Keegan-Michael Key Announced As 2015 Homecoming Grand Marshal

Keegan-Michael Key was announced as the Grand Marshal for Homecoming 2015 tonight at Be A Part From the Start.

Key, a 1996 graduate of Penn State who studied Fine Arts, is a comedian widely known for his comedy sketch show Key and Peele, which he co-created and starred in.

“You have been given a rare opportunity to not only represent your Alma Mater as you remember it, but you are representing the memories of all who have served and attended the University,” Key said of the honor of being named Grand Marshal.

Throughout his career, Key has appeared on MADtv, USA Network’s Playing House, and in recent movies Let’s Be Cops, Pitch Perfect 2, and Tomorrowland. Key has been nominated for a number of Emmy’s, and recently won the Peabody Award along with a Penn State Alumni Fellow Award.

“The Homecoming Executive Committee selected Keegan-Michael Key as the 2015 Grand Marshal in honor of his contributions to the arts and teaching during and beyond the four dedicated years he spent at Penn State,” said Katrina Brintzenhoff, Homecoming 2015’s Alumni Relations Director of the selection.

Each year, the Homecoming Executive Committee selects a Penn State alum who displays extraordinary qualities to serve as Homecoming’s Grand Marshal. Key will join Ian Rosenberger, who was named Honorary Grand Marshal in April. Homecoming week is slated for the week of October 5, culminating in the Homecoming game against Indiana on October 10. Highlights of the week will include staples of past homecoming weeks, the annual parade, the unveiling of the THON theme, and the Homecoming carnival.