FARGO - The colors of Roxana Saberi's college alma mater are expected to be in full bloom for the homecoming celebration of the journalist from Fargo.

Officials at Concordia College in neighboring Moorhead, Minn., are asking students and employees to turn out in maroon and gold today to welcome home Saberi, 32, who was freed earlier this month from an Iranian prison.

"She's one of ours. She's part of the Cobber family," Concordia president Pam Jolicoeur said Friday, referring to the school's Cobbers nickname.

Jolicoeur and Concordia journalism professor Catherine McMullen plan to join elected officials at the airport. McMullen, who was outspoken in her support for Saberi during Saberi's four-month prison ordeal, plans to present her former student with her last "Free Roxana" pin.

"There was quite a demand for them, but I wanted to save one for her," McMullen said. "I can't wait to give it to her."

Saberi, who lived in Iran for six years and has dual citizenship, was arrested on Jan. 31 and charged with spying for the United States. The U.S denied the charges.

Iran's Revolutionary Court sentenced Saberi to eight years in prison, but an appeals court reduced that to a two-year suspended sentence and released her on May 11.

Saberi's parents, Reza and Akiko, left their Fargo home for Iran to support her. The family is expected to return to Fargo at about 2 p.m. Central time, today.

The former Miss North Dakota has said she wants to be with family and friends and write a book. Her friends say coming home should allow her the space she needs.

"As far as the book goes, go for it," said Merrie Sue Holtan, one of Saberi's college instructors who encouraged her to compete in the Miss North Dakota pageant.

Saberi has worked for a number of news organizations, including National Public Radio. She told NPR News that she initially confessed in Iran to being a spy but that the confession was prompted by intense psychological pressure in prison, and she later recanted. She said she was not physically harmed but was told she could face many years in prison or execution.

McMullen said she planned to thank Saberi for teaching her students about journalists and their work, and for showing grace under pressure.

Saberi had been scheduled to speak at Concordia's graduation ceremonies earlier this month.

"Ever since she left the prison in Tehran, we have been very eager to be able to welcome her here," Jolicoeur said. "We want to give her a hug and welcome her back."