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.
