HOMECOMING 1999 EVENTS KICK OFF WITH A BANG

PITTSBURGH, Sept. 17 -- Bursts of light and color across the sky, accompanied by dramatic music, will signify the official start of the University of Pittsburgh's 1999 Homecoming Celebration Friday, Oct. 1, at 9 p.m. on Bigelow Boulevard between the William Pitt Union (WPU) and Cathedral of Learning.

Following the annual Fireworks and Laser Show, sponsored by the Pitt Program Council, is the annual Homecoming Extravaganza including free video games, a DJ, snacks, and floating performers in the William Pitt Union. Those who want to try their luck can purchase tickets for Monte Carlo Night, a fundraiser for student scholarships held in the WPU Assembly Room.

The "Campus Classic," a 5k run/3k walk from Schenley Park to Pitt Stadium, will take place Saturday, Oct. 2, at 9 a.m. Proceeds benefit Ronald McDonald House. For more fun, the Pitt Alumni Association will host the "Great Panther Tailgate" from 1 to 3:30 p.m. on the Falk School grounds. At

3:30 p.m. in Pitt Stadium, fans can cheer on the Panthers in their football game against Temple.

In addition to the festivities, academic events will be held. "Food for the Mind," a continuing education program by Public Health, Health and Rehabilitation Sciences/Communication Science and Disorders, Business, Nursing, Social Work, Arts and Sciences, Planned Giving, and Engineering, will be offered Saturday, Oct. 2 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in WPU. Programs coordinated by the College of Arts and Sciences are "Real Lectures about Real Things" from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and "Discover Pittsburgh" at 3:30 p.m.

For more information about homecoming events, call 1-800-258-7488.

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