Alumni, parents and students and invited to celebrate Eastern Mennonite University’s Homecoming and Family Weekend Oct. 13-16, 2023. This year’s event includes a conversation with three-time New York Times bestselling author Kate Baer ‘07, a concert featuring acclaimed soprano Madeline Bender ’93, live music by Richmond-based Premiere Band and other Fall Festival activities, as well as program and affinity gatherings, alumni and athletic awards, athletic events, TenTalks, and more!
“We are excited about this year’s lineup,” said Jennifer North Bauman, director of alumni and parent engagement. “There is something for everyone to enjoy.”
The Homecoming website is your complete source for events, updates, and registration.
EMU’s alumni award winners are:
Andy Dula ‘91, Basil Marin ‘10, and Paul and Lisa Zendt Shelly ‘89.
EMU Athletics will recognize four 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.
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 are a few highlights of the weekend. See the full schedule for more details.
Friday
– Jubilee Alumni, those who have graduated 50 years ago or more, will gather for a program and luncheon that includes the induction of the class of 1973.
– Acclaimed soprano Madeline Bender ’93 will collaborate with several EMU ensembles to perform selections ranging from beloved opera arias and classics of the Great American Songbook to musical sketch comedy for the evening’s traditional Celebration Concert in Lehman Auditorium at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door, and free for EMU students and children 12 and under.
Saturday
– Recognizing Hall of Honor and alumni award winners, the Opening Homecoming Celebration Breakfast features the EMU JazzCombo and a welcome by President Susan Schultz Huxman.
– The 10 a.m. Program Gatherings are double-billed as Lifelong Learning Options. Take your pick in an area of interest—from interfaith engagement and education to the Hall of Honor ceremony to a Suter Science Seminar.
– Classes ending in 3 and 8 will celebrate reunions and reconnect over lunch.
– See Royals athletics in action on the Turf Field with Field Hockey vs. Roanoke College at noon, Women’s Soccer vs. Roanoke College at 3 p.m., and Men’s Soccer vs. Ferrum College at 6 p.m.
– From 1-2 p.m., several special Affinity Gatherings are hosting get-togethers. Groups include alumni who were honored as Cords of Distinction recipients, those who worked at Common Grounds, and those who performed with Chamber Singers. Black Student Alliance (BSA), Latino Student Alliance (LSA), and the Asian Pacific Islander Student Association (APISA) will hold a tailgating party for alumni, students and parents in the University Commons parking lot starting at 1 p.m.
– This year’s TenTalks features acclaimed soprano Madeline Bender ’93, runner Ryan Gehman ’16, and leader Kevin Ressler ’07 reflecting on a broad range of topics that will impact, influence, and inspire you.
– Fall Festival, from 3-6:30 p.m., features fun for all ages and includes live music, local food trucks, yard games, inflatables, a photo booth, and more!
– Writers Read with poet Kate Baer ’07, the three-time New York Times bestselling author of What Kind of Woman, I Hope This Finds You Well, and And Yet. Registration required for this event in the Mainstage Theater at 7:30 p.m. General seating.
Sunday
– A traditional worship service at 10:30 a.m. features music, liturgy and alumni award winners.
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