Please stay tuned for the most up-to-date information!!
Thursday, October 8, 2026
WRITER'S READ
Seminary Building - Martin Chapel
7 p.m.-9 p.m.
Patricia Grace King was a faculty member here in the early-2000s and has since gone
on to be a celebrated writer; her recent book "Those Who Vanish" recently won the 2026 Drue Heinz Literature Prize. Esther Harder was one of her students
and will be interviewing Patricia during the event; Esther is now a book coach for
many successful writers
Friday, October 9, 2026
COMMON GROUNDS COFFEEHOUSE
University Commons 270
7:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
EMU’s student-run campus gathering place for coffee and conversation.
REGISTRATION DESK
Seminary Building - main entrance lobby
9 a.m.-2 p.m.
A check-in station for Friday events, information on weekend events, name badges,
and tickets.
GOLDEN ALUMNI REGISTRATION & MIXER
(REUNION CLASSES 1976 & EARLIER)
Seminary Building - Martin Chapel
10:30-11:15 a.m.
This prelude to the Golden Alumni Luncheon includes a check-in for name tags and a
chance to mingle with friends.
GOLDEN ALUMNI LUNCHEON* 
(REUNION CLASSES 1976 & EARLIER)
Seminary Building - Martin Chapel
11:30 a.m-1:30 p.m.
This gathering of alumni who attended EMU 50 or more years ago includes a program,
induction of the class of ‘76, and lunch. Tickets: $25. Registration required.
CLASS OF 1981 REUNION*
University Commons - Student Union
2 p.m-4 p.m.
Celebration for alumni from the Class of 1981. Refreshments provided. Tickets $10.
RSVP requested.
CLASS OF 1971 REUNION*
Campus Center - Greeting Hall
2 p.m-4 p.m.
Celebration for alumni from the Class of 1971. Refreshments provided. Tickets $10.
RSVP requested.
CLASS OF 1966 REUNION*
Seminary Building - 202
2 p.m-4 p.m.
Celebration for alumni from the Class of 1966. Refreshments provided. Tickets $10.
RSVP requested.
ROYAL GALA OF GRATITUDE*
(BY INVITE ONLY)
University Commons - Yoder Arena
5-7 p.m.
Enjoy great food and conversation at the annual Donor Appreciation Banquet, honoring
this years Alumni Award winners and celebrating the generosity of our supporters.
A CAPPELLA COLLECTIVE*
Lehman Auditorium
7:30 p.m
A collaboration of local a cappella groups for EMU’s Homecoming Weekend. Tickets $15.
RSVP requested.
Saturday, October 10
BREAKFAST
Dining Hall
7:30-9:30 a.m.
Fellow friends and alumni reminisce over breakfast at “the Caf.” Pay at the door.
REGISTRATION DESK
University Commons - first floor
8:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
A check-in station for Saturday events, information on weekend events, name badges,
and tickets.
PROSPECTIVE STUDENT VISITATION
University Commons 121 - Admissions Office
9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Prospective students and families can catch an hour-long tour during the day. Registration
preferred at emu.edu/admissions/campus-visit/daily.
COMMON GROUNDS COFFEEHOUSE
University Commons 270
9 a.m.-2 p.m.
EMU’s student-run campus gathering place for coffee and conversation.
FOOD TRUCKS
Thomas Plaza - Front Lawn
12-6 p.m.
Enjoy delicious food from Tacos El Primo, Grilled Cheese Mania, Cantrea's BBQ, and
Branches Soft Served Icecream.
WOMEN'S FIELD HOCKEY v. WASHINGTON & LEE UNIVERSITY
Turf Field
1 p.m.
Come cheer on our Royals as they take on Washington and Lee at the Turf Field! Can't
make it to the stands, or want to make an even bigger impact? Click GIVE to donate to EMU Athletics and support our student-athletes today!
PLANETARIUM VIEWING #1*
Suter Science Center - 101
1:15-2 p.m.
Experience a short planetarium demonstration that showcases the capstone project of
recent engineering graduates. RSVP requested: Seating is strictly limited to 40 people, so reserve your spot today!
ALUMNI BASEBALL GAME
Baseball Field
2 p.m.
Join us for a beloved Annual Alumni Baseball Game—a chance for alumni to reconnect,
relive memories, and celebrate our baseball legacy. Click GIVE to donate to EMU Athletics and support our student-athletes today!
TENTALKS BY THE ALUMNI AWARDEES
Seminary Building - Martin Chapel
2-3 p.m.
Alumni awardees give 10-minute talks and take questions in a TED-style format. This
year's alumni awardees are Jonathon Kirk Livers '21, Alum of the Year, Cynthia Lapp '86, Distinguished Alum, Eric Brubaker '01 and Trent Wagler '02, Outstanding Young Alums!
PLANETARIUM VIEWING #2*
Seminary Building - Martin Chapel
3-3:45 p.m.
Experience a short planetarium demonstration that showcases the capstone project of
recent engineering graduates. RSVP requested: Seating is strictly limited to 40 people, so reserve your spot today!
UNIVERSITY OUTPOST
Turf Field
3 p.m.
Stop by the University Outpost to grab all your favorite EMU swag and apparel. Whether
you’re looking for a fresh hoodie, a game-day tee, or the perfect alumni souvenir,
we’ve got you covered. Show your Royal pride in style!
ROYAL CITY CELEBRATION*
Thomas Plaza/Front Lawn
4-6 p.m
The Royal City Celebration is officially taking over Thomas Plaza and the Front Lawn,
and it’s shaping up to be our biggest Homecoming gathering yet! All alumni, affinity
groups, students, faculty, staff, and friends are invited to join the fun. We're bringing
you the best local food trucks, endless entertainment, and a spectacular live performance by EMU's very own The Steel Wheels! Come hungry, bring your energy, and let's celebrate together. Tickets $35. RSVP requested.
MEN'S SOCCER v. UNIVERSITY OF LYNCHBURG
Turf Field
4 p.m.
Cheer on our Royals as they take on Washington and Lee at the Turf Field! Can't make
it to the stands, or want to make an even bigger impact? Click GIVE to donate to EMU Athletics and support our student-athletes today!
WOMEN'S SOCCER v. RANDOLPH COLLEGE
Turf Field
7 p.m.
Cheer on our Royals as they take on Washington and Lee at the Turf Field! Can't make
it to the stands, or want to make an even bigger impact? Click GIVE to donate to EMU Athletics and support our student-athletes today!
BONFIRE (WEATHER AND CONDITIONS PERMITTING)
East of Turf Field at conclusion of field hockey game
HOCO "6's" AND "1's" AFTER-PARTY*
(REUNION CLASSES 1986-2021)
Capital Ale House - 41-A Court Square, Harrisonburg, VA
7:30-9:30 p.m.
Registration required for this event celebrating the classes of 1986, 1991, 1996, 2001, 2006, 2011, 2016, and 2021. Tickets: $25. RSVP requested.
CLASS OF 2021 - 5th REUNION After AFTER PARTY*
The Home of 2021 Alum Douglas Nester - Address will be given upon RSVP
9:30 p.m.
Keep the celebration going at the home of Douglas Nester (’21)! This exclusive hangout
is tailored specifically for the classes of 2016–2026. Come mingle with recent grads,
swap stories, and celebrate a decade of Royals!
Sunday, October 11
HOMECOMING WORSHIP SERVICE
Seminary Building - Martin Chapel
10 a.m.
Join us for a reflective and meaningful worship service led by Dr. Benjamin Bergey,
assistant professor of music and the EMU Chamber Singers.
*Registration required Livestream available on YouTube
Schedule is subject to change.
