Homecoming and Family Weekend events planned
"We Will Reign" is the 2017 homecoming theme, and a host of activities will mark this year's celebration. Most are open to the public and a number are free or low cost, although advance registration or tickets still may be required.
Numerous organizations and academic units are gathering across campus to welcome alumni home, stage award programs and hold special pregame tailgates Saturday, Oct. 14, to gear up for the 94th annual homecoming game, which will pit WMU against the University of Akron. In addition, the WMU Bookstore is offering discounts to alumni during homecoming weekend.
Family members of WMU students can purchase tickets at a discount using the Family Weekend promotion code, FAMILY, at wmich.edu/families/weekend. WMU students get into athletic events for free with their Bronco Card.
Details about most student homecoming activities are posted at wmich.edu/studentengagement/homecoming, and alumni activities are posted at mywmu.com/homecoming. The campuswide calendar at wmich.edu/news/events lists both, as well as various other events.
Monday through Thursday, Oct. 9-12
- Bronco Spirit Cup Competition—Teams register by Sunday, Oct. 8, at wmich.edu/studentengagement/homecoming to compete and see who has the most Bronco spirit. The competition includes a variety of activities geared toward students but also open to faculty and staff such as tug of war in Gabel Natatorium, a three-on-three basketball tournament at the Student Recreation Center and the Homecoming Block Party at the Miller Plaza.
- Voting for homecoming king and queen takes place Monday, Oct. 9, through Friday, Oct. 13; winners will be announced during the football game on Saturday, Oct. 14. Students can sign in to vote online at wmich.campuslabs.com/engage.
Thursday, Oct. 12
- The College of Education and Human Development Alumni Society—Annual Golden Apple and Keystone Alumni Awards reception and dinner, 5:30 p.m., Fetzer Center. Golden Apple Award winners are Dr. Dennis McCrumb, WMU program coordinator of Educational Leadership, and Dr. Richard Sanchez, president, Navarro College. Keystone Alumni Award honorees are Dr. Gerald Juhnke, senior associate dean, University of Texas San Antonio Graduate School, and Floyd Wilson, chief operation officer, Cancer and Hematology Centers of West Michigan.
Friday, Oct. 13
- Distinguished Alumni Awards reception—Presentation event for WMU's top alumni honor, 6:30 p.m., Bernhard Center. Honorees are Jeanne H. Carlson, a retired Blue Care Network of Michigan president and CEO, and Birgit M. Klohs, CEO of The Right Place Inc., the regional economic development organization for Grand Rapids and the West Michigan region. Tickets are $45 per person.
Saturday, Oct. 14
- WMU Homecoming Stampede Tailgate—Fun and entertainment for the whole family, 12:30 p.m., Parking Lot 1 off Oakland Drive. Included will be specialty tailgate areas such as those for Family Weekend and the Haworth College of Business Pancake Breakfast from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Canceled due to inclement weather. - Football game—WMU versus the University of Akron, 3:30 p.m., Waldo Stadium. Fans are encouraged to wear gold to the game to create a "gold out." Those looking to purchase something gold can get the official game day T-shirt in person or online at the WMU Bookstore. The Bronco football game vs. Akron has been postponed until 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 15, due to heavy rainfall and lightning.
Sunday, Oct. 15
- Family Weekend Sunday Brunch—Full breakfast and lunch buffet, with live entertainment, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Valley Dining Center. The cost is $9.50 per person; WMU students can swipe in with valid meal plan or use Dining Dollars.
- Heritage Hall Open House—Self-guided tours of the building, noon to 4 p.m. Free on-site parking in Lot 1. Visit mywmu.com/heritagehall to learn more about the building.
For more WMU news, arts and events, visit wmich.edu/news.