Mitchard is Homecoming parade marshal

Homecoming parade watchers have a chance to cheer on a celebrity parade marshal this week: Best-selling author and Dane County resident Jacqueline Mitchard.

The Homecoming Parade is a time-honored tradition at UW–Madison. Students, alumni and area residents line State Street to cheer on Bucky Badger, floats representing various student groups and the parade grand marshal, who presides over the entire event.

Mitchard is the author of the No. 1 New York Times best-selling novel, “The Deep End of the Ocean,” also chosen for Oprah Winfrey’s Book Club.

She has also served as a speechwriter for Donna Shalala, former secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and former UW–Madison chancellor. Mitchard’s third novel, “A Theory of Relativity,” was published in June by HarperCollins.

“We feel lucky to have such a celebrity living in our own back yard,” says Homecoming Co-Chair Jim Strode.

The role of a parade grand marshal is to help the Homecoming Committee to unite the university and the community via a variety of Homecoming events. The parade grand marshal rides in the parade down State Street and distributes spirit awards at the awards presentation and fireworks display immediately following.

To get times, parade route and details on other events happening this Homecoming Week, see the Homecoming Web site.