Northwestern University and Evanston's Only Daily News Source Since 1881

The Daily Northwestern

34° Evanston, IL
Northwestern University and Evanston's Only Daily News Source Since 1881

The Daily Northwestern

Northwestern University and Evanston's Only Daily News Source Since 1881

The Daily Northwestern

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Law and Order’s Stephanie March to be Northwestern’s Homecoming Grand Marshal

A “Law and Order: Special Victims Unit” prosecutor and a celebrity chef will ride alongside University President Morton Schapiro in the 2010 homecoming parade.

Stephanie March, Communication ’96, will serve as this year’s Grand Marshal for Homecoming weekend, the Homecoming committee announced Monday. Her husband, Food Network star Bobby Flay, will accompany her.

“Stephanie March was really excited about coming back to campus this year,” said Beth Lynk, co-chair of the homecoming committee. “We wanted to work with her because she was so excited to work with us.”

March is best known for her portrayal of Alexandra Cabot on “Law and Order: SVU.” She also had roles in the 2009 film “The Invention of Lying,” as well as appearances on “Grey’s Anatomy” and” 30 Rock.” March was an ideal pick for Grand Marshal because of her career success, said Kate Neal, director of external programs, internships and career services in the School of Communication.

The selection of Grand Marshal is a collaborative effort between the alum’s undergraduate school, the Northwestern Alumni Association and a committee of about 20 students, Lynk said. Each spring, the selection committee creates a list of Grand Marshal possibilities, said Kate Wesner, assistant director of alumni relations. Last spring’s list included other famous alums like Seth Meyers , Wesner said, adding that coordinating with alums in the entertainment industry is especially difficult.

“We learned that Stephanie was interested in visiting campus right around Homecoming weekend,” Wesner said. “It made it a natural fit.”

March’s most important Grand Marshal duty will be interacting with students and encouraging purple pride, Lynk said. In addition to riding on Schapiro’s float during the parade, March will attend the football game and a Q-and-A with students, moderated by David Downs, one of her former acting professors at NU.

“Stephanie is definitely successful in her career but takes the time to come back to campus and celebrate the University,” Neal said. “That is what is ideal in a Grand Marshal.”

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Northwestern University and Evanston's Only Daily News Source Since 1881
Law and Order’s Stephanie March to be Northwestern’s Homecoming Grand Marshal