UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.— Penn State Homecoming has selected John Colaneri as the 2021 Grand Marshal. The Grand Marshal was officially announced on Wednesday, April 28 during the virtual Legacy event, which celebrates the 2021 Homecoming logo. The Grand Marshal is someone who has made notable achievements within their field of study and career path and represents the Penn State Homecoming and overall Penn State missions in a positive light.
Colaneri graduated from Penn State with a bachelor of science for labor and industrial relations and a minor in business management in 2003. He is an American TV personality, real estate developer and home makeover expert. He has starred in several home makeover shows on the HGTV network, DIY Network, and Fine Living Network, which aired in Europe. Colaneri lives with his wife, Jennifer Walker, and their two daughters, Lilyan and Shea in New Jersey.
“Each year, the Homecoming Executive Committee selects a Grand Marshal to represent Penn State Homecoming and our surrounding community,” said Christine Williams, the alumni relations director for Penn State Homecoming. “This individual is someone who positively contributed to Penn State during their time here and has carried that passion with them beyond their college years.”
Penn State Homecoming is planning to hold events, volunteer hours and fundraisers in the fall semester, to culminate in Homecoming week, Sunday, Oct. 17, through Saturday, Oct. 23. The Executive Committee for Homecoming is considering both online and in-person activities based on University-sponsored regulations regarding the COVID-19 pandemic at the time of the event. All University safety requirements will be followed.
Penn State Homecoming is a student-run organization which aims to celebrate tradition and instill pride in all members of the Penn State family through active engagement of students, alumni, faculty and staff across the University community. The organization is comprised of many student volunteers who donate their time to creating a multitude of events that make the Homecoming celebration a yearlong event.