Albany State University gears up for another spirit-filled Homecoming celebration Oct. 11 – 17. This year’s theme, “Rams in the Roses and Beyond,” is a nod to the Albany State University Marching Band’s invitation to participate in the 2016 Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, Calif. on New Year’s Day.

Topping the lineup of events is the crowning of the 2015-2016 Homecoming Queen, Iandria Joseph. The coronation begins at 5 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 11 at the Albany Municipal Auditorium.  This event is free and open to the public.

The official Homecoming Kick-off will begin at noon, Monday, Oct. 12at the ASU Amphitheatre, located on campus; the Gospel Explosion featuring the Walls Group and True Praise Ensemble will follow at 7 p.m. in the Albany Municipal Auditorium. General admission is $20 in advance and $30 at the door.

Grammy Award winning artist T-Pain will give a show-stopping performance 7 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 15 at the official Homecoming benefit concert to support the “Rams in the Roses and Beyond” fundraising campaign. The event will be held in the Health, Physical Education and Recreation Gymnasium (HPER) on campus. General admission is $35 in advance and $45 at the door. Doors open at 6 p.m.

Homecoming Convocation is scheduled for 10 a.m., Friday, Oct. 16 in the HPER Gymnasium. Rev. Carmen Caldwell, founder and CEO of the personal development firm Life Fulfilled Coaching & Consulting, will serve as the keynote speaker. The homecoming step show will be held later that evening at 7 p.m. in HPER. General admission is $15 in advance and $25 at the door. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. The Rams Homecoming Block Party, near the ASU baseball field on the lower campus, concludes the night at 8 p.m.

The culmination of the week-long celebration begins Saturday, Oct. 17with the Homecoming Parade starting at 9 a.m. on Pine Avenue. Fans will then head to the Albany State University Coliseum at 2 p.m.to watch the Albany State Golden Rams football team take on the Morehouse College Tigers.