EMU alumni are in for a pre-Christmas present this year.
Eastern Mennonite University (EMU) has announced that Saturday, Dec. 19, is Alumni Appreciation Day at the basketball doubleheader in Yoder Arena. The women play Hood College at 1 p.m. that afternoon, followed directly by the men hosting Messiah College at 3 p.m.
Besides free admission for alumni, the day will feature door prizes and giveaways, catered hors d’oeuvres, and the debut of EMU’s pep band. Jeff Shank, EMU’s director of alumni and parent engagement, said it will be a fun event for everyone.
“The Alumni Engagement Office wants our alumni to know that they are appreciated for representing us in their communities and for supporting us financially,” Shank explained. “This special event is one way for us to say ‘thank you’ and provide a chance for our alumni to connect with each other and back to the university. And we need alumni to cheer us on given that our students will be on break!”
Outside of all the special activity in Yoder Arena, alumni will be able to visit the President’s Reception Room in University Commons in between the women’s and men’s games for a time of catered hors d’oeuvres, from approximately 2:15 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. Afterwards, there will be an informal alumni gathering at Union Station from 5-7 p.m.
Herm, the school’s mascot, will also be present at the games and available for pictures.
Director of Athletics Dave King said that while alumni may find things have changed around campus over the years, some things have remained unchanged, such as young men and women taking advantage of opportunities through their participation in athletics to develop life skills and prepare to serve and lead in a global context.