You’re invited! Homecoming and Inauguration Weekend is this week!

Ten is a number you’ll be seeing a lot at this year’s Homecoming and Inauguration Weekend, held this week.

EMU is celebrating the start of its 110th academic year. Its new leader, the Rev. Dr. Shannon W. Dycus, will be installed as the university’s 10th president at an investiture on Oct. 10 (that’s 10/10!) at 10 a.m. And that’s not to mention all the other events that rank a 10 out of 10.

Whether it’s class reunions, program and affinity gatherings, or the perennially popular TenTalks and Hall of Honor induction ceremony, everyone’s favorite Homecoming activities are back.

But with the addition of several inauguration events and a live performance by The Steel Wheels on the Front Lawn, this year’s lineup is even more special. 

Here are a few highlights of the weekend. See the full schedule at emu.edu/homecoming. 

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The homecoming website is your complete source for events, updates, and registration.

Look for the ▶️ icon that denotes a livestreamed event on the YouTube page. Athletic events will be streamed through emuroyals.com. 

*Registration required
◆Presidential Inauguration Event
▶️ Livestreamed on YouTube

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Friday, Oct. 9

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 1976 and earlier) will gather for a program and luncheon that includes remarks from President Dycus and the induction of the Class of ’76. Tickets are $25. 

The Inaugural Evening: An All-Black Affair◆
Presented exclusively by Everence
5-7 p.m.
Yoder Arena (University Commons)
This invitation-only appreciation event for donors, VIPs, and friends of EMU features student poetry, live jazz music, and heavy hors d’oeuvres.

Hall of Honor Ceremony*
7:30 p.m.
MainStage Theater (University Commons 170)
Celebrate the 2026 inductees of the EMU Athletic Hall of Honor: field hockey midfielder Sarah Roth Shank ’10, soccer center back Ryan Eshleman-Robles ’13, cross-country and track athlete Hannah Chappell-Dick ’16, and basketball forward Jess Rheinheimer Bishop ’16.

A Capella Collective*
8 p.m.
Lehman Auditorium
Enjoy an evening of music featuring a special collaboration of local a cappella groups, many of them led by EMU alumni. Tickets are $15.

Saturday, Oct. 10

Investiture of President Shannon W. Dycus◆
10 a.m.-noon
Yoder Arena
Celebrate the formal installation of EMU’s 10th president with a Presidential Address, musical selections, and the Prayer of Blessing.

Food Trucks
Noon-6 p.m.
Thomas Plaza and the Front Lawn
Enjoy delicious eats from Tacos El Primo, Grilled Cheese Mania, Catreas BBQ, and Branch’s Soft Serve Ice Cream.

TenTalks ▶️
2-3 p.m.
Martin Chapel
The recipients of EMU’s 2026 Alumni Awards share 10-minute talks and answer questions in a TED Talk-style format. This year’s presenters are Jonathan “Kirk” Livers ’11 (Outstanding Young Alum), Cynthia “Cindy” Lapp ’86 (Distinguished Service Award), and Eric Brubaker ’01 and Trent Wagler ’02 (Alumni of the Year). 

Royal City Celebration
4-6 p.m.
Thomas Plaza and the Front Lawn
Come hungry, bring your energy, and celebrate together at EMU’s biggest Homecoming gathering, featuring local food trucks, endless entertainment, and a spectacular live performance by The Steel Wheels! Ticket prices vary. RSVP requested.

Meet Me on the Quad: President’s Student Quad Party◆
9 p.m.
Woods Quad
President Dycus hosts a celebration for the student body.

Visit emu.edu/homecoming to learn about Saturday’s other events, including class reunions and after-parties, athletic events, planetarium viewings, the annual alumni baseball game, and when to stop by the Front Lawn for EMU gear.

Sunday, Oct. 11

Homecoming Worship Service ▶️
10 a.m. 
Martin Chapel
Dr. Benjamin Bergey and the Chamber Singers lead worship in this reflective and meaningful service.