Indiana University Northwest invites the community to its annual Homecoming celebration on Wednesday, Nov. 14.

Now entering its fifth year as an IU Northwest tradition, Homecoming has become one of the most anticipated events on campus with the annual men’s and women’s basketball homecoming games and events planned by the IU Northwest Office of Student Activities and Athletics.

Doors to the Savannah Center Gymnasium open at 4 p.m. The Lady RedHawks will take on the women of Ohio’s Wilberforce University at 5 p.m., followed by the men’s game at 7 p.m., taking on their counterparts at Wilberforce University.

Tickets are $10 for the general public and $5 for IU Northwest students and alumni as well as members of the military.

Verifiable IU alumni who purchase tickets in advance from the Office of Alumni Relations will receive a special gift and will be treated to a viewing of Professor David Klamen’s Meta-paintings exhibit that will be on display in the Gallery of Contemporary Art. Alumni will have a unique opportunity to meet the internationally-known artist and Chancellor William J. Lowe in a small, conversational setting.

Klamen also serves as Associate Dean in the College of Arts and Sciences, and the Chair of Fine Arts and Performing Arts.

In addition to entertainment by the varsity co-ed cheer squad, half-time entertainment will be filled with games with prizes, as well as awards for student athletes with the highest grade point averages from the Spring 2012 semester.

After half-time of the first game, spectators will enjoy a hamburger, hot dog or veggie burger with chips and soda.

The Lady RedHawks boast two Association of Independent Institutions (A.I.I.) Conference Championships and two National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Tournament qualifying titles. The team is led by two-time A.I.I. Coach of the Year Ryan Shelton.

The men’s basketball program is led by Head Coach and Gary native Jason Hawkins. Currently in his second year at IU Northwest, Coach Hawkins brings National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) D-I and D-III experiences as well as NAIA head coaching experience.

The NAIA varsity co-ed cheer squad, coached by Taria Taylor and Latoya Edwards, will perform its award-winning routines, complete with aerobatic stunts, tumbling, dance, and cheering.

The Homecoming basketball games are open to the greater Northwest Indiana community. Seating for these events is limited; please arrive early.

The Savannah Center is located on the northeast corner of campus at 33^rd Avenue and Broadway in Gary.

Students may purchase a limited number of game/food tickets prior to the game in the Office of Student Activities and Athletics, located in the Savannah Center, room 217.

Others interested in purchasing tickets can contact the Office of Student Activities and Athletics at (219) 980-6746.

Alumni may contact the Office of Alumni Relations at (219) 980-6769 or plafataj@iun.edu.

For information about parking at IU Northwest, including a new practice for issuing temporary visitors’ permits, please visit http://www.iun.edu/parking/.