The Wiley College family is inviting residents of the Marshall community and surrounding areas to participate in the school's 2009 Homecoming celebration.

"Homecoming week is the time for students to show pride in their school and pay homage to Wiley College alumni around the world," said Dr. Joseph Morale, Wiley's vice president for student affairs and enrollment services. "Homecoming is another way for the Marshall community and surrounding areas to share in the many gifts that Wiley College offers."

A series of events have been planned for the celebration slated to run from Oct. 31 to Nov. 8. The theme is "Achieving excellence through pride and performance."

Morale said the college has been hosting the event for more than 100 years. He said about 2,600 are expected to participate in more than 20 activities.

The annual Homecoming Parade will be at 10 a.m. Saturday. Line-up is at 9 a.m. in front of the Freeman P. and Carrie E. Hodge Center.

The parade will leave the Hodge Center and proceed left onto University Avenue to North Allen. The parade will then turn right on South Allen Boulevard and then turn right on West Houston Street. From West Houston Street, the floats will turn right onto South College Street and then continue onto South Carter Street. From South Carter Street, the parade will turn right onto Moore Street towards Wiley Avenue, make a quick left on Wiley Avenue and then a right onto University Avenue. From University Avenue, the parade will proceed back to the Hodge Center.

Other events include the Alumni Day Convocation at 2:30 p.m. Thursday at the Julius S. Scott Sr. Chapel, the J. Jack Ingram Residence Hall Dedication at 11 a.m. Friday as well as the pep rally at 1 p.m. outside the Fred T. Long Student Union Building and the Miss Wiley pageant at 7 p.m. at the Julius S. Scott Sr. Chapel.

The popular President's Blues Concert returns at 9 p.m. Saturday. President Haywood L. Strickland invites everyone to join him for this annual event featuring nationally known recording artists Willie Clayton with opening acts Mamasita and Betty Lewis and the Executives. Tickets are available at the Wiley College Business Office. Cost is $30 in advance, $35 at the door and $350 for a table of 10.

For a full events schedule, log on to www.wileyc.edu or call 903-927-3201.