Campus community, alumni welcomed to homecoming week events ahead of game

Contact: Deanne Puca

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Cheer on Bronco football during Western Michigan University's Homecoming week beginning Sunday, Oct. 9, through the game on Saturday, Oct. 15. Students, faculty and staff are gathering across campus under this year’s theme, “Home Sweet Home,” to welcome alumni, recognize award winners and hold special pregame tailgates to gear up for the annual homecoming game, which will pit WMU against the Ohio University Bobcats at 3:30 p.m. on Oct. 15.

Fun and traditional events for students, alumni and the entire campus community include singing Bingo, an international potluck, free zumba and yoga classes, as well as the presentation of homecoming royalty during the football game. This year's royalty contestant group was one of the largest in recent years, says Wayne Bond, assistant director for campus engagement, with 22 students being considered for just eight spots.

"These are events that are going to help us set the trend for moving forward into this new era," says Bond. "We are looking to build WMU into a place students are proud to return to as alumni, and it all starts now."

View updates about more student engagement events on Instagram

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. 9

Monday, Oct. 10

  • Take part in Singing Bingo from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the South Ballroom of the Bernhard Center. Gain a space on the Bingo card by correctly guessing the name of the song.

Tuesday, Oct. 11

  • The Libraries Campus History Walking Tour is happening from noon to 1 p.m. Meet at The Oaklands. Join Lynn Houghton, regional history curator, and learn about Western’s campus in the early days: How did Western expand across Stadium Drive? What was here before it became Main Campus? Parking is available in the Ellsworth parking garage or the metered lots adjacent to the Bernhard Center.

Wednesday, Oct. 12

  • "What is (American) football," a cultural workshop primarily about sports, is happening from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in rooms 105-107 of the Bernhard Center.

Thursday, October 13

  • Join the International Student Council Potluck from 5 to 8 p.m. in Kanley Chapel. Open to the entire campus community, the event is a fundraiser for international student organizations and an opportunity to enjoy the many types of cuisines from the diverse nations at Western. Coupons for food can be purchased on the day of the event through Venmo, Cashapp or Zelle. Register here or through Experience WMU.

  • Bronco Hockey faces Bowling Green at 7 p.m. in Lawson Arena. Purchase tickets

Friday, Oct. 14

  • The College of Health and Human Services’ Occupational Therapy Rider Colloquium is from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Fetzer Center. Register

  • The College of Engineering and Applied Sciences Alumni Excellence Awards Luncheon is from noon until 2 p.m. at Floyd Hall in room D-109. Past Alumni Excellence Award recipients, department chairs, faculty and students attend lunch with awardees and hear what’s new and exciting at the college. The Alumni Excellence Award presentation will follow lunch. Read about the recipients

  • Dining Services is hosting a tailgate from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Valley Dining Center and will feature a variety of tailgating favorites. Lunch costs $12 using Dining Dollars, cash, credit or debit.

  • The Haworth College of Business Awards Ceremony is at 4 p.m. in Schneider Hall, room 2150. Recipients and their awards include George Hoyem and Rhonda Davenport Johnson, Outstanding Alumni Achievement Awards; Sandi Doctor, Outstanding Service Award; Robert Armbrister, Aaron Coney and Paulina Costa Zyskowski, Emerging Leader Alumni Awards; Keith LaVanway, Accountancy Outstanding Alumni Award; Cindy Swiantek, Business Information Systems Outstanding Alumni Award; Kenneth Stephens, Finance and Commercial Law Outstanding Alumni Award; Sarah Husain, Management Outstanding Alumni Award; and Col. Heather Smigowski, WMU ROTC Wall of Fame Award.

  • The College of Arts and Sciences Alumni Awards Ceremony begins at 4 p.m. in Miller Auditorium.

  • The College of Education and Human Development’s 24th Annual Awards Ceremony begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Fetzer Center, honoring Dr. DeAnna Burt-Nanna and Dr. Diane Owen-Rogers with Golden Apple Awards; Kevin Curiel-Vazquez with a Keystone Early Career Award; Dr. Mary Kay VanDriel with a Keystone Meritorious Award; and Dr. Antonio Flores with an Outstanding Alumni Award. Register

  • College of Fine Arts is celebrating its 50th Anniversary: Honoring Our Past and Looking Toward Our Future. Preshow is 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Richmond Center and Dalton Center. Celebrate with performances and remarks from influential figures in the college at the Dalton Recital Hall for the show from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Stay after to mingle and have cake in the Dalton lobby at 9 p.m. Visit the 50th anniversary website to reserve your free seat, see the program of speakers and performances, and share memories.

  • The Geological and Environmental Sciences Alumni, Friends and Family Gathering is from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Revel & Roll West, 4500 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo.

  • The National Panhellenic Council Step Show begins at 8 p.m. in the Bernhard Center. Tickets are available online.

Saturday, Oct. 15

  • The Lee Honors College Pre-party and State of the College is from 8 to 10 a.m. in the Lee Honors College Lounge. The presentation by Dean Dr. Irma López begins at 9 a.m.; light refreshments will be served. Register

  • The Alumni Homecoming Tailgate is open from noon to 3 p.m. at the Heritage Hall Grand Lawn. 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. The registration deadline is Friday, Sept. 30.

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

  • Miller Auditorium presents “Rocky Horror Picture Show” at 7:30 p.m. Join the original “Brad Majors,” Barry Bostwick, for a screening of the original unedited movie with a live shadow cast, audience participation and personal photo and autograph opportunity. Purchase tickets

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