Blue Band Director Gregory Drane Named 2023 Penn State Homecoming Honorary Grand Marshal

Penn State Homecoming announced its 2023 honorary grand marshal Monday afternoon, bestowing the honor upon Blue Band director Gregory Drane.

The annual event’s honorary grand marshal is selected on the basis of contributions to the local community and notable achievement in the honoree’s field of study and career path.

Drane became Blue Band director in 2015 after serving as assistant director since 2005. He also directs the pep bands for volleyball, basketball and hockey, and is an instructor for music courses.

“The Homecoming Executive Committee is thrilled to have Dr. Gregory Drane represent Homecoming as their Honorary Grand Marshall and they are looking forward to the community getting to know him better and see what he has done to inspire the Penn State community,” according to a Homecoming news release.

Penn State’s Homecoming week is scheduled to begin on Sunday, Oct. 8, concluding with the home football game against UMass on Saturday, Oct. 14.

The student-designed 2023 Homecoming logo was revealed at the Blue-White Game on April 15, corresponding with the celebration’s theme: “Illuminate the Lion Within,” which was announced in February during Penn State’s THON weekend.