HOMECOMING 1999 EVENTS OFFER SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

   COLUMBUS -- Naturally, Homecoming week still includes Ohio State football and a parade. But now, events have been expanded to include service-learning activities, a diversity fair and a fireside chat led by Ohio State President William E. Kirwan. Homecoming 1999, the "Blast of the Century," runs Oct. 27-30.

   "Homecoming week has really evolved over the past several years," said Tracy Stuck, director of the Office of Student Activities. "Almost every student who wants to get involved can find an activity on the calendar that interests them -- that's what's so nice about the week."

   Homecoming 1999 calendar:

   -- Residence hall & university office decorating through Friday (10/29). Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to show their spirit and support the Buckeyes by covering residence halls and offices with decorations and wearing scarlet and gray all week.

   -- Arts on Campus from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Wexner Center, 1871 N. High St. The multimedia exhibition Julie Taymor: Playing With Fire and a performance by the student improv theater ensemble "The Writing Company" are featured.

   -- Driving While Black from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Ohio Union Conference Theatre, 1739 N. High St. David Harris, a professor at the University of Toledo, will talk about his research and study on the recent phenomenon "profiling," which contends that African Americans, especially African American males, are more frequently stopped by law enforcement officials whether or not there is just cause.

   -- Poetry Reading from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Hillel Foundation, 46 E. 16th Ave. Professor David Citino and students from the Department of English present selected poetry readings.

   -- Vice President Williams Quiz Bowl Challenge from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the Conference Theatre in the Ohio Union, 1739 N. High St. It's students vs. administrators as participants test their trivia knowledge on various topics, including Ohio State history and tradition.

   -- Fireside Chat with President Kirwan at 7 p.m. in the Kuhn Honors & Scholars House, 220 W. 12th Ave. Join President Kirwan in a discussion about the most fascinating and significant inventions of the 20th century.

   -- Homecoming Star Show, an astronomy presentation, from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Smith Lab Observatory, 174 W. 18th Ave.

   -- Under Construction on the Oval from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Habitat for Humanity and Homecoming team up for a shed-building project. Make a difference by taking some time out of this busy week to help others. Free Homecoming T-shirts will be given to the first 300 participants.

   -- Service Fair from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Oval. Learn more about service-learning, community service and volunteer opportunities during this outdoor event.

   -- Project OpenHand, OpenHeart from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Summit United Methodist Church, 82 E. 16th Ave. Before the Blast, head over to Project OpenHand to share the Homecoming spirit with the university's neighbors in need. Join other students in cooking meals that will be delivered to persons living with AIDS.

   -- Buckeye Blast 1999 from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Jerome Schottenstein Center at the intersection of Olentangy River Road and Lane Avenue. An entertainment extravaganza featuring Howie Mandel, the Ohio State football team with Coach John Cooper, TBDBITL, Ohio State cheerleaders with Brutus Buckeye, a laser show, the Buckeye Dance Force, celebrity cameos, a Phi Beta Sigma step show, the crowning of the king and queen, a $1,000 City Center shopping spree and much more. Tickets are $5 for Ohio State students, faculty and staff. For ticket information, contact the Office of Student Activities at 292-8763 or The Jerome Schottenstein Center Ticket Office at 292-2624 or 1-800-GO-BUCKS.

   -- Diversity Festival from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Mirror Lake Hollow and Browning Amphitheater. International food, music and more will highlight the event.

   -- Homecoming Court Reunion Banquet from 6:30 p.m. to midnight at The Faculty Club, 181 S. Oval Drive. The Homecoming courts of '39, '49, '59, '60, '79, '89 and '94-'99 will gather at this invitation-only event.

   -- Ohio Union Activities Board movie: "Spaceballs," at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. in the Ohio Union Conference Theatre, 1739 N. High St. Admission is free.

   -- Homecoming Parade before the game on West 17th Avenue, North High Street and West 12th Avenue. This Ohio State tradition features hundreds of participants from student organizations, bands, athletic groups and others making their way along the parade route.

   -- Homecoming football game, Ohio State vs. Iowa.

   -- Creepy Campus Tours from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the Student Wellness Center, 1875 Millikin Road. Tours, featuring legendary ghost stories, will leave every half hour.

Contact: Tracy Stuck, Student Activities, (614) 292-8763

Or, visit the Homecoming Web site at www.osu.edu/homecoming