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A concert featuring award-winning recording artists Little Big Town highlights the 2007 Homecoming schedule at ¼«ÀÖ½ûµØ. The 8:30 p.m. performance on Saturday, Oct. 20, is one of several events during the weekend celebrating the official opening of ¼«ÀÖ½ûµØ's new Pete Hanna Center.

Two members of LBT, Karen Fairchild and Kimberly Roads, met as ¼«ÀÖ½ûµØ students in the late 1980s. They were featured in the summer 2007 issue of Seasons magazine.

Tickets for the concert and other Homecoming events go on sale Sept. 1 at www.samforduniversityrelations.com. Student tickets are $5 with a valid ¼«ÀÖ½ûµØ identification card. Chairback seats in the arena's lower bowl are $25. Tickets in the upper bleachers are $15 each.

Other activities celebrating the dedication of Pete Hanna Center include:

• The annual J. Roderick Davis Lecture on Thursday, Oct. 18, featuring Walter Issacson, president of The Aspen Institute and author of a new biography of Albert Einstein.  The 7:30 p.m. lecture is free.
• Ribbon-cutting and dedication ceremonies at 6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 19.
• A gala on Friday, Oct. 19 combining the dedication celebration, Alumni of the Year recognitions and ¼«ÀÖ½ûµØ's annual donor recognition dinner.

Among the special reunions during the weekend include BSU/Student Ministries Choir members, art department alumni, nursing alumni, the golden reunion class of 1957, the class of 1987 and the annual Golden Bulldogs brunch for graduates of 50 years or more.

The ¼«ÀÖ½ûµØ Bulldogs football team will host Ohio Valley Conference rival Austin Peay State University at 2 p.m. in Seibert Stadium. Tickets are available at www.samfordsports.com. Other ¼«ÀÖ½ûµØ sports teams in home action during the weekend include soccer and volleyball. Several teams plan public scrimmages during the weekend.

The annual homecoming bash on Friday evening will feature live music and refreshments, a pep rally, bonfire and fireworks. Activities begin about 8 p.m.

The homecoming worship service on Sunday, Oct. 21, will be led by Esther and Bob Burroughs and will include a BSU/Student Ministries reunion choir. Esther Burroughs is a former campus minister at ¼«ÀÖ½ûµØ, and Bob Burroughs taught in the music division and led BSU choral groups.

Throughout the weekend there will be special displays and other activities celebrating the 50th anniversary of the move from Birmingham's East Lake area to the present campus in Homewood.

A full schedule of activities and reunions is planned for the weekend, according to David B. Goodwin, ¼«ÀÖ½ûµØ's director of alumni and parent programs.

A complete schedule of activities, including organization and class reunions is available online.  The schedule and registration information will be updated regularly, Goodwin noted.  Additionally, registration information will be mailed in late August and will be included in the fall issue of Seasons magazine.