Events have been set for Northwestern Oklahoma State University's annual homecoming celebration Oct. 24-26, and the organizing committee looks forward to seeing many familiar, and some new, faces in Alva.

The NWOSU Homecoming Committee once again had the task of narrowing down a number of excellent theme ideas submitted by friends and alumni of the university. This year's theme, "Paint the Town Red: Homecoming 2019," was selected by the volunteer committee.

Winner of the Miss Cinderella 2018 pageant, Hannah Webb of Woodward waves to the crowd during Northwestern Oklahoma State University's Homecoming Parade, last year.

"Tradition and memories play a critical role for alumni that return to Alva for all of the homecoming festivities," Dr. David Pecha, general chairman, said. "This year's theme will hopefully provide an opportunity for everyone involved to catch the Ranger spirit by wearing something red and taking part in the many activities."

Student and community groups are encouraged to create floats that incorporate this theme for Homecoming.

Leading the parade on Saturday, Oct. 26, at 10 a.m. in downtown Alva will be the parade marshal Thelma Crouch, a former Northwestern student and staff member. Crouch served as the alumni director at Northwestern, 1979-1988, and was director of career services from 1992-2000. She retired in 2000 and has remained an enthusiastic Ranger fan. She started making chocolate chip cookies for the Ranger football team for their away games in 1989 and continues the tradition still.

Homecoming button sales and this year's design will be announced at a later date.

To keep up-to-date with Homecoming events visit http://www.nwosu.edu/homecoming. The web page will be updated as events are finalized.