This story was last updated on Oct. 10.
Herm is sending out his Royal roar, calling all EMU alumni, family, friends, students, and community members, both near and far, back to campus for Homecoming 2025 from Oct. 10-12.
This year’s lineup of events offers something for everyone, from the Royal City Celebration with local food trucks and live music, to an evening of a capella, and a pair of planetarium shows. That’s not to mention all the program and affinity gatherings, alumni and athletic awards, athletic events, TenTalks, and more!
The homecoming website is your complete source for events, updates, and registration. The deadline to register for those events marked with an asterisk (*) is Oct. 1.
EMU’s alumni award winners and TenTalks presenters are:
Jess King ’96, Brittany Caine-Conley ’14, and Fabrice Guerrier MA ’15 (conflict transformation).
EMU Athletics will recognize four Hall of Honor inductees:
athletic events coordinator Phil Guengerich ’70, volleyball middle blocker Justin Reesor ‘10, soccer forward Mitchell Leap ’12, and basketball center David Falk ’15.
Look for the ⓕ and ▶️ icons that denote a livestreamed event available on the EMU Facebook and YouTube pages. You do not need an account to view these events.
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, Oct. 10
Golden Alumni Luncheon*ⓕ ▶️
11:30 a.m-1:30 p.m.
Martin Chapel (Seminary Building)
Alumni who attended EMU 50 or more years ago (classes of 1975 and earlier) will gather for a program and luncheon that includes the induction of the class of ’75. Tickets are $25.
A Walk Down Memory Lane*
2-3 p.m.
Outdoor steps of Martin Chapel
This guided campus tour features stops at historic and modern spaces, including the new Track & Field Complex and recently renovated Student Union, Common Grounds Coffeehouse, and Admissions Office.
| Friday’s reunions | Saturday’s reunions |
| Classes of ’65 and ’70* 2-4 p.m. Tickets are $10 Class of ’75*ⓕ ▶️ 2-4 p.m. Martin Chapel Class of ’80* 2-4 p.m. Tickets are $10 | Class of ’95* 4-6 p.m. Sage Bird Ciderworks (325 N. Liberty St., Harrisonburg) HoCo “5s & 0s” After-Party* (Classes of 1985, 1990, 1995, 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2020) 8:30-10:30 p.m. Capital Ale House (41-A Court Square, Harrisonburg) Tickets are $20 |
A Capella Celebration*ⓕ ▶️
7:30 p.m.
Lehman Auditorium
Enjoy an evening of music with a special collaboration of local a capella groups. Tickets are $10.
Saturday, Oct. 11
Homecoming Kickoff Celebration ⓕ ▶️
9-9:45 a.m.
Lehman Auditorium
Kick off the day with a welcome from Interim President Rev. Dr. Shannon Dycus, live music, and tasty treats.
Hall of Honor Ceremony
10-11 a.m.
MainStage Theater (University Commons 170)
Celebrate the 2025 Hall of Honor inductees: athletic events coordinator Phil Guengerich ‘70, volleyball middle blocker Justin Reesor ’10, soccer forward Mitchell Leap ’12, and basketball center David Falk ’15.
COLOR RUN CANCELLED
Interim President Meet-And-Greet
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Campus Center greeting hall
Connect with EMU’s new interim president, Rev. Dr. Shannon Dycus, at this meet-and-greet.
| Gatherings and celebrations Social Work Alumni Gathering Noon-1:30 p.m. The Great Lounge (Northlawn 1st Floor) Celebrate the 50th anniversary of EMU’s social work program and the tenure of Professor Deanna Durham. Every Nation Campus Gathering Noon-1:30 p.m. Old Common Grounds (University Commons 177) This gathering with ENC features pizza, games, and the word of God! Middle East Intercultural 50th Anniversary 12:30-1:30 p.m. Strite and Brunk Maust Lounge (Campus Center 105) Celebrate the remarkable 50-year legacy of faculty-led interculturals to the Middle East. WCSC/WSSY 50th Anniversary Celebration 1-3 p.m. University Commons Student Union Alumni of EMU’s D.C. program gather together to celebrate its 50-year legacy and future impact. |
| Athletic events (all on the EMU turf field) Women’s Soccer vs. Sweet Briar Noon Men’s Soccer vs. Randolph 3 p.m. Women’s Field Hockey vs. Roanoke 6 p.m. A bonfire, weather and conditions permitting, will be held east of the turf field at the conclusion of the field hockey game. |
Planetarium Viewings*
Discovery Room (Suter Science Center 101)
12:30-1:15 p.m. and 1:15-2 p.m.
Explore the cosmos with a demonstration of EMU’s planetarium projector, which was restored this spring by a group of 2025 engineering graduates for their senior capstone project.
EMU TenTalks ⓕ ▶️
1:30-2:30 p.m.
Martin Chapel
Prepare to be impacted, influenced, and inspired at this annual event, modeled after the world-famous TED Talks. For the first time in Homecoming history, this year’s TenTalks features EMU’s three alumni award winners—visionary artist and futurist Fabrice Guerrier MA ’15 (conflict transformation), organizer Brittany Caine-Conley ’14, and leader Jess King ’96—who will be sharing their stories for 10 minutes each with a Q&A at the end.
Royal City Celebration
3-7 p.m.
Thomas Plaza and the Front Lawn
After a successful debut at last year’s Homecoming, this crowd favorite is back! All alumni and affinity groups are invited to the weekend’s largest gathering, featuring entertainment, live music from the Richmond-based Premiere Band, local food trucks, and plenty of fun.
| Need more EMU gear? Stop by the EMU pop-up swag shop from 3 to 7 p.m., Saturday, at Thomas Plaza. |
Sunday, Oct. 12
Homecoming Worship Service ⓕ ▶️
10 a.m.
Martin Chapel
Dr. Benjamin Bergey, associate professor of music at EMU, leads worship in this reflective and meaningful service featuring music from the EMU Chamber Singers.
*Registration required
ⓕ ▶️ Livestream available on Facebook and YouTube
I’m trying to reply online to my invitation to the Royal Gala of Gratitude on October 10. I tried at your events@emu.edu but didn’t see a place to respond.
Please send this message to the proper office: I regret not being able to attend this sure-to-be-interesting event–as I did in years past when I lived in Virginia.
Nancy V. Lee (’52)