Freda Luers, whose 27-year career at Indiana State University touched countless Sycamore students, will be Grand Marshal of the Blue & White Parade on Saturday, Oct. 22, of Homecoming week.
Freda Luers, whose 27-year career at Indiana State University touched countless Sycamore students, will be Grand Marshal of the Blue & White Parade on Saturday, Oct. 22, of Homecoming week.
"Freda Luers is an ISU treasure who has made such a great impact on our campus over the years," said President Deborah J. Curtis. "We are delighted to honor her as the grand marshal of the 2022 Homecoming Parade."
Luers, who retired in August after 42 years in higher education, said she is grateful and honored to have been selected. "I look forward to being a part of this tradition and I know firsthand the incredible number of hours and work the Student Homecoming Committee and Advisors put into planning and implementing all Homecoming week events, especially the Parade," she said.
Kevon Christian, Associate Director of Campus Life, said Luers' selection was in recognition of her work with students over the years. "Part of this work included assisting with the Homecoming Parade, so it was only right that upon her retirement we honor her with being named the Parade Grand Marshal," he said.
The parade starts at 9 a.m. at 9th and Cherry, proceeds west on Wabash and north on 5th. The university's colleges will host open houses from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The Homecoming football game is at 1 p.m. at Memorial Stadium against Illinois State.
"I encourage our campus and greater Wabash Valley communities to participate or be spectators," Luers said. "After the parade, everyone should plan to head to Memorial Stadium to watch our beloved Sycamores take on the Redbirds."
The parade is open for entries until September 26. Businesses, non-profit organizations, bands, and Indiana State offices, departments, and student organizations are invited to register on the website. Questions can be emailed to ISU-Homecoming@indstate.edu.