WILBERFORCE — Central State University welcomes more than 20,000 alumni, students, friends and families to campus for reunions, tailgating, the parade, and the homecoming football game this weekend.

This year’s theme “Celebrating the Strength of Our University” pulls from Central State University’s moniker, CSU.

Central State will celebrate with 20 events and a full weekend of festivities headlined by CSU’s football game against UNC’s Pembrooke 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13 at McPherson Memorial Stadium.

All the pageantry of Homecoming will be on full display, with the parade as a traditional focal point. The parade begins 11 a.m. with a new route this year.

Jazz on the Lawn, one of homecoming’s newest events is sponsored by WCSU, Jazzy 88.9. The music gets started 3 p.m. on the front lawn of WCSU. This event brings the whole community together to enjoy great jazz, blues, gospel, and funk. Jazz on the Lawn is free for the entire family. Attendees are invited to bring their own lawn chairs or a blanket, and enjoy food from local vendors.

Scheduled of events

Saturday, Oct. 13

8-8:45 a.m.: Annual Alumni & Friends Scholarship Breakfast, Ward Center ballroom

9-10:45 a.m.: NAA Meeting, Ward Center ballroom

10 a.m.. to 1 p.m.: Marauder Experience — students will be available to show visitors around campus and escort groups to the football game. For registration visit http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07efoainxf1052ac0c&llr=rdj5fmtab.

10 a.m. to midnight: Vendors Fair, Beacom/Smith parking lot

11-11:15 a.m.: Alumni Memorial Service, Sunken Garden

11 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.: homecoming parade

11:30 a.m. to 6:15 p.m.: classes in reunion photo sessions, Alumni Tower/Galloway Hall

1 p.m.: homecoming football game, McPherson Memorial Stadium

3-7 p.m.: Jazz on the Lawn, WCSU front lawn

8 p.m. to 12 a.m.: Annual Alumni Dance, Marriott at University of Dayton