLE OF DREAMS, please call 202-806-4510 or visit
www.howarduhomecoming.com.

Howard University is one of 48 U.S. private, Doctoral/Research-Extensive universities and comprises 12 schools and colleges. Founded in 1867, students pursue studies in more than 120 areas leading to undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. Since 1998, the University has produced two Rhodes Scholars, a Truman Scholar, 13 Fulbright Scholars and nine Pickering Fellows. Howard also produces more on-campus African-American Ph.D.s than any other university in the world. For more information on Howard University, call 202-238-2330, or visit the University’s Web site at www.Howard.edu.

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Media Note:  With the exception of the parade, all media coverage must be coordinated through the Office of University Communications in ADVANCE of the event you wish to cover.  Media passes will be issued at the door/gate upon arrival.

Schedule Highlights:

Friday, October 6

The Secret Garden
Mr. and Ms. Howard University Pageant
7:00 p.m.
Cramton Auditorium
Tickets- $5.00 Student, $7.00 General

Saturday October 7

Epic of Reigns: The Ultimate Aquatic Affair
Coronation Ball
Cruise Time: 12:30 am.-2:30 a.m.
Odyssey Cruise Yacht
Tickets- $25.00

Sunday October 8

Have Faith in Me
Gospel Concert
Featuring- Kim Burrell
7:00 p.m.
Cramton Auditorium
Tickets- $8.00 Student, $12.00 General

Tuesday October 10

Comedy Chaos: Laugh Responsibly
Comedy Show
Hosted by Steve Harvey
Featuring- Lavell Crawford, Cocoa Brown, Ronnie Jordan
7:00 p.m.
Cramton Auditorium
Tickets- $15.00 Student, $20.00 General

Thursday October 12

Twisted: A Midsummer’s Night Dream

Fashion Show I
7:00 p.m.
Tickets- $14.00 Student, $17.00 General

Fashion Show II
10:30 p.m.
Cramton Auditorium
Tickets- $17.00 Student, $20.00 General

Friday October 13

Yardfest
Featuring- Several invited performers
12 Noon
Main Yard
Tickets- Free

Graffiti Rock: Real Hip Hop
R&B Concert
Featuring – The Roots and other invited guests
7:00 p.m.
Cramton Auditorium
Tickets- $25.00 Student, $30.00 General

Saturday October 14

It’s a Hollywood Homecoming Parade
Homecoming Parade
Grand Marshal- ICE CUBE
Featuring- Rick Gonzalez, Tyson Beckford, Lil’ Mo and many others
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

(The parade will commence on the campus of Howard University (MW Johnson Administration Building, 2400 6th Street, NW) and proceed Southbound on Georgia Avenue past the Presidential Reviewing Stand and Howard University Hospital and through the Historic LeDroit Park Community).

HOWARD UNIVERSITY V. MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
Homecoming Game (Official Coin Toss by ICE CUBE)
1:00 p.m.
Greene Stadium
Tickets- Free for Howard University Students, $15.00 Other Students, $25.00 General

In the Beginning: A Timeless Episode
Step Show
7:00 p.m.
D.C. Armory
Tickets- $20.00 Student, $25.00 General

Tickets may be purchased at http://www.ticketmaster.com/venue/172075

For additional information on these events, please visit Howard’s official homecoming website at http://www.howarduhomecoming.com

Sunday October 15

Homecoming Alumni Brunch & Fashion Show
Mandarin Oriental Hotel
Reception: 11:30 a.m.
Brunch: 12:30 a.m.
Tickets- $75.00

Tickets can be purchased by calling 202-238-2434 or sending an email to: dmiddleton@howard.edu