Penn State’s Bellisario College of Communication’s Assistant Dean of Diversity & Inclusion, Gary Abdullah, will serve as the 2025 Honorary Homecoming Grand Marshal, the organization announced Thursday. Abdullah will serve alongside Anthony ‘Spice’ Adams, the event’s Grand Marshal.

As a lifelong Penn Stater and State College native, Abdullah has served the university for more than two decades in various roles, including admissions, advising, multicultural support, and leadership.

Abdullah has been widely revered for his efforts in fostering inclusion and belonging efforts across the university. His efforts have resulted in numerous awards, including the McKay Donkin Award in 2023 and the prestigious Lion’s Paw Medal, which he received in 2025.

As part of the announcement, Abdullah threw the first pitch at the State College Spikes Homecoming game, marking the beginning of his role as this year’s Honorary Grand Marshal.

Abdullah succeeds Associate Dean for Graduate Educational Equity Stephania Preston, who served as the 2024 Honorary Grand Marshal.