Homecoming 2007

Homecomings are chock full of tradition and are frequently a time for alumni and friends of the university to come home. For one Indiana State University retiree residing in Chicago, the journey back to Terre Haute in October will be a memorable one.

Jan Arnett, who retired from ISU in 2007 as dean of students, will serve as this year’s Homecoming Grand Marshal.

“I was truly surprised and humbled upon learning of this honor. I’ve been attending homecoming parades with family and friends for more than 40 years and have participated in two or three. This year will be very special,” Arnett said.

Arnett came to ISU in 1970 as a residence hall director before serving as an assistant to the Vice President for Student Affairs in 1971. She went on to serve in various other capacities in Student Affairs, including associate dean of Student Life (1982-1998); special assistant to the vice president for Student Affairs (1998-2002), associate dean of students (2002-2005) and dean of students (2005-2007).

In addition to her administrative duties, Arnett has taught several classes over the years, including Counseling 495 Topics in Education-Leadership, Counseling 317 Leadership Education and University 101.

She has been very active on campus, serving on numerous committees, administering leadership development forms and serving as coordinator for the Lilly Project for Transforming the First-Year Experience.

In 2006, Arnett received the University Medallion for her exceptional initiative and accomplishment through years of service to ISU and through civic involvement. She was honored with the Robert W. Elsey Award for Outstanding Service to the Student Government Association and the Darlene Hantzis Award for Leadership and Advocacy in 2007. She holds honorary memberships in Phi Kappa Phi, Alpha Lambda Delta, Golden Key Honor Society and is a life member of Hulman Memorial Student Union Board.

Arnett earned her bachelor’s degree in business education for Indiana University in 1965 and went on to earn a master’s degree in counseling from Indiana State in 1971.

The selection of parade marshal is decided by the homecoming steering committee to honor an individual who has served the university above and beyond the call of duty. Dedication to ISU, students and having a willingness to help others are major factors considered during the selection process.
Arnett has an appreciation of the annual fall rite.

“Homecoming is so important to our community • both our university community and the local community. Our students put forth a lot of time and effort into organizing it,” she said.

“I’m very excited about this honor,” she said, “It will truly be a ‘homecoming’ for me since I’ll be coming from Chicago.”

Arnett’s favorite moment of the parade comes at the very end • waving to members of the Homecoming Steering Committee riding on the back of a fire truck to thank them for all their hard work. But she does have one uniquely special homecoming memory.

“I remember taking my daughter to her first homecoming parade when she was three weeks old. That was 33 years ago,” she recalled.

The Blue & White Parade, slated to start at 10 a.m. on Oct. 20, will begin at Eighth and Eagle streets and proceed south to Wabash Avenue; west on Wabash to Fifth Street; and north on Fifth Street to Tippecanoe Street.

Also as part of Homecoming week, the ISU Alumni Association will recognize four new recipients of its Distinguished Alumni Awards. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the awards.

2007 ISU Homecoming

“Cover to Cover: A Novel Homecoming”

Friday, Oct. 12

* Sycamore Tricycle Qualifications 4 p.m. Recreation East

Saturday, Oct. 13

+Miss Ebony Pageant 7 p.m. Tilson Auditorium
(Sponsored by the African American Cultural Center)

Monday, October 15

Blood Drive 2 • 7 pm Dede II

Tuesday, October 16

Blood Drive 2 • 6 pm Dede II

*Stompin’ 7 pm Tilson Auditorium

Wednesday, October 17

Torchlight Parade & Pep Rally 6:30 pm Dede Plaza

Thursday, October 18

+ Break! The Urban Funk Spectacular 7:30 p.m. Hulman Center

Friday, October 19

Sycamore Spirit Days (wear blue and white)

*Sycamore Tricycle Race 4:30 pm Recreation East

+Late Night Dance 10 pm Dede II and III
(Sponsored by Pan-Hellenic Council)

Saturday, October 20

Blue and White Homecoming Parade 10 am

+Football Game 2:05 pm Memorial Stadium

* Homecoming Button required

+Entrance Fee

For more information about ISU Homecoming activities, email homecoming@indstate.edu or call 812.237.3852.

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Contact: Freda Luers, Interim Director, Student Activities and Organizations, 812.237.3852 or fluers@indstate.edu

Writer: Paula Meyer, ISU Communications & Marketing, 812.237.3783 or pmeyer4@isugw.indstate.edu