The events surrounding Homecoming can have a powerful effect on emotions -- Lantern Walk, the parade, the big game. Each fall alumni are drawn back to campus by the power of these traditions. This year that attraction will be even greater as ASU makes a university-wide commitment to make Homecoming the defining moment for ASU tradition.

"Homecoming is a time-honored tradition, and at ASU it has the potential to be one of our premier events," said ASU President Michael Crow. "Not only will we welcome alumni back "home," we will engage the entire university and our neighboring communities, including citizens, schools, businesses, friends and fans."

The entire week, Oct. 27-Nov. 1, will be filled with nostalgic activities highlighted with an inaugural block party and culminating with the game against Cal. Keep in mind, the Sun Devils' two previous trips to the Rose Bowl were sealed by Homecoming victories over the Golden Bears.

So much more will be available to returning alumni that the quick visit back to campus will no longer suffice. Under the leadership of the ASU Alumni Association, and with the support of all university units, Homecoming FestDevil 2003 will showcase ASU, as well as the surrounding communities that helped make your college years so memorable.

"Certainly everyone who went to ASU will find the experience rewarding," said R.J. Machulies '62, chairman of the ASU Alumni Association. "We are shaping a weeklong celebration the community will find rewarding as well. The ASU experience is often enhanced by what happens off campus, and it is important that these events relate to the entire experience.

"Homecoming is very important to President Crow, and he has all of ASU focused on making this year's celebration special," said Machulies.

This year's theme, "Sparky's Fall FestDevil," is intended to stir memories tied to the activities and lifestyle of the fall semester at ASU. The established Homecoming traditions, which play well with the fall theme, will be accented with various new events to immerse participants in the campuses and surrounding communities.

"There are more opportunities to reconnect with ASU and the community, while the traditional events that have proved so popular have been enhanced," Machulies said.

Some of the key events scheduled this year include, ASU Night at the Movies, ASU East's Homecoming Fest, the Homecoming Ball, a Career Connections event, Sparky's Carnival, Alumni 101, Spirit & Cultural Day, the Royalty Coronation, the President's Reception, Lantern Walk, the Homecoming Parade, the Block Party FestDevil and the football game vs. Cal.

The Friday before the game kicks off with Alumni 101 at 8:30 a.m. in Old Main. This new event serves to re-engage alumni with the university through lectures, tours and interactive experiences. Alumni 101 continues through the afternoon. Spirit & Cultural Day is scheduled from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Hayden Lawn with the Royalty Coronation highlighting the activities at 12:30 p.m.

Homecoming 2003 is Crow's second as ASU President. He will carry on an ASU tradition of hosting the President's reception from 5:30-7 p.m. on the Alumni Lawn in front of Old Main. All ASU supporters are welcome for this event, which sets the stage for the Lantern Walk.

At 7 p.m. a procession of alumni, students and supporters will continue a tradition that dates to 1917 when candles are carried up the winding trail of "A" Mountain to illuminate the "A" on top.

Saturday events will begin at 8:30 a.m. with the Homecoming 5k Fun Run & Walk for Scholarships beginning at the Student Services Lawn.

The Homecoming Block Party FestDevil will kick off at 10 a.m. Don't miss this inaugural event allowing alumni, students and ASU supporters to meet and reconnect as they enjoy displays and activities showcasing ASU and the community. University Drive will be closed between College and McAllister to accommodate this event, which will span from Alumni Lawn to Palo Verde Beach.

The Homecoming Parade will begin at approximately 10 a.m. traveling through the block party along University Drive from McAllister Avenue to Myrtle Avenue. This year the parade promises to be bigger and more exciting than ever.

And of course, the culmination will be the Homecoming football game against the California Golden Bears. History tells us 'you don't want to miss this game.' A Rose Bowl berth would be the perfect way to wrap up the perfect Homecoming.

The calendar is filled more than ever before, so check out the list of events at www.asu.edu/homecoming and make plans to come home Oct. 27-Nov. 1 for FestDevil 2003. For information about Homecoming, contact the Alumni Association at (480) 965-ALUM, 1-800-ALUMNUS, or homecoming@asu.edu.

President Crow envisions this important university occasion as a valuable, enjoyable and memorable experience all alumni should benefit from. "I hope you will join me in my excitement about the new Homecoming experience we are planning," he said.