WMU News

WMU Homecoming weekend starts Oct. 12

Oct. 9, 1997

KALAMAZOO -- Western Michigan University students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends will be treated to a world of wonders and excitement during the University's 1997 Homecoming celebration Oct. 12 through Oct. 19.

In keeping with this year's theme, "The Wonders of Western," WMU's many facets will be highlighted throughout the week-long celebration. The public is invited to attend the wide variety of athletic and entertainment events taking place and to enjoy some of the traditional Homecoming activities leading up to the football game against Kent State University at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, in Waldo Stadium.

Other major events scheduled include the innovative Friday Festival, the coronation of this year's Homecoming king and queen, traditional class reunions and open houses, and the annual presentation of WMU's Distinguished Alumni Awards. (Complete list of activities.)

With no classes on Friday, Oct. 17, students can devote their energies to making Homecoming Spirit Day a fun-filled out-of-class experience. The day features Friday Festival from noon to 5 p.m. at the Goldsworth Valley Pond area. The festival includes numerous popular student activities, such as the Soap Box Derby at noon, Fritter Fest competition at 2 p.m. and Western Olympics at 3:30 p.m.

A special attraction of the Friday activities will be the WIDR-FM Barking TunaFest at the State Theatre in downtown Kalamazoo at 6 p.m. Students can enjoy live music that reflects the student-run station's eclectic playlist, as well as other entertainment, games and food.

A full roster of Homecoming events is slated for Saturday, beginning with the annual Alumni Association Brunch, which gets under way at 10:30 a.m. in the East Ballroom of the Bernhard Center. WMU President Diether H. Haenicke will welcome guests and rally WMU fans for the afternoon football game. Joining him will be the WMU Marching Band, the Bronco cheerleaders, Buster Bronco and Unity of Praise choir.

After the game, two WMU graduates who have gone on to impressive careers will be honored at the 34th annual Distinguished Alumni Awards Dinner at 6 p.m. in the East Ballroom of the Bernhard Center. This year's awards will be presented to Peter A. Schweitzer, a 1967 graduate who is president of J. Walter Thompson Co. and J. Walter Thompson/The Americas, and Richard Whitmer, a 1963 graduate who is president and chief executive officer of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.

For more information about WMU's 1997 Homecoming activities, contact the Alumni Association by calling 616 387-8777 or the Office of Student Life by calling 616 387-2115. Information also is available on the World Wide Web at www.wmich.edu/alumni/ and at dosaweb.faunce.wmich.edu/org/cab/.

1997 Homecoming Week Activities

Sunday, Oct. 12

  • (and Oct. 16-19) Frankenstein--University Theatre production, Shaw Theatre: Oct. 12 and Oct. 19, 2 p.m.; and Oct. 16-18, 8 p.m.
  • Homecoming concert--free performance by Gold Company, WMU's award-winning vocal jazz ensemble, Bronco Mall Center Stage, Bernhard Center, 6:30 p.m.
  • Monday, Oct. 13

  • (through Oct. 27) Historical display--Archives and Regional History Collections exhibit of photos, memorabilia and other materials, third floor, Waldo Library, regular library hours.
  • Homecoming concert--free performance by WMU's Gospel Choir, Dalton Center Recital Hall, 7 p.m.
  • Wednesday, Oct. 15

  • Women's volleyball--WMU vs. Miami University, University Arena, 7 p.m.
  • Thursday, Oct. 16

  • That's Entertainment--Student Alumni Association talent show, Miller Auditorium, 7 p.m.
  • King and Queen coronation--Miller Auditorium, 8:30 p.m.
  • Movies at Miller--"Men In Black," Miller Auditorium, 9:30 p.m. and midnight.
  • Friday, Oct. 17 (Homecoming Spirit Day, no classes)

  • Reunions--class of 1957, class of 1952 and aviation program alumni; various activities planned; contact the WMU Alumni Association for details.
  • Friday Festival--Goldsworth Valley Pond area, noon-5 p.m. Includes Soap Box Derby XXVI, Gilkinson Avenue, noon; Fritter Fest, Goldsworth Valley Pond area, 2 p.m.; and Western Olympics, Goldsworth Valley Pond area, 3:30 p.m.
  • Barking TunaFest--sponsored by WIDR-FM, State Theatre, downtown Kalamazoo, 6 p.m.
  • Men's soccer--WMU vs. the University of Akron, WMU Soccer Complex, Parkview Avenue, 3:30 p.m.
  • Homecoming twilight concert--Alumni and University Symphonic Bands, Dalton Center Recital Hall, 6 p.m.
  • Saturday, Oct. 18

  • Alumni registration/Homecoming hospitality--second floor lobby, Bernhard Center, 9 a.m.-noon.
  • Alumni Locator Service--second floor lobby, Bernhard Center, 9:30 a.m.-noon.
  • Alumni Association brunch--featuring President Haenicke, the WMU Marching Band, Bronco cheerleaders, Buster Bronco and the voices of Unity of Praise; East Ballroom; Bernhard Center; 10:30 a.m.
  • Parade of Nations--sponsored by the Office of International Student Services, Waldo Stadium, 12:50 p.m.
  • Homecoming football game--WMU vs. Kent State University, Waldo Stadium, 1 p.m.
  • National Pan-Hellenic Council Marchdown--step show, Miller Auditorium, 5 p.m.
  • Distinguished Alumni Awards Dinner, East Ballroom, Bernhard Center, 6 p.m.
  • Post-Marchdown Dance--Student Recreation Center, 9 p.m.
  • Hockey game--WMU vs. Michigan State University, Lawson Arena, 7 p.m.
  • Sunday, October 19

  • Men's soccer--WMU vs. Miami University, WMU Soccer Complex, Parkview Avenue, 1 p.m.
  • Concert--University Symphony Orchestra, Miller Auditorium, 2 p.m.
  • Women's soccer--WMU vs. Miami University, WMU Soccer Complex, Parkview Avenue, 3 p.m.
  • Concert--Choral Showcase, Miller Auditorium, 5 p.m.
  • More Homecoming Information


    Office of University Relations
    Western Michigan University
    1903 W Michigan Ave
    Kalamazoo MI 49008-5433 USA
    616 387-8400
    univ-rel@wmich.edu

    http://www.wmich.edu/wmu/news