WMU Homecoming and Family Weekend events planned

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Bronco football highlights Western Michigan University's Homecoming and Family Weekend Friday through Sunday, Oct. 11-13.

"Go for Gold" is the 2019 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. 12, to gear up for the 96th annual homecoming game, which will pit WMU against the Miami University RedHawks. 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, through the Bronco Athletic ticket office. WMU students get into athletic events for free with their Bronco Card.

Details about most student and alumni homecoming activities, as well as various other events, are posted on the campuswide calendar.

Activities

Monday through Friday, Oct. 7-11

• Bronco Spirit Activities—Throughout the week of Homecoming, the Office of Student Engagement will be putting on a variety of events to get students in the Bronco spirit. Events will include Paddle Battle, 3 on 3 Basketball, a Karaoke Competition and the Homecoming Block Party.  Teams should register by Sunday, Oct. 6. Register or find out more.
• Voting for WMU's Homecoming Royalty will open on Monday, Oct. 7 and close at noon on Friday, Oct. 11. Students can vote online. The winners will be announced during halftime of the football game on Saturday, Oct. 12.

Thursday, Oct. 10

• Homecoming tailgate luncheon—WMU Dining Services lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at all dining centers, Bistro3, Burnham, Hoekje/Bigelow and the Valley Dining Center will feature a variety of tailgating favorites. All WMU affiliates and guests are welcome. Cost is $10 per person; Dining Dollars, cash and debit/credit payments are accepted.
• The College of Education and Human Development Society for Alumni and Friends—Annual Golden Apple and Keystone Alumni Awards reception and dinner, 5 p.m., Bernhard Center East Ballroom. Golden Apple Award winners are Dr. Margaret McGlinchey, educational consultant, and Dr. Wayne "Rusty" Stitt, superintendent at Schoolcraft Community Schools. The Keystone Alumni Award honoree is Kristen Johnson Brogan, chief mindful living officer for On Target Living.
• Zumba event—Sponsored by Student Engagement and the Student Recreation Center, 7 to 8:30 p.m., in the SRC indoor tennis courts. Free with a Bronco Card. 

Friday, Oct. 11

• Work out at the Student Recreation Center—Free with MyWMU Concierge Card, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

• Haworth College of Business Awards Ceremony—4 p.m., 2150 Schneider Hall. Alumni and friends of the college will be honored for their outstanding professional and service accomplishments, for representing the values of the Haworth College of Business and being an inspiration and example to students. Visit wmich.edu/business/2019awards for a list of recipients and biographical information.
• Alumni Achievement Awards—4 to 6 p.m., Bernhard Center, Rooms 208 and 209. The College of Arts and Sciences will honor 22 alumni from 22 different departments for their significant achievements in their professional fields through global engagement, discovery-driven and learner-centered endeavors. 
• Night of Excellence—Featuring the 56th Annual Distinguished Alumni Award, the University's top honor for alumni, 6:30 p.m. reception, 7 p.m. dinner, Radisson Plaza Hotel and Suites, downtown Kalamazoo. Honorees are Alessandro (Sandro) DiNello, president and CEO of Flagstar Bank; Dr. Roger Steininger, retired consulting geologist. The event also will honor up to three alumni from each academic college. Tickets are $65 per person. Visit for more information.
• University Theatre presents "Amadeus"—7:30 p.m., Shaw Theatre. Family weekend discounted tickets are $15, $12 for students and $6 for WMU students. Call (269) 387-6222 for tickets.

Saturday, Oct. 12

• Haworth College of Business Homecoming Pancake Breakfast—Complimentary all-you-can-eat pancakes, eggs, sausage, coffee and orange juice served from 9 to 11 a.m. in Lot 1 off Oakland Drive. RSVP.
• WMU Homecoming Stampede Village tailgate—A four-pack meal, live entertainment, games and activities for the entire family and campus alley featuring each of WMU's academic colleges, 9 a.m., Parking Lot 1 off Oakland Drive. Admission is $15 for adults and $5 for children 12 and younger using promo code "Family." Donations of non-perishable food items for the WMU student food pantry, Invisible Need Project, also are requested. More information is available online.
• Parade of Flags—This colorful display of multicultural diversity on the WMU campus has become an annual tradition that precedes the homecoming football game at noon. Flag bearers meet at Kanley track before making their way to Waldo Stadium. This fall, WMU has more than 1,850 international students from more than 100 countries. Students, staff and members of the campus and local community volunteer to carry flags from these represented nations down the field.
• Bronco Women's Volleyball vs. Bowling Green—5 p.m., Read Fieldhouse/University Arena. Receive a free volleyball ticket with your football ticket.
• Football game—WMU versus Miami University, noon, Waldo Stadium. Fans are encouraged to wear Bronco gear to the game. Visit online to order an official 2019 Game Day T-shirt. For every sale, $5 supports the Student Emergency Relief Fund. 
• University Theatre presents "Amadeus"—7:30 p.m., Shaw Theatre. Family weekend discounted tickets are $15, $12 for students and $6 for WMU students. Call (269) 387-6222 for tickets.

Sunday, Oct. 13

• Family Weekend Sunday Brunch—Full breakfast and lunch buffet, with live entertainment by WMU students and alumni, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Valley Dining Center. Cost is $10 per person; WMU students can swipe in with valid meal plan or use Dining Dollars.
• LBGT Student Services 30th Anniversary Brunch—11 a.m. to 2 p.m., The Union Cabaret & Grille, downtown Kalamazoo. As the second oldest university to have an LGBT office in the state of Michigan, WMU invites members of the lesbian, bisexual, gay, transgender and ally community to celebrate. Purchase tickets. Discounts are available before Friday, Oct. 4.
• University Symphony Orchestra—3 p.m., Miller Auditorium. Free.

For more WMU news, arts and events, visit WMU News.