Timothy Lazzara and Natalie Bronge have attended Eastern’s previous homecoming parades, but this year was different.

While Bronge thought they were coming back for the parade as a way to kick off the Homecoming festivities, she was caught off guard when Lazzara got down on one knee to propose to her outside of Old Main.

“I had no idea he was going to do it,”

she said.

Lazzara said he had been planning on proposing to Bronge, an accounting graduate in 2009, for quite a while, but wanted to wait until being back at Eastern before popping the question.

“We met down here, so I knew I wanted to do it here,” he said. “I thought the easiest way to get here without suspicion was to do it during homecoming.”

Lazzara, a hospitality management graduate in 2008, said he chose the spot because it was in front of the couple’s favorite trees, a place they passed by every day on their way to classes.

Lazzra and Bronge, who currently live in Melrose Park and Gurnee, respectively, have been dating for five years.

Their Homecoming engagement even brought Lazzara’s family back to Eastern.

Lazzra’s parents, Carol and Ron, said they left at 4 a.m. on Saturday to make the trip down to see the engagement.

“We’re very happy for them,” Carol said. “We’re glad he finally did it.”

While Lazzara and Bronge’s story is an once-in-a-lifetime homecoming parade moment, other alumni and Eastern supporters said they come back as part of a yearly tradition.

Eastern alums Jack and Ann Payan said they collectively have only missed three parades since 1946.

Jack said he was the first in his family to attend college so coming back to watch the parade and attend Homecoming events at Eastern gives him a certain sense of pride.

“When I look at Old Main, I just get that warm fuzzy feeling,” he said.

Jack said that throughout the years, the couple has witnessed the parade being performed in all types of weather.

“We’ve seen the parade when there’s been snow, it’s been 95 degrees, and it’s been raining,” he said. “We’ve seen it all.”

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Even those who did not attend Eastern come out to experience the Homecoming parade every year.

Wilbur and Tana Saylor, of Springfield, said while they did not attend Eastern themselves, they had two daughters that graduated from EIU, so they still feel a strong sense of pride for the school.

The Saylors said they now come to support their grandson, who marches in the Panther Marching Band.

“We think the band is exceptional,” he said. “They look pretty sharp.”

The Saylor said they also enjoy watching the crowds enjoy the parade, especially those of a young age.

“We also love watching the kids pick up candy,” he said. “They’re just having a great time.”

President Bill Perry, a Texas A&M University alum, said he always looks forward to the Homecoming parade.

He said he thinks the parade helps garner enthusiasm and kicks off the Homecoming events.

“There are things to do (for Homecoming) the days before, but I think the parade is what really gets your blood pumping,” he said. “It means Homecoming is finally here.”

Perry said he enjoys seeing all the enthusiasm and school spirit from those that attend the parade.

“It’s a great thing for alums to come back, for all the kids, families and students, and floats,” he said. “It’s a great day to celebrate.”

Sara Hall can be reached at 581-2812 or [email protected].