Penn State Homecoming announced its 2023 honorary grand marshal Monday afternoon, bestowing the honor upon Blue Band director Dr. Gregory Drane.

The annual event’s grand marshal is selected on the basis of notable achievement in the honoree’s field of study, career path, and local community writ large.

“The Homecoming Executive Committee is thrilled to have Dr. Gregory Drane represent Homecoming as their Honorary Grand Marshall and they are looking forward to the community getting to know him better and see what he has done to inspire the Penn State community,” a Homecoming release read.

Penn State’s Homecoming week is scheduled to begin on Sunday, October 8, concluding with the home football game against UMass on Saturday, October 14.

The student-designed logo was revealed at the 2023 Blue-White Game, corresponding with the celebration’s theme: “Illuminate the Lion Within.” The 2023 Homecoming theme was announced in February during Penn State’s THON weekend.