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Alumni

About the Grand Marshals

The Homecoming Executive Committee selects a Grand Marshal and an Honorary Grand Marshal to represent Penn State Homecoming and the surrounding community each year. The Grand Marshal is a Penn State affiliate who made significant contributions to the university during their time here, has achieved notable success in their field or career, and continues to embody the values of Penn State Homecoming. The Honorary Grand Marshal, also a Penn State affiliate, has made a positive impact on the State College area and is admired as a leader within the campus and community. Together, they symbolize leadership, dedication, and the spirit of Penn State.

Meet the Grand Marshal

Homecoming 2025

Grand Marshal

Anthony Adams

Anthony “Spice” Adams is a Pennsylvania State graduate and retired professional football player. He also went back to school to George Washington University to earn his EMBA as well.  He spent his first four seasons (2003 -2006) playing for the San Francisco 49ers.  From 2007 – 2011 he played for the  Chicago Bears. During his career in the NFL, Adams amassed 278 Tackles, 10.5 Sacks, and 3 Forced Fumbles. 

After retiring from football, Adams became an Emmy nominated Co-host of Inside the Bears, a weekly half-hour show, produced by the Chicago Bears Network at their Halas Hall television studio which airs on Fox32 Chicago and WPWR MY50.

In 2016, Adams began a recurring role on the HBO series with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson Ballers. He appeared in 3 episodes of the second season. In 2017, ABC announced that Adams would co-host alongside Ayesha Curry on ABC’s The Great American Baking Show, an American cooking competition television series and an adaptation of The Great British Bakeoff. The next two seasons Adams co hosted with former Spice Girl Emma Bunton.

After retiring from the NFL, Adams started up a YouTube channel with multiple videos that have gone viral. YouTube.com/spiceadams.  Spice has took to social media where he has over 3 million followers covering all social media platforms.  He now lives in Illinois with his wife and 4 kids. 

Honorary Grand Marshal

Gary Abdullah

Gary Abdullah, a lifelong State College resident and proud second-generation Penn Stater, has dedicated over two decades to advancing student success and inclusion at Penn State. Earning both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in telecommunications from the university, Abdullah now serves as Assistant Dean for Diversity & Inclusion at the Bellisario College of Communications. Known for his warm, personal approach and deep commitment to fostering belonging, he has become a vital presence on campus—recognized with the McKay Donkin Award in 2023 and the prestigious Lion’s Paw Medal in 2025. His work continues a family legacy of service, compassion, and advocacy within the Penn State community.

Alumni Court

The Penn State Homecoming Alumni Court is a group of individuals who continue the legacy and traditions of Penn State post-grad. The selected court members will be honored throughout the week of Homecoming.  If you have any questions please feel free to email Alumni Relations Director at alumni.relations@homecoming.psu.edu. We Are!

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Past Marshals

GM: Martha King

HGM: Dr. Stephanie Preston

GM: Tanisha Wright

HGM: Gregory Drane

GM: David Taylor

HGM: Molly and Eric Barron

GM: John Colaneri

HGM: Brian Patchcoski

Alumni Panel featuring past Grand Marshals and Honorary Grand Marshals

GM: Farnoosh Torabi

HGM: Paul and Martha Sharkey

GM: Lisa Salters

HGM: Troy Alesi

GM: John Urschel

HGM: Scott Shirley

GM: Joel Myers

HGM: Raquel Ross

GM: Keegan-Michael Key

HGM: Ian Rosenberger

GM: Lara Spencer

HGM: Michael Paul

GM: John Amaechi

HGM: Anne Ard

GM: Terry and Kim Pegula

HGM: Mimi Barash Coppersmith

GM: Adam Taliaferro

HGM: Coquese Washington

GM: Allison Baver

HGM: Jeff Fisher

GM: Valeroe Plame Wilson

HGM: Rick Bryant

GM: Horance Ashenfelter

HGM: No Record

GM: Franco Harris

HGM: No Record

GM: Guion Bluford

HGM: No Record

GM: Anne Riley

HGM: No Record

GM: Sue Paterno

HGM: Stuart Spisak

GM: Grace Holderman

HGM: Norm Brown

GM: William Babcook

HGM: No Record

GM: Jim Pawelczyk

HGM: Ross Lehman

GM: No Record

HGM: Edwward Hintz

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Court Relations

Events Captains (2)

The Events Captain is responsible for planning events in celebration of the selection of the 2026 Homecoming Court. This includes Court Reception, Court Workshop, and Court Crashes. They also communicate with the Alumni Association and Staff at the Hintz Center to prepare for these events. This captain will lead initiatives and conversations throughout the year to bring up common Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion issues, and is responsible for taking meeting minutes and fostering morale and bonding within the committee.

Student Court Captains (1-2)

The Student Court Captain(s) coordinates all efforts involving the Homecoming 2026 Student Court. This includes communicating with the past court and involving them in Spring events for Homecoming. These Captains are also responsible for the nomination, application, voting, and selection of the Student Court for Homecoming 2026. This also involves assisting in the coordination of the Faculty Panel and ensuring the appearance of the Homecoming Student Court at events throughout Homecoming Week.

University Court Captain (1)

The University Court Captain is involved in the coordination of all things surrounding the University Court of Homecoming 2026. This includes the nomination and selection of the Court as well as the appearance of the Court at events throughout Homecoming Week. This captain will also work with the Graduate Court Captain to select a Student Panel.

Graduate and Professional School Court Captain (1)

The Graduate and Professional School Court Captain is in charge of the coordination of all things surrounding the Graduate Court for Homecoming 2026. This includes the nomination and selection of the Court as well as the appearance of the court at events throughout Homecoming Week. This will include outreach efforts to different graduate organizations to make them aware of nominations. This captain will also work with the University Court Captain to select a Student Panel.