World-renowned entertainment, concerts, theater performances, food trucks, Royals athletics in action, and learning opportunities — alumni, parents, and students are invited to join Eastern Mennonite University’s celebration of Homecoming and Family Weekend Oct. 7-9, 2022.
“This year’s event includes some new celebrations to highlight our alumni award and Hall of Honor recipients, and we’re thrilled to announce Girl Named Tom as our special concert guests,” said Jennifer North Bauman, director of alumni and parent relations. “Along with athletic events, our Fall Festival on the lawn, and TenTalks, you’re sure to find something to appeal to everyone in your family. Join us!”
Visitors can also get a look at University Commons renovations, including the new Admissions space located in the heart of campus adjacent to Yoder Arena.
The Homecoming website is your complete source for events, updates, and registration.
Read more about EMU’s alumni award winners:
Camila Pandolfi ‘12, Dr. Joseph Gascho ‘68 and Amy Rosenberger ‘85.
EMU Athletics will recognize Distinguished Service Award recipient Mike Downey, former athletic trainer, as well as two Hall of Honor awardees, the 2010 basketball team and pitcher Lisa Lee Senger ‘12. Read more about these recipients.
Look for the Facebook icon that denotes a livestreamed event. Go to the EMU Facebook page to view these events; recordings will also be available after the event. You do not need a Facebook account to view the livestream.
Athletics events will be streamed through the emuroyals.com website.
Here’s a few highlights of the weekend. See the full schedule for more details.
Friday
–Homecoming is the traditional gathering and welcome for the Jubilee Alumni, those who have graduated 50 years ago or more. The afternoon program and luncheon welcomes the induction of the Class of 1972.
—Derrick Chirinos ‘19 is the featured artist in the Margaret Martin Gehman Gallery. Join the reception to hear about and view his photography at 4 p.m. The gallery is also open all weekend.
—Ryan Kauffman ‘97, alto saxophonist and composer, will be the special guest during the evening’s traditional Celebration Concert. He will join the EMU Jazz Band. Tickets are $10/$15 at the door, and free for EMU students.
Saturday
–The Homecoming Celebration Breakfast celebrates alumni award and Hall of Honor recipients.
–The 10 a.m. Department Gatherings are double-billed as Lifelong Learning Opportunities. Take your pick in an area of interest, from interfaith engagement to education, Haverim, business and leadership, and more. This time slot also includes the Suter Science Seminar with Dr. Rolando L. Santiago ‘79, chief of behavioral health and crisis services with Montgomery County, Maryland.
–Classes ending in 2 and 7 will be celebrating reunions and reconnecting over lunch.
–From 1-2 p.m., several special Affinity Gatherings are hosting get-togethers. Those who were active with YPCA are invited to a Centennial drop-in gathering. Other groups include alumni who were honored as Cords of Distinction recipients and those who performed with Chamber Singers. The Ireland 2022 Alumni and Friends tour group is also hosting a reunion.
—This year’s TenTalks highlights former athletes at EMU reflecting on influences and inspirations from their time as Royals. See them on MainStage Theater at 2 p.m. Speakers are (above, from left) 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.
—Fall Festival from 3-6:30 p.m. Claim a spot on the lawn to listen to Girl Named Tom, the 2021 winners of NBC’s The Voice. Tickets may be purchased through the EMU box office: emu.edu/box-office/. Inflatables and fun for children. Food trucks and tailgating.
—Bonhoeffer: Cell 92 will be performed on the MainStage Theater at 7 p.m. Read more. Adults $15, senior citizens (65+) $12; non-EMU students and children $12; free for EMU students.
Sunday
–The traditional worship service will be at 10:30 a.m. with music, liturgy and alumni award honorees.
