Football, fun and fans highlight homecoming week

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Cheer on Bronco football during Western Michigan University's homecoming week beginning Sunday, Oct. 10 through the game on Saturday, Oct. 16. Organizations and academic units are gathering across campus to welcome alumni home, recognize award winners and hold special pregame tailgates to gear up for the annual homecoming game, which will pit WMU against the Kent State University Golden Flashes at 3:30 p.m. on Oct. 16. The WMU Bookstore is also offering discounts to alumni during homecoming weekend.

Details about most student and alumni homecoming activities as well as various other events are posted on the campus events calendar. Those events include:

Sunday, Oct. 10

• WMU Theatre and Dance presents “Into the Woods” at 2 p.m.  at the York Theatre Courtyard. Find more details and purchase tickets.

Monday, Oct. 11

• University Advancement presents Bronco Trivia Night from 7 to 9 p.m. as a free virtual event. Test your Bronco knowledge and enjoy music from DJ Disobedience. Register here.

• Richmond Center for Visual Arts exhibitions are available Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday during gallery hours, noon to 4 p.m. Exhibits include Esther Pearl Watson’s Safer at Home: Pandemic Paintings, Mimi Kato’s Wild Corporation, and Rose Netzorg and James Wilfrid Kerr’s Gardens in the Art and Life of David Small and Sarah Stewart.

Tuesday, Oct. 12

• The Distinguished Alumni Celebration part 1 will recognize Charles Zhang, M.A. 91, founder and CEO of Zhang Financial in Portage, Michigan. The virtual award presentation will be available to view at 7 p.m. More details and link to video when available.

Wednesday, Oct. 13

• Dining Services is hosting a tailgate from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Valley Dining Center and Henry Grab'n Go will feature a variety of tailgating favorites.

• The Distinguished Alumni Celebration part 2 will recognize Daniel Witt, B.B.A. ‘83, president and director of the International Tax and Investment Center in Washington, D.C. The virtual award presentation will be available to view at 7 p.m. More details and link to video when available.

Thursday, Oct. 14

• The Distinguished Alumni Celebration part 3 will recognize Diana Sieger, B.A. ‘73, president of the Grand Rapids Community Foundation. The virtual award presentation will be available to view at 7 p.m. More details and link to video when available.

• Event is canceled. Homecoming Carnival, 1 to 4 p.m., Student Recreation Center tennis courts.

• “A Message to Black College Students” discussion with the author, alumnus JerJuan Howard, B.A. ’20, is scheduled for 6 p.m. at the Meader Room in Waldo Library. This event is sponsored by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. Registration is required.

Friday, Oct. 15

• El Grito, an event for Hispanic Heritage Month, will include food, dance performances, music and a fashion show and will begin at 6 p.m. at Miller Plaza. The free and open event is sponsored by the Latin Student Alliance, Western Student Association and Campus Activities Board.

• The Haworth College of Business Awards Ceremony is at 4 p.m. at 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. Learn more about the 2021 recipients.

• Golden Apple and Keystone Award Ceremony is at 5 p.m. at the Fetzer Center. Find more information about recipients and register.

Saturday, Oct. 16

• Alumni Homecoming Tailgate is open from noon to 3 p.m. at Heritage Hall Parking Lot 1. Join your fellow Broncos for the afternoon featuring live entertainment, games and great food before heading to the homecoming game. The tailgate is hosted by the WMU Alumni Association. Ticket sales are closed; walk-ups cannot be accommodated.

• WMU men's basketball Hardwood Kickoff, doors open at 12:30 p.m. for series of three scrimmages from 1 to 2 p.m. at University Arena. Fans can get their first look at the team during this free event.

• WMU Broncos versus Kent State University at 3:30 p.m. at Waldo Stadium. Game tickets may be purchased through the Bronco Ticket Office or by calling (888) 496-8849.

WMU Bookstore alumni discount

Take advantage of an exclusive alumni discount program at the WMU Bookstore in the Bernhard Center during homecoming week. Alumni are eligible to receive 20% off by using a promo code with purchases. To receive the promo via email, submit your email and use the code BroncoAlumni2021.

Additionally, alumni are encouraged to visit wmich.edu/bookstore or call (269) 387-3930 to confirm eligibility and check special weekend hours.

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