Join us for Homecoming and Family Weekend, Oct 13-16, 2023
Schedule updated weekly!
Weekend 2023 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, prices will increase on all events after 8 a.m.
on Friday, Oct. 6.
Friday, October 13
PROSPECTIVE STUDENT VISITATION - New Location!
University Commons 121, Admissions Office
Prospective students and families are welcome to visit - please register beforehand. Hour-long tours are offered throughout the day at 9:05 a.m., 10:35 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2:40 p.m.
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 - New Location!
University Commons 100 (Main Entrance Lobby), 9:30 a.m. - 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.
JUBILEE ALUMNI PROGRAM AND LUNCHEON* (CLASSES 1950 – 1973)
Seminary Building, Martin Chapel, 11:30 a.m., $25.25
Gather with alumni who attended EMU 50 or more years ago and enjoy a program, induction of the class of 1973 and lunch.
CAMPUS TOUR*
University Commons 100 (Main Entrance Lobby), 1:30 p.m.
See recently renovated spaces, Suter Science Center and areas in University Commons (new Student Union, Common Grounds and Admissions Office), Construction on the Track & Field, and a general tour of campus.
ART SHOW OPENING AND RECEPTION - Solace of Silence
Margaret Martin Gehman Gallery, University Commons, 4 - 5 p.m.
Featuring JMU professor Dymphna de Wild.
For the last four years, I have been creating handbound books as a record keeping
of my thoughts. I write, draw, paint and collage in them, while working in silence,
listening and breathing. They nourish my imagination and bring me to another world;
they have become my survival mechanism.
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: AN EVENING WITH
MADELINE BENDER*
Lehman Auditorium, 8 p.m.
Adults $10 advanced, $15 at the door, EMU student ID or 12 and under - free
Come for a fun-filled evening of wonderful music-making and merriment. This concert
will feature acclaimed soprano Madeline Bender '93 in collaboration with several EMU
ensembles. Madeline and company will perform a variety of selections ranging from
beloved opera arias and classics of The Great American Songbook, to entertaining musical sketch comedy.
This is an evening you will not want to miss!
Saturday, October 14
PROSPECTIVE STUDENT VISITATION - New Location!
University Commons 121, Admissions Office
Prospective students and families are welcome to visit - please register beforehand. Hour-long tours are offered throughout the day at 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
INFORMATION AND WELCOME CENTER -New Location!
University Commons 100 (Main Entrance Lobby), 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.
OPENING HOMECOMING CELEBRATION BREAKFAST*
University Commons, Yoder Arena Courts B & C, 8:30 - 9:50 a.m., $20.50
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.
Alumni Award winners: Alum of the Year, Andy Dula '91; Outstanding Young Alum, Basil Marin '10; and Distinguished Service alumni, Paul and Lisa Zendt Shelly '89.
EMU Athletics Hall of Honor awardees: catcher/infielder Miranda White Terry ‘08, pitcher Jamie Fraysher Runner ‘09, mid-distance runner Luke Yoder ‘08, and the 2003 women’s basketball team.
COMMON GROUNDS COFFEEHOUSE - New Location!
University Commons 270, Common Grounds, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
EMU SWAG SHOP New!
University Commons 100 (Main entrance lobby), 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
You asked for it! EMU swag available for purchase at the kiosk near the Homecoming Information and Welcome table.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION DIALOGUE
University Commons 178, Black Box Theater, 10-11:15 a.m.
Belonging Together with Alumni and Families: 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.
LIFELONG LEARNING OPTIONS AND PROGRAM GATHERINGS (OPEN TO EVERYONE)*
See locations below, 10- 11:15 a.m.
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Center for Interfaith Engagement
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Teacher Education Gathering and the Jesse T. Byler Series
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Hall of Honor Ceremony
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Haverim Event / Speaker
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History, Political Science and Pre-Law
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Business and Leadership Program Event
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Nursing Program
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Suter Science Seminar followed by STEM majors update
Science Center 106
This event will be live streamed on EMU Facebook Live. Facebook Live Link
The STEM programs will host a Suter Science Seminar. Featured speaker is Hannah Daley '17. She is a PhD Graduate Student Researcher at the University of Maryland in the Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Science.Using Aircraft Observations to Address Critical Concerns in Climate Change and Air Quality
What is with the fires this year? Should we be concerned about methane emissions from the rise in natural gas production? Do some neighborhoods have worse air quality than others? Air quality and climate change play vital, interconnected roles impacting the earth and the human condition. In this seminar, we will highlight the application of aircraft measurements of greenhouse gases and pollutants in addressing these critical concerns.
Hannah M. Daley earned a dual bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and Environmental Sustainability from Eastern Mennonite University in 2017. After working at EMU as an admissions counselor, she went back to school to pursue her PhD in Atmospheric and Oceanic Science at the University of Maryland. Advised by Dr. Russell Dickerson, Hannah is actively involved with collecting in-situ aircraft measurements of greenhouse gases and air quality pollutants. Her research focuses on greenhouse gas flux estimates from oil and natural gas operations in Colorado, and evaluates the impact of transported smoke on photochemical smog and aerosol optical properties. In her free time, Hannah enjoys playing intramural sports and obsessing over her pup, Jane.
Following the seminar, there will be brief updates from EMU's STEM programs.
CHILDCARE AND CHILDREN'S ACTIVITIES* 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Pizza and snacks provided. Please register each child.
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.
CLASS of '58 Zoom Reunion
10 a.m. - A Zoom link will be sent to all registrants closer to the date.
MILESTONE REUNION PROFESSIONAL PHOTOS - Classes of '73 (50 years), '98 (25 years) and '13 (10 years)
UPDATED RAIN LOCATIONS
Class of '73 inside Martin Chapel, 11:30 a.m.
Classes of '93 and '13 will mett at the University Commons, 11:40 p.m.
CLASS REUNIONS AND LUNCH*
11:30 a.m.-1:00p.m. (11:45 a.m. for classes of '73, '98 and '13)
Off campus:
- Class of ‘63 - Cline Community Center, Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community
1320 Woodland Park, Harrisonburg, VA 22802. Pay at the door.
EMU Dining Hall, Northlawn:
- Class of ‘68 - West Dining Room, Buffet in Room, $21
Martin Chapel, Seminary Building
- Class of '73 - 50-year reunion, $22.75
Reunion lunch gatherings in University Commons Lower Level, Gym (Courts B&C), $24 (vegetarian and gluten-free options available) Join all alumni for a tasty lunch followed by your class reunion at locations still to be determined 11:30 a.m.-1:00p.m.:
- Class of ‘78, 45 yr. - University Commons, Room 177
- Class of ‘83, 40 yr. - University Commons, Room 176
- Class of ‘88, 35 yr. -University Commons, Room 212
- Class of ‘93, 30 yr. - University Commons, Room 124
- Class of ‘98, 25 yr. - University Commons, Room 222
- Class of ‘03, 20 yr. - University Commons, Room 211
- Class of ‘08, 15 yr. - University Commons, Gym Court B & C
- Class of '13, 10 yr. - Campus Center, Room 105, Strite Conference Suite
- Class of '18 - 5-yr. Reunion* Sage Bird Ciderworks, 325 N. Liberty St., Downtown Harrisonburg, 6 - 8 p.m. Class of 2018 will meet at Sage Bird Ciderworks for an evening of catching up. Registration required.
Not your reunion anniversary year? Register for lunch and visit with other Alumni
in the Gym.
FAMILY 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.
TAILGATE*
12 p.m.-till end of Men's Soccer Game $25 a spot
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.
FIELD HOCKEY VS. ROANOKE COLLEGE
12 p.m.
AFFINITY GATHERINGS*
1-2 p.m.
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Common Grounds Alumni Event - New Common Grounds Past CG baristas and managers are invited to take a tour of the new shop and stir up some memories by making a free drink.
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Chamber Singers alumni event - Lehman AuditoriumIf 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.
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Safe Space Gathering - Drop in and hear what's happening at EMU and share what you are up to! University Commons, east end of 2nd floor, across from Student Life Suite. Look for the flags!
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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! University Commons parking lot. Starts at 1 p.m. Contact Celeste Thomas at celeste.thomas@emu.edu.
EMUTENTALKS | IMPACT. INFLUENCE. INSPIRE.
Science Center 106, 2 p.m.
Alumni featured are singer Madeline Bender ‘93, runner Ryan Gehman ‘16 and leader Kevin Ressler ‘07. Each will give a 10-minute talk and then answer questions, a format based on the popular TED Talks.
WOMEN'S SOCCER VS. ROANOKE COLLEGE
3 p.m.
ROYAL WOMEN GATHERING
University Commons, President's Reception Room, 3-4:00 p.m.
Royal Women of EMU inspire visible leadership, bold investments, and empowering networks to impact EMU's future. Join us to learn more about this exciting new development!
'03 20-yr. Reunion
Ice House (Pale Fire), 217 S. Liberty St., Downtown Harrisonburg, 3-4:30 p.m.
Class of 2003 will meet at Pale Fire for an afternoon of catching up, please RSVP through your FaceBook group page.
FALL FESTIVAL ACTIVITIES *LOCATION CHANGE - University Commons
*University Commons, 3 - 6:30 p.m.
Fun for all ages! Join us for a full line up of things to do inside University Commons for Fall Fest. Listen to live music, eat dinner from local food trucks and plan to stay a while. Other activities include yard games, inflatables, photo booth and time to mingle. See highlighted activities below.
Li’l Royals’ Zone - Yoder Arena, Courts B&C
Kids will have a blast playing games, multiple inflatables, meeting Herm, other kids activities, etc.
Local food trucks - Northeast end of University Commons outside athletic entrance
Bring your appitite as we feature these local eateries. The Corn Dog Company, Grilled
Cheese Mania, Kline's Dairy Bar, Mashita, and Scotty's Homemade Italian Ice will be
available for food purchases.
3 - 6:30 p.m.
BSA, LSA and APISA alumni and current students tailgate party - University Commons lower level
BSA, LSA and APISA alumni, students and parents tailgate party! Join for some good vibes, good food, fellowship and of course bumpin' music! University Commons parking lot. Noon - 3 p.m. Contact Celeste Thomas at celeste.thomas@emu.edu.
Special EMU photo booth - Yoder Arena Court B&C
Take pictures with friends at our specially designed photo booth. #EMURoyalHomecoming
Alumni and parent reception table - Yoder Arena Court B&C
Visit our reception table between 3 - 6 p.m. to chat with alumni and parent council members and win prizes.
Concert - Premiere Band - University Commons, Common Grounds upper level
University Commons, Common Grounds, 4 - 6 p.m.
Come enjoy a concert by Premiere Band, a high-energy variety band based out of Richmond, Va. They play a wide variety of music, including Motown/soul, today's hottest hits, classic rock, country, jazz, and music from the 50s through the 90s.
CELEBRATING ROLAND LANDES LEGACY
University Commons, Athletic Suite, 4 p.m.
You are cordially invited to attend a special gathering to celebrate Roland Landes, EMU's most successful coach of Men's Cross-C ountry and Track & Field, and his remarkable legacy. Come learn about a new initiative to honor Roland's legacy and cross the finish line on fundraising for the New Track & Field complex
MEN'S SOCCER VS. FERRUM COLLEGE
6 p.m.
BONFIRE
East of the Turf Field at conclusion men's soccer game. Weather and conditions permitted.
LGBTQ+ ADVISORY BOARD: AN INITIAL CONVERSATION*
University Commons 177 (Previous Common Grounds), 6 - 7:30 p.m.
The EMU DEI and alumni are hoping to convene an advisory board of LGBTQ+ Alum and allies to examine LGBTQ+ issues and to provide guidance for EMU moving forward. If this sounds exciting, join us for a facilitated conversation at the 2023 Homecoming. The Office of DEI will provide refreshments and appetizers.
'18 5-yr. Reunion*
Sage Bird Ciderworks, 325 N. Liberty St., Downtown Harrisonburg, 6 - 8 p.m.
Class of 2018 will meet at Sage Bird Ciderworks for an evening of catching up, registration required.
WRITERS READ with KATE BAER
Lehman Auditorium, 7:30p.m. General seating. Books will be for sale as well as a book signing. Doors will open at 6:30p.m.
Conversation with poet Kate Baer '07, 3x New York Times Best-selling Author. Kate Baer is the 3x New York Times bestselling author of What Kind Of Woman, I Hope This Finds You Well, & And Yet. Her work has also been published in The New Yorker, Literary Hub, Huffington Post and The New York Times.
Sunday, October 15
EMU HOMECOMING WORSHIP SERVICE
Lehman Auditorium, 10:00 a.m.
Join us as we conclude Homecoming Weekend together with song, fellowship, and testimonies from our award winners. All are welcome to attend.
AWARD RECIPIENT LUNCHEON (INVITATION ONLY)
Seminary Building, Martin Chapel, 11:30 a.m.
Monday, October 16
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION ANNUAL COUNCIL MEETING
Campus Center, 301-302, 8 a.m. (breakfast included)
