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SALISBURY, MD--Over 4,000 visitors are expected at Salisbury University campus Friday-Sunday, October 19-21, where, for the first time, Homecoming and Family Weekend become a combined celebration.  Titled "Soaring United - Gulls of a Feather Flock Together," this event-filled three days unites alumni, family, friends, students, faculty and staff in a grand roster of academic, athletic, cultural and social festivities. 

Roy S. Perdue, director of alumni relations, and Lawanda Dockins-Gordy, director of new student experience and the Guerrieri University Center, are enthusiastic about the number and diversity of activities. 

"I'm excited," Dockins-Gordy said.  "We have more events planned than ever before.  Anything we offer for 'family weekend' alums are welcome to as well." 

Visiting classrooms to share the college experience is just one of the highlights for Friday.  Golf at the Horse Bridge Golf Course in Salisbury and a "Taste of Asia" dinner featuring dishes from Korea, Vietnam, Thailand and China are also scheduled.  Dinner tickets are $9.50/adult, $4.75/child ages 6-14. 

Friday evening the annual ³ÉÈ˶¶ÒõAthletics Hall of Fame reception and banquet is in the Wicomico Room of the Guerrieri Center.  Three new members are being added: Jay Wilson ('85, baseball), Tracy Short ('89, field hockey) and Ward Lambert (coach, men's basketball).  Pre-registration is required.  ³ÉÈ˶¶Òõvolleyball squares off at 7 p.m. in Maggs Center. 

On Saturday open houses are from 8:30-10 a.m. in all four of the             University's schools, followed by a brunch served in the Commons at 11 a.m. with ³ÉÈ˶¶Òõ President Janet Dudley-Eshbach.  A string quartet plays.   

³ÉÈ˶¶Òõ field hockey, football and soccer all are at home on Saturday, field hockey and football at 1 p.m. and soccer at 2 p.m.  An alumni "pep band," led by Jack Burton ('75), is playing at the football game.  From noon-5 p.m. an Alumni Tent is located at Sea Gull Stadium with memorabilia on display and the ³ÉÈ˶¶ÒõAlumni Association is offering free gifts and refreshments.  Parents and family members are invited to stop by the Family Weekend Hospitality Tent for complimentary refreshments and give aways.  A block party held at the intramural fields features entertainment by student organizations.    

From 4-8 p.m. a number of classes will have reunion dinners.  All are welcome to enjoy the poetry of ³ÉÈ˶¶Òõgraduate Deborah Tulani Salahu-di at 5 p.m. at Cool Beans Cyber Café in the Guerrieri Center.  At 8 p.m. hypnotist Michael Anthony performs in Holloway Hall Auditorium.      

Throughout the weekend families and alumni are welcome to participate in open recreation Friday from 6-10 p.m. and Saturday noon-6 p.m. Activities include Nautilus and swimming.  Contact Wayne Gorrow at 410-548-3266 if interested.  Two art exhibits with Asian themes are also on display:  "Mystical Arts of Tibet" is in the Atrium Gallery in the Guerrieri Center and "Mega Morning Calm" is in the University Gallery, Fulton Hall.  Both are open through Sunday at 4 p.m. and the public is cordially invited. 

Check-in/registration for Family Weekend is Friday, October 19, from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. and Saturday, October 20, from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Information Desk located in the Guerrieri Center.  Some activities require tickets or advanced registration.  For more information, call the Guerrieri Center at 410-543-6100 or Office of Alumni Relations at 410-543-6042, or visit the ³ÉÈ˶¶ÒõWeb site at www.salisbury.edu/homefamily/.