As Homecoming approaches so does the anticipated arrival of Dennis Haskins, known to many as Mr. Belding from ‘Saved by the Bell.’

Haskins will serve as the master of ceremonies for the Homecoming Pep Rally at 9 p.m. on Oct. 20 in the Lantz Arena.

This year’s Homecoming theme is “TV Land: Tunes into Classic TV and Flicks.”

The theme was chosen before Haskins was booked, but because of his name and connection to the theme, it was a choice that made sense, said homecoming chair Jessica Henson.

“We basically wanted to bring someone who will bring students out,” Henson said.

The opportunity to see Haskins may have students singing the lines, “When I wake up in the morning, and the alarm gives out a warning, and I don’t think I ever make it on time.”

Those well-known opening lines of the theme song to ‘Saved by the Bell’ were a part of Haskins’ life for 11 years.

He was a part of all the variations of ‘Saved by the Bell,’ including ‘Good Morning Miss Bliss,’ which was phase one of the show, and ‘Saved by the Bell: The New Class,’ which was the last variation.

“It was the top teen sitcom,” said Ceci Brinker, director of student life.

Many students grew up watching the show.

“I personally grew up watching ‘Saved by the Bell,'” said JC Miller, University Board Chair. “You can kind of flash back to those episodes.”

As emcee, Haskins will talk about his experience on ‘Saved by the Bell,’ working as an actor, the value of being active in campus activities as a college student and the importance of following dreams.

Haskins, who graduated from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, was active in many organizations and a member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity.

“He will share some helpful advice,” Brinker said.

The pep rally will also include trivia questions about ‘Saved by the Bell.’

Brinker has met Haskins recently and described him as “down to earth,” “good-natured” and “fun to be around.”

Students will also get a chance to get close to the star after the pep rally during an autograph and photo session.

Brinker said that Haskins will be the “highlight of Homecoming” because students will be able to see and listen to the principal they grew up with.

Bringing Haskins to Homecoming was “very innovative” on the homecoming committee’s part, and there is a general excitement on campus to see him, Miller said.

These days Haskins does many college tours as a lecturer.

“He’s big on demand in the college tour,” Brinker said.

Although ‘Saved by the Bell’ days are behind him, Haskins remains popular.

“He is still quite known,” Henson said. “There’s always a big huge line to meet him.”