It’s in the stars for Homecoming 2004 to be a hit with award-winning alumni, hall-of-famers and country music superstar Vince Gill arriving on campus to celebrate “Hollywood Nights,” Nov. 4-6.

Our School of Nursing anticipates that the kickoff event, a benefit concert performed by Gill, will add some sparkle to its campaign to raise money for the new nursing building. In addition, dozens of guests on campus will honored for their accomplishments, service and dedication to Tennessee Tech.

A pep rally, which this year features group competition, takes place on Friday afternoon. The traditional star events of Homecoming — the parade, tailgate party and football game — take center stage on Saturday. The tailgate party has been moved from its original location in Sherlock Park to the Union Planters Tailgate Park next to the tennis courts.

During the week, students will be celebrating Homecoming with numerous events, including a canned food drive, window painting, field games and banners. Homecoming organizers invite faculty members to join in the fun with a special event, "Hollywood Movie Night,” in which faculty members can team up with organizations to perform a 3-5 minute clip of a well-known movie.

For a full schedule of Homecoming 2004 events, visit www.tntech.edu/studentactivities/homecoming.html.

THURSDAY, NOV. 4

* See Vince Gill live in concert at 7 p.m. in Eblen Center (with special guest Sony recording artist Susan Haynes). Tickets are available at all Ticketmaster outlets and ticketmaster.com or call Ticketmaster Tennessee at 615-255-9600. The concert is sponsored by First National Bank.

FRIDAY, NOV. 5

* Raise the roof in Memorial Gym during the campus-wide Pep Rally at 4 p.m.

* Attend the Alumni Awards Reception and Ceremony at 4 p.m. in the Tech Pride Room. The public and campus community are encouraged to help honor this year's recipients of the Distinguished Alumnus, Outstanding Service, and Outstanding Young Alumnus Awards. The event is free; no reservations required.

* Visit with former star athletes and coaches at the Athletic Alumni Reunion and Hall of Fame Dinner at 6:30 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room. Tickets are $20. Call 3940 for reservations.

* Volleyball hosts Jacksonville State at 7 p.m. in Eblen Center.

* Enjoy an evening with the American Brass Quintet from 8 to 10 p.m. in Wattenbarger Auditorium. The Center Stage event is free and open to the public.

* Join former athletes and coaches at an informal Athletic Alumni Reunion Reception at 9:30 p.m. at Vinnie T's Lower Level.

SATURDAY, NOV. 6

* Alumni are invited to start the morning off with a hospitality continental breakfast at 9:30 a.m on the RUC’s 2nd floor.

* Have your spot picked out to watch the parade at 10:30 a.m. The parade route starts at the end of North Dixie Avenue, loops around campus, and ends at Sherlock Park.

* Join your friends and former classmates at the tailgate lunch and festivities, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Union Planters Tailgate Park (between the stadium and Eblen Center next to the tennis courts). This "Tent City" features departments and organizations, plus kids' activities. The cost of lunch and a football ticket is $10. Lunch only is $6. Children under 4 admitted free. Tickets available on site.

* Volleyball hosts Samford University at noon in Eblen Center.

* Cap off Homecoming 2004 on the gridiron as the Golden Eagles take on Eastern Illinois University at 2 p.m. in Tucker Stadium. Tickets may be purchased by calling 3940.