Join us for Homecoming, Oct 13-15, 2023

Schedule will be updated soon. Registration opens July 1, 2023. 

 

Homecoming 2022 Schedule

Jump to: Friday Saturday SundayReunions TenTalks Fall Fest

= Facebook livestream option. Please email alumni@emu.edu for instructions on how to access these free events. 
* Indicates registration is required.
While registration will not close, late fees will apply to all registrations after 8am Friday, October 1.

Friday, October 7

PROSPECTIVE STUDENT VISITATION - New Location!

University Commons 121, Admissions Office

Personalize your visit by going to emu.edu/visit and selecting Daily Visit!

COMMON GROUNDS COFFEEHOUSE - New Location!

University Commons 270, Common Grounds, 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. & 8 p.m. - midnight

INFORMATION AND WELCOME CENTER

Campus Center, Martin Greeting Hall, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. & 3 - 8 p.m.

Do you have questions or need help? Stop by our information table. Enjoy coffee and network. Pick up your name badge and other important weekend information. Also check out the alumni author tables that will be set up. This includes Dan Bowman ’65, Kathie Kurtz ’69, Shirley Showalter ‘70, Dr. Joseph Gascho '68, Marshall King ’97 and Melodie Davis '75.

JUBILEE ALUMNI PROGRAM AND LUNCHEON* (CLASSES 1950 – 1972)

Seminary Building, Martin Chapel, 11:30 a.m., $16.50

Gather with alumni who attended EMU 50 or more years ago and enjoy a program, induction of the class of 1972 and lunch.

CAMPUS TOUR* 

Campus Center, Martin Greeting Hall, 1:30 p.m.

See two recently renovated spaces, Suter Science Center and areas in University Commons (new Student Union, Common Grounds and Admissions Office).

ART SHOW OPENING AND RECEPTION - Death Bed Ambiguities

Margaret Martin Gehman Gallery, University Commons, 4 - 5 p.m.

Featuring photgraphs by Derrick Chirinos '19, which work as a "chaotic intersection" between digital and film. 

DONOR APPRECIATION BANQUET (BY INVITATION ONLY)

University Commons, Yoder Arena Courts B and C, 5:30 p.m. (doors open at 4:50 p.m.)

MUSIC CELEBRATION CONCERT*

Lehman Auditorium, 8 p.m.
Adults $10 advanced, $15 at the door, EMU student ID or 12 and under - free

Alto saxophonist and composer Ryan Kauffman 97' makes his return to the Lehman stage as special guest for the Music Celebration Concert. Ryan will join forces with EMU Jazz for some exciting works and big band favorites. The concert will also feature Ryan's innovative and original jazz compositions with a combo of some of the finest professional jazz musicians in the region. This is sure to be a concert full of dynamic energy, top-notch improvisation, and great music.

Saturday, October 8

PROSPECTIVE STUDENT VISITATION - New Location!

University Commons 121, Admissions Office

Personalize your visit by going to emu.edu/visit and selecting Daily Visit.

INFORMATION AND WELCOME CENTER

Campus Center, Martin Greeting Hall, 7:30 a.m. – noon

Do you have questions or need help? Stop by our information table. Enjoy coffee and network. Pick up your name badge and other important weekend information. Also check out the alumni author tables that will be set up. This includes Dan Bowman ’65, Kathie Kurtz ’69, Shirley Showalter ‘70, Dr. Joseph Gascho '68, Marshall King ’92 and Melodie Davis '75.

OPENING HOMECOMING CELEBRATION BREAKFAST* - New Event!

University Commons, Yoder Arena Courts B & C, 8:30 - 9:50 a.m., $13.50

The EMU Jazz Band kicks off our celebration of recognizing Hall of Honor and alumni award winners. Reunite with class members over breakfast with a welcome by President Susan Schultz Huxman.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION DIALOGUE

University Commons 201, President's Reception Room, 10-11:15 a.m.

Belonging Together with Alumni and Parents: Participatory dialogue with Jackie Font-Guzmán, VP for DEI. Alumni and parents are invited to attend a conversation to promote a deeper community understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion at EMU. The goal is to share some updates, take questions, and receive feedback that helps guide our next steps toward creating a campus where everyone feels they belong.

COFFEE AND CONVERSATION - New Event!

Common Grounds, University Commons 270, 10-11:15 a.m.

Check out the new space while catching up with your classmates over coffee. You may even bump into some faculty and staff from yesteryear who have also been invited to join us for this special coffee time!

LIFELONG LEARNING OPTIONS AND PROGRAM GATHERINGS (OPEN TO EVERYONE)*

See locations below, 10- 11:15 a.m.

CHILDCARE AND CHILDREN'S ACTIVITIES* 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Childcare (ages 2-4), EMU's Early Learning Center at Park View Mennonite Church, 1600 College Ave.; www emu.edu/education/elc.

Children's activities (ages 5-12), led by the EMU Student Education Association in Campus Center 226.

MILESTONE REUNION PROFESSIONAL PHOTOS - Classes of '72 (50 years), '97 (25 years) and '12 (10 years)

Front steps of Lehman Auditorium, 11:30 a.m.

CLASS REUNIONS (WITH CLUSTER YEARS) AND LUNCH*

11:30 a.m. (11:45 a.m. for classes of '72, '97 and '12)

Martin Chapel, Seminary Building, $20

• Class of '72 - 50-year reunion

EMU Dining Hall, Northlawn:

• Class of ‘57 - Virtual event only. Indicate your interest by sending your email address to alumni@emu.edu. A Zoom link will be sent to you closer to the time. 
• Class of '62 - East Dining Room, $15 buffet in room
• Class of ‘67 - West Dining Room, Go through dining hall and bring your tray to your room, $7.50

Cookout in University Commons Lower Level, Gym (Courts B&C), $17 (vegetarian and gluten-free options available) Join all alumni for a tasty cook-out lunch followed by class reunion at the location listed below: 

• Class of ‘77 (with classes ‘76 and ‘78) - Discipleship Center
• Class of ‘82 (with '16 and '18) - University Commons 124
• Class of ‘87 (with classes ‘86 and ‘878 - Roselawn 306
• Class of ‘92 (with classes ‘91 and ‘93) - Lehman Board Room, Campus Center 301/302
• Class of ‘97 (with classes ‘96 and ‘98) - Seminary 202
• Class of ‘02 (with classes ‘01 and ‘03) - Seminary 203
• Class of ‘07 (with classes ‘06 and ‘08) - Campus Center 201
• Class of '12 (with classes '11 and '13) - Strite Conference Room, Campus Center 105
• Class of '17 (with classes ‘81 and ‘83) - Northlawn Great Lounge

PARENT RECEPTION LUNCHEON*

University Commons, Royal’s Den, 11:30 a.m., complimentary

Join Parent Council for lunch with a welcome by President Susan Schultz Huxman. Parent Council members are available to meet, greet and answer questions.

BASEBALL ALUMNI DAY

Baseball Field, 12:00 p.m.

Festivities will include the conclusion of the Black-Blue World Series, tailgating and food, and an update on the program. Interested parties can RSVP by Google Form. 

Tailgate*

West and north end of turf field, spaces open at 12 p.m., $10 per space

Bring your own food, grill and enjoy a premier spot to watch sporting events! Reserve your space when you register online; invite friends to join you.

BSA, LSA and APISA tailgate - University Commons parking lot, starts at 1 p.m.

BSA's Annual Homecoming tailgate has expanded to include LSA and APISA. Join for good vibes, good food, fellowship and of course bumpin' music and yes, those familiar line dances. Bring a chair, your energy and appetite. Send your RSVP to Celeste Thomas by Wednesday, October 5, at celeste.thomas@emu.edu.

AFFINITY GATHERINGS*

1-2 p.m.

• Cords of Distinction Alumni gathering with President Huxman and Jackie Font-Guzmán, VP for DEI - University Commons, President’s Reception Room
  
  
• YPCA (Y-Serve) celebrating 100 years - University Commons, Student Union/Common Grounds Coffeehouse
  If you were a leader or active with the YPCA or Y-Serve, come to this drop-in gathering to celebrate 100 years of active engagement on campus and in the community. Enjoy a historic photo slideshow, storytelling, a booklet with photos and reflections from Y leaders, and a hot beverage from Common Grounds Coffeehouse. 
  
  
• Chamber Singers alumni event - Lehman Auditorium
  If you sang with the Chambers Singers (or another chamber group before 1979), let's join our voices together with current and past Chamber Singers! Dr. Benjamin Bergey, director, will lead an exciting jam session.

• Alumni & Friends Ireland 2022 Reunion - Library 303
  Gather with leaders Mark and Erica Sawin for a time of reminiscing about the Alumni and Friends Spring 2022 tour of Ireland. 
  
  
• Safe Space Gathering - Tent on front lawn in front of Thomas Plaza

  Drop in and hear what's happening at EMU and share what you are up to!

Documentary: The Ferenjis of Bodeno

Seminary Building, Rm 123, 1:30 (one hour in length)

A story about Ben Gamber ’72 the oldest son of Mennonite Missionaries who grew up in Ethiopia during the politically transformative era of the 1960s and 70s. In 1975 at 25 years old, Ben would die under mysterious circumstances. Grief stricken, his parents would return to America and pack all memories of him away. This film is about what was found in those boxes. The documentary, produced by Ben's niece, filmmaker Ali Ari who will introduce it, is about what was found in the boxes.

EMUTENTALKS | IMPACT. INFLUENCE. INSPIRE. 

MainStage Theater, 2 p.m.

This year’s TenTalks highlights former athletes at EMU reflecting on influences and inspirations from their time as Royals. Speakers are WNBA Director of Officials Sue Blauch ‘86, Harrisonburg, Va.; Jered Lyons ‘08, Silver Spring, Md., director of athletics and basketball coach at Washington Adventist University; and Dr. Todd Weaver ‘87, orthodontist and distance runner. 

COLOR RUN

Front Lawn Fountain, 2 p.m.

Who's ready to get colorful?! All ages and abilities can walk, run, and jump through clouds of all colors! Bound through billows of blue. Gallop through gusts of green. And make your way through mystical masses of magenta. A single loop of the course is roughly 1 mile, but you can always go twice. Plus, it's FREE for everyone! No registration required. Just lace up those running shoes, rock up in a white shirt, and let the fun commence!

FALL FESTIVAL ACTIVITIES

Front lawn, 3 - 6:30 p.m.

Fun for all ages! Bring blankets and lawn chairs, listen to live music, eat dinner from local food trucks and enjoy the fall setting. Other activities include yard games, inflatables, photo booth and time to mingle. See highlighted activities below.

Li’l Royals’ Zone

Kids will have a blast playing games, sliding down inflatables, getting their faces painted, etc. An addition this year is a 3:15 p.m. field trip to Parkwoods to pet goats! Meet at the sign in the Li'l Royals' zone.

Local food trucks

Sample the Shenandoah Valley with a tasty tour of local food trucks, including Smokin’ Q, Kline's, Scotty's Italian Ice, Mashita, Corndog Company and Grilled Cheese Mania. Pay on location for individual items.

BSA, LSA and APISA alumni and current students tailgate party

BSA, LSA and APISA alumni, students and parents tailgate party! Join for some good vibes, good food, fellowship and of course bumpin' music! Contact Celeste Thomas at celeste.thomas@emu.edu.

Special EMU photo booth

Take pictures with friends at our specially designed photo booth. #EMURoyalHomecoming

Concert

Front lawn (rain location is University Commons, Yoder Arena), 4 - 5:30 p.m. Gates open at 3 p.m.

Sit on the front lawn (bring a chair or blanket) and enjoy the view and company of friends and alumni. This year's featured entertainment is Girl Named Tom, the 2021 winners of NBC's The Voice.

A limited number of day-of-show tickets will be made available on a first-come, first-served basis in person only at the box office between 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday. Tickets are $20 for general admission and $10 for students.  

Alumni and parent reception tent

Visit our reception tent between 2 - 4 p.m. to chat with alumni and parent council members and enter to win prizes.

MEN'S SOCCER VS. VIRGINIA WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY

Turf Field, 4 p.m.

YPCA (Y-SERVE) 100-YEAR CELEBRATION DINNER*

West Dining Room, 5:45 - 6:45 p.m., $13

The YPCA officially launched in 1922 and is the longest running student organization on campus. All people eager to celebrate the centennial of the YPCA (or Y-Serve) are welcome to this celebration dinner and program featuring sharing memories, stories and reflections around the table, connecting with Y leaders through the years, displaying items and photos from the archives, and more.

WOMEN'S SOCCER VS. WASHINGTON AND LEE UNIVERSITY

Turf Field, 7 p.m.

BONFIRE

East of the Turf Field at conclusion of women's soccer game

WRITERS READ - MARSHALL KING '92 - "DISARMED, THE RADICAL LIFE AND LEGACY OF MJ SHARP" 

Common Grounds, University Commons 270, 7 p.m.

Come hear Marshall discuss his book which tells the story of Michael "MJ" Sharp '05, whose commitment to peace and peacebuilding led him to work with Mennonite Central Committee and the United Nations in Germany and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

CINEMATIC THEATER PRESENTATION -BONHOEFFER: CELL 92

MainStage Theater, 7 p.m., Adults $15, Senior Citizens (65+) $12; non-EMU Students and children $12; free for EMU students

Bonhoeffer: Cell 92 depicts the life of German dissident and theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who was imprisoned and murdered for his opposition to Hitler and the Nazi regime in World War II. Written and produced by professors Jerry Holsopple '80 and Justin Poole. Tickets may be purchased through the EMU box office: emu.edu/box-office/.

Sunday, October 9

EMU HOMECOMING WORSHIP SERVICE

Lehman Auditorium, 10:30 a.m.

AWARD RECIPIENT LUNCHEON (INVITATION ONLY)

Seminary Building, Martin Chapel, noon

Monday, October 10

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION ANNUAL COUNCIL MEETING 

Campus Center, 301-302, 8 a.m. (breakfast included)