CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi’s faculty, staff and students will join with alumni and the community to celebrate The Island University’s 60th birthday during the 2008 Homecoming from Monday, Jan. 28, through Saturday, Feb. 2.

The “Celebrate 60” themed festivities will include a wide variety of events for all ages including an Islander Alumni and Parents’ Awards Breakfast, the Islander Revue music and dancing extravaganza, a Homecoming parade, an Islanders’ basketball game to be broadcast on Fox Sports Southwest, and an After-Game Bash featuring two live shows. Many public festivities are part of Homecoming and Parents’ Weekend Friday and Saturday, Feb. 1-2.

“Exciting plans are underway to make this the best homecoming in our 60-year history,” said Marshall Collins, Homecoming committee co-chairman. “Many graduates live in this area and our goal is to get the entire community involved in this annual celebration of the University’s past, present and future.”

Friday features include the Athletic Hall of Honor Dinner at 5 p.m. at the University Center and the ever-popular Islander Revue at 7 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center where student performers compete for cash prizes.

Saturday’s highlights include a downtown parade at 2 p.m. which leads to the American Bank Center for tailgating before the Islander men’s basketball game against Southland Conference rival the University of Texas at San Antonio at 4 p.m. An After-Game Bash follows immediately at two locations.

Texas country rockers, The Scott Wiggins Band, one of the top up-and-coming country-rock groups in the state, will entertain fans at the Water Gardens with music ranging from Texas country to Southern rock and blues, while the Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Jazz Ensemble performs jazz favorites at the Art Museum of South Texas. Both live show are free and will begin around 6 p.m.

Homecoming is sponsored by the A&M-Corpus Christi Alumni Association, the Student Affairs Office, the Campus Activities Board, the Student Foundation and the Student Government Association.

Around 35,000 students have graduated from the University since it opened its doors as the University of Corpus Christi in 1947. All graduates and former students from the University of Corpus Christi, Texas A&I University at Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi State University and Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi are considered members of the greater alumni family.

Friday and Saturday’s Homecoming events include:

Friday, Feb. 1

Reunion Hospitality – The classes of 2003, 1998, 1993, 1983 and 1958 who have reached significant milestones in their relationship with the University will meet from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the University Center. The event includes a continental breakfast and light lunch. Tickets are $10. For ticket information, call 361.825.3895.

Fry-Day Fiesta – Bring the whole family and enjoy free food, games and fun for all from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Bay Hall lawn.

Campus Tours – Take a walking or riding tour with Island Ambassadors and check out the University's newest additions. Tours will be at 12:30 p.m. at the University Center.

Official Ring Ceremony – A&M-Corpus Christi students will be presented their official school rings. Parents and friends are encouraged to attend the ceremony at 2 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center.

Athletic Hall of Honor Dinner – Former Islander athletes will induct new members into the Athletic Hall of Honor at this dinner at 5 p.m. in the University Center. Tickets are $25. For ticket information, call 361.825.3895.
        
Islander Revue – Students groups and organizations will compete for a $1,000 cash prize in this music and dancing extravaganza at 7 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center. The event is sponsored by the Student Foundation with proceeds funding student scholarships. General admission tickets are $10. For ticket information, call 361.825.3724.

Saturday, Feb. 2

Islander Alumni and Parents' Awards Breakfast – Meet and greet alumni award winners at this annual event from 9 -10:30 a.m. at the University Center. Outstanding alumni, students, faculty, parents and former athletes will be honored. Tickets are $15. For more information, call 361.825.3895.

Homecoming Parade – Decorated floats will lead the way during the march to the American Bank Center to watch the Islanders compete against the University of Texas at San Antonio. The floats will stage at Whataburger Field parking lot on Brewster Street. The Homecoming Parade begins at 2 p.m. on Mesquite Street between Hughes and Palo Alto streets and ends at the American Bank Center at Shoreline Boulevard and Palo Alto Street in downtown Corpus Christi.

Men’s Basketball Game – The Islanders will take on the University of Texas at San Antonio at 4 p.m. at the American Bank Center arena. Fox Sports Southwest will broadcast the game. Tickets are $10. For ticket information, call 361.825.3895.

Homecoming After-Game Bash – Immediately following the game, there will be fun, live music food and refreshments. Around 6 p.m., the Scott Wiggins Band will entertain crowds with their Texas country sounds at the Water Gardens, while the Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Jazz Ensemble pipes out jazz favorites at the Art Museum of South Texas. 
For a complete list of the full week of activities, go to http://homecoming.tamucc.edu/. For more information, call 361.825.3895.