The University will celebrate “Remembering Pitt: Homecoming 2004” with alumni, students, and friends Oct. 21 to 24, including an evening fireworks and laser show, a homecoming extravaganza, school reunions, a Banana Split anniversary event, and the Oct. 23 football game between the Pittsburgh Panthers and the Rutgers Scarlet Knights.

Homecoming festivities begin Oct. 21 with Legacy Laureates Day, when the University welcomes alumni who have been recognized for their outstanding personal and professional achievements. From 6 to 8 p.m. that day, honorees will take part in “Pathway to Professions: A Career Networking Event” in Alumni Hall’s Connolly Ballroom.

The free Pitt Program Council (PPC) fireworks and laser show, choreographed to music, will be held on Bigelow Boulevard at 9 p.m. Oct. 22, featuring colorful explosions shot into the sky from Mazeroski Field, while beams of laser light stream across the boulevard between the Cathedral of Learning and William Pitt Union (WPU).

Pitt’s free annual Homecoming Extravaganza in the WPU from 9:30 to 11:30 p.m. follows the dynamic fireworks and laser show. The event includes tarot card readings, balloon art, palm readings, a retina scanner, free play on 35 arcade games, a jazz coffeehouse, a student talent show, and light snacks.

A weekend highlight is the noon Saturday football contest preceded by the Pitt Alumni Association’s Pregame Tent Party at 9 a.m. at Heinz Field. Groups staffing information tables include African American Alumni Council; Alumnae Council; Career Services; Freshman Family Weekend; ’50s Reunion Group; Pitt Band Alumni Council; The Pitt News; Pittsburgh Metro Alumni Club; College of General Studies; the Schools of Dental Medicine, Education, Engineering, Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Information Sciences, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, and Social Work; and the Graduate Schools of Public Health and Public and International Affairs. American Pie, a Pittsburgh Oldies band, will provide music.

Other weekend activities include a Pitt Theatre Arts presentation of Hamlet at 7:30 p.m. Friday; the annual PPC student Gateway Clipper cruise, which will sail Saturday evening; and Freshman Family Weekend activities held Oct. 22-23. For play tickets, call 412-624-7529; for information on the cruise, call 412-648-7900 or visit www.pitt.edu/~ppc; and for information on Freshman Family Weekend, call 412-648-1200 or visit www.pitt.edu/~ffweeknd.

For general information about Homecoming, call the Pitt Alumni Association at 412-624-8229 or 1-800-258-7488, or visit www.alumni.pitt.edu.