At Homecoming’s annual Legacy Celebration in the HUB earlier this afternoon, the Alumni Relations Committee announced that Anne Ard would serve as the honorary grand marshal for the Homecoming parade this fall.

Ard has served as the Executive Director of the Centre County Women’s Resource Center for 16 years. She has also served as the Chair of the Centre County Domestic and Sexual Violence Task Force on the Criminal Justice Advisory Board.

So, yeah, she’s a pretty big deal here at Penn State and in State College for tackling the important sexual abuse issue.

“We have a strong connection to the university and it has been such a fun part of my life and everyone in my family for over 30 years,” Ard said in a press release. “It is extraordinary to have this honor.”

Ard and her husband have both received doctoral degrees from Penn State, and son is currently enrolled as a junior, so she’s no stranger to the Penn State Homecoming celebration

“I think it’s a really great opportunity to really represent Penn State and to honor people in the community who deserve recognition,” Ard said. “It is also important to me for the opportunity to bring awareness to the Women’s Resource Center and the work that we do with sexual assault and domestic violence victims. It’s all about what’s happening at Penn State now and how we can make it a better place for all of us.”

Homecoming Alumni Relations Director Jessica Javage said  the committee selected Ard from a pool of applications over the recent weeks. Mimi Barash Coppersmith, a charismatic trustee emerita at Penn State, served as the honorary grand marshal last year.

“Anne is not only a leader but also a friend to this community,” Javage said in a release. “She inspires young leaders and brings up topics that really affect people. She is incredible.”

The grand marshal for Homecoming will be announced next fall. Any guesses on who it might be?