Former Penn State President Eric Barron and his wife, Molly, will serve as the honorary grand marshals for the university’s 2022 Homecoming celebration, the organization announced Sunday night.

The honorary grand marshals are chosen by the Homecoming Executive Committee as people who have gone above and beyond in the Penn State community.

Eric Barron, Penn State’s 18th president, retired in May 2022 following eight years at the university’s helm and was succeeded by Neeli Bendapudi. The downtown Innovation Hub was recently renamed after Barron following his “significant commitment to leadership, entrepreneurship, and discovery during his tenure at the University.”

During their time in Happy Valley, the Barrons have made numerous gifts to the university in the form of things like the Eric and Molly Barron Student Food Security Endowment and donations to the Arboretum.

This year’s Homecoming celebration will culminate in a Beaver Stadium White Out against Minnesota on Saturday, October 22. This year’s theme is “One Community, Forever A Home.”