by States News Service , States News Service

Syracuse University's annual Movie Night on the Quad is scheduled for Friday, July 24, beginning at 8 p.m. The featured film, "The Express," starring Dennis Quaid and Rob Brown, will begin at 9 p.m.

"The Express" is the inspirational story of SU alumnus and collegiate football great Ernie Davis. Rising from humble beginnings, Davis (portrayed by Rob Brown) overcame difficult odds to achieve a stellar playing career as an Orangeman under the guidance of Coach Ben Schwartzwalder (portrayed by Dennis Quaid) and become the first African American to win college football's greatest honor, the Heisman Trophy. Later signed by the NFL's Cleveland Browns, Davis aspired to join previous SU star Jim Brown to form a powerhouse backfield, but his professional career was cut short when Davis succumbed to leukemia.

"The Express" is a powerful story of triumph on and off the field. Parts of the film were recorded on the SU campus, and the movie's national premiere took place last September at the Landmark Theatre in downtown Syracuse.

As enduring remembrances, a statue of Davis was erected on the Quad and in August SU will open Ernie Davis Hall, its first new on-campus residential facility in more than 40 years.

The movie screening is open to all SU faculty and staff and registered students. Attendees showing their SU I.D. will receive free popcorn and soda. In addition, free prizes will be given away, and a raffle will be held to win a pair of tickets to an SU football game. Plus SU Athletics staff will be on hand to distribute SU football posters and schedules.

In the event of rain, the film will be shown in Grant Auditorium.

For more information, contact Eileen Jevis, manager of public relations at University College , at ejevis@uc.syr.edu or 443-3527.

University College is the gateway to Syracuse University for part-time students. UC offers a variety of degree programs, certificates and noncredit courses in formats that accommodate the busy schedules of part-time students. Courses are offered in the daytime, evenings, online, and in condensed and accelerated formats.

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