Red and White Week is a tradition at NC State meant to honor the university’s past, present and future. Red and White Week kicked off Friday and will last until Saturday.

Many students are excited for the annual tradition, including Jeyashree Haridoss, a second-year studying business administration and international studies and member of UAB, who is looking forward to the exciting events that come with it.

“Other than the main events like the homecoming concert and the football game, I can’t wait for Screen on the Green,” Haridoss said. “Even though I am not one for horror movies, there are so many exciting activities planned. I feel like it’s going to be a great night.”

The highlight of the week is Red and White Week Parade on Friday at 6 p.m. This year’s parade will feature various campus clubs, NC State’s marching band and more than 50 floats. The parade begins at the intersection of Hillsborough Street and Pullen Road and will pass through Dan Allen Drive and NC State’s campus.

The homecoming speaker this year will be NC State graduate and astronaut Christina Hammock Koch, who will be speaking about her journey from State to space. This event will take place in Talley Student Union in Stewart Theatre from 7-9 p.m. on Monday. On the same day there will also be an author event in Hunt Library from 7-8:30 p.m. with comedian John Hodgman talking about his book “Vacationland: True Stories from Painful Beaches.”

The Gregg Museum of Art & Design will be reopening its doors with a three special exhibitions in the new galleries. The museum will be open at various times during the day from Tuesday to Saturday.

The Leader of the Pack voting will also take place on Monday and Tuesday, where students can vote for one of six finalists. The honor is awarded annually for students that demonstrate excellence in leadership, scholarship and community service. Students must demonstrate leadership in essay questions in an application, and if qualified will be selected by a panel of university faculty, administrators and students.

Last year’s winner was Kati Scruggs, a fourth-year studying nutrition science and interdisciplinary studies, and this year’s finalists are Atif Mahmood, a third-year studying biological sciences; Brayndon Stafford, a fourth-year studying environmental sciences; Derya Pekari, a fourth-year studying communication; Isabelle Babson, a third-year studying psychology and sociology; Noah Riley, a third-year studying genetics and Victor Eduardo, a third-year studying philosophy. All of the finalists will be honored during halftime of the homecoming game against Clemson and the winner will be awarded $3,000 and a class ring.

Other major events going on this week include the Penny Wars, a fundraising effort of NC State’s libraries, and Native American Heritage Month Kickoff on Wednesday from 3-5 p.m.

UAB’s annual homecoming concert this year featured 2 Chainz. Hannah McKinney, a first-year studying political science, enjoyed the concert’s atmosphere.

“While I wish there was a little more organization with getting people in the facility on time, the camaraderie of the crowd was amazing and it really helped me get more excited for the concert as well,” McKinney said.

Students can find more information about all of the events going on this week at redwhiteweek.ncsu.edu.