Alumni Relations
The Alumni Relations Committee works closely with the Penn State Alumni Association to ensure that alumni have a great experience when they return for Homecoming events, as well as to highlight the successes and achievements of Penn State alumni throughout the year. We coordinate all logistics involving Homecoming’s Grand Marshal and Honorary Grand Marshal, two individuals who exemplify the mission and ideals of this university. We also strive to build and maintain a strong relationship between the Homecoming Executive Committee, Penn State alumni, and the Penn State community through various events and initiatives, such as the Student-Alumni Ice Cream Social and the Tailgate Competition. Our committee color is Royal Blue.
Competition
The Competition Committee is responsible for coordinating the registration of student organizations and the scoring/judging for all competition events – Float, Madhatter, and Banner. We continue to develop the point system for all Homecoming events as well as manage the Homecoming Guide. All aspects of Homecoming pertaining to competition fall within this committee. We are also in charge of all communication between Homecoming and the competing organizations. We work to recruit new organizations and remain as an available resource for all Homecoming information. Our committee color is Black.
Court Relations
The Court Relations Committee is responsible for coordinating the selection of the Homecoming Student, University, and Graduate Courts, as well as planning various related events throughout the year. We review court applications and nominations, as well as coordinate a student leader panel for the University and Graduate Court selection, and a faculty panel for selection of the Student Court. These individuals will develop creative ways to advertise voting for the Guide State Forward Award and increase the involvement of the Courts throughout the year in Homecoming. Court Relations captains also strive to meet, connect, and select members of the Penn State community to participate in our court who represent the values of Penn State and do everything For The Glory. Our committee color is Purple.
Financial Management
The Financial Management Committee works to prepare Homecoming’s operating budget for submission to the Student Fee Board and manages all transactions related to Homecoming’s Associated Student Activities account. The Financial Management Committee is also responsible for securing all donations, both in-kind, food and beverage, and monetary, per request of the Executive Committee. The committee also plans and coordinates all fundraising events including sporting event/concert concession and fundraisers at businesses located in State College. Lastly, they will work to develop positive relationships with all sponsors and ensure that they receive the appropriate entitled benefits. Our committee color is Kelly Green.
Internal Development
The Internal Development Committee works throughout the year to promote professional and personal growth of directors, captains and committee members. This committee is responsible for coordinating a variety of professional development workshops and team-building events leading up to Homecoming week. Internal Development also plans the End of the Year Banquet to celebrate the successes of the year! Our Committee color is Pink.
Merchandise
The Merchandise Committee is responsible for the ordering and sales of all merchandise for Homecoming. We work to find innovative ways to create, market, and sell Homecoming merchandise, and to emphasize brand pervasiveness, consistency, and customer service. We are responsible for maintaining the inventory of all merchandise and for documenting merchandise purchases throughout the year. We also coordinate all online store orders and ensure the online store is operating correctly. The Merchandise Committee strives to celebrate Homecoming through the sale of quality products and cutting-edge designs. Our committee color is Sapphire.
OPPerations
The OPPerations Committee is responsible for all of the logistical aspects behind every Homecoming Event. We plan and prepare to know how each event will work and ensure that it will run smoothly and safely. To do this, we acquire, setup, manage, and teardown all equipment used for each event before, during, and after Homecoming Week. We also promote proper waste management at all of our events as a part of our zero waste initiatives. The OPPerations Commitee focuses on the inventory that Homecoming currently owns, and what they may need to buy throughout the year for various events. We also allocate all resources to other committees or organizations. While we often work behind the scenes, OPP plays a pivotal role in the success of Penn State Homecoming. Our committee color is Orange.
Parade
The Parade Committee is responsible for planning, organizing, and executing the largest student-run parade in the nation. This entails coordinating the participation of student, alumni, and community organizations in the parade, communicating parade policy and procedures to all participants, creating the Parade Order, and managing the set up and tear down of the Parade Grounds. The Parade Committee will also perform float safety inspections prior to Parade Day and organize the Recycle Your Float event. Our committee color is Safety Green.
Pride Events
The Pride Events Committee is responsible for planning major events such as Legacy, Allen Street Jam, Past to Present, the Best of Penn State Carnival, and the Friends & Family Tent on Parade Day. These events help unite the Penn State community throughout the year by engaging all aspects of the university and teaching them about historical traditions that makes Penn State what it is today. We want to bring all Nittany Lions together through celebrating Penn State! Our committee color is Light Blue.
Public Relations
The Public Relations Committee is responsible for documenting and promoting all events for Homecoming as well as showcasing the traditions and stories of Penn State. The Committee consists of videographers, photographers, and graphic designers that will be at the Pride Events and other essential Homecoming dates. Our mission is to keep the Penn State community such as students, alumni, faculty, and staff involved in the tradition by capturing the memories and ensuring our information is clear to the public. Applicants should be creative, have some photography or video experience, and have basic editing software knowledge. Applicants should submit 5 pictures or videos that demonstrate their skillset. Our committee color is Lavender.
Talent Relations
The Talent Relations Committee is responsible for showcasing students and local community members’ unique talents and creative endeavors as well as captivating audiences with commentary and music curation. This committee maintains relationships with all performing groups and works to produce the annual Homecoming Dance Competition, For the Glory Talent Show, and Drag Show in collaboration with Opulence, a student group of drag ambassadors. Additionally, the Talent Relations committee recruits and develops the skills of the two Homecoming Emcees, in addition to writing the scripts the Emcees will use to perform throughout the year. This committee also works to finalize the performance timeline for all Homecoming events. Our committee color is Red.
Technology
The Technology committee is responsible for the development and maintenance of the official Homecoming website and technological advancement of Homecoming initiatives. This includes regular updates to the website, operating the merchandise store, handling applications, registrations, and other content that needs to be on the website. Our responsibilities also include taking on projects to enhance the Homecoming experience through technological immersion. The Technology Committee is always looking for ways to improve Homecoming through the use of technology by increasing efficiency. Our committee color is Gold.
University Relations
The University Relations Committee works to increase involvement in Homecoming and serves as the liaison between Homecoming, Penn State administrators, student organizations, Penn State Athletics, and faculty. University Relations is responsible for planning and coordingating the logistics behind events such as the Homecoming Day of Service, Homecoming Golf Tournament, Homecoming Blood Drives, Homecoming Food Drives, and more. The University Relations Committee also works to organize various athletics events throughout the year, like the Homecoming Basketball Game. They also work with SPA for the concert to kick off Homecoming Week. The University Relations Committee is always looking for creative ways to interact with the University and the Penn State Community. We dedicate time throughout the entire year, including after Homecoming Week, in order to promote a year-round celebration of Penn State Homecoming. Our committee color is Pink.