Homecoming Rolls the Dice with Board-Game Theme
Virginia Rendler
Homecoming at Manchester University this year, Oct. 7–8, promises to be full of events and entertainment. This year’s homecoming is board-game themed and celebrates the graduates of 1971, 1976, 1981, 1986, 1991, 1996, 2001, 2006 and 2011. Class reunions begin with a group photo, followed by a lunch and presentation with fellow graduates. There will be a golf outing, reunion cookout, caricaturist and photo booth.
Jennifer Shepherd, director of Alumni Relations, knows how important it is for students and alumni to be involved and have fun. “Homecoming has gotten bigger and bigger each year,” Shepherd said. “We always try to have some extra fun with the theme, so the games should add some fun to the day. We have homecoming pictures that have the logo and students can get their photo taken as a keepsake.”
Games will be a large part of homecoming this year. There will be many jumbo games set up around campus, such as Frisbee on the mall with alumni, human foosball and a dunk tank. There will also be fair rides sponsored by the Manchester Activities Council, and two bands will play after the football game at 1:30 p.m. against Defiance.
The bands playing will be Friends of the Weather, and Infinity Now. Both bands feature Manchester alumni. All day tomorrow Oct. 8, there will be a DJ outside the Jo Young Switzer Center, as well as residence hall open houses from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
A crucial component to homecoming is the alumni awards. They are awarded to alumni who are working towards an improvement to the human condition. Alumni Honor Award Recipients this year are Dr. Kathy Driver, class of 1971, Stan Hooley, class of 1980 and Steve Viehweg, class of 1982. The Young Alumni Outstanding Achievement Award is being awarded to Jim Butler, class of 2002. The Young Alumni Impact Award is being awarded to Ben Tapper, class of 2012.
The artists featured in Gallery G will be at their receptions on Saturday Oct. 8, with Jeff Diesburg at 4 p.m. on Friday and Philip Erbaugh at 11:00 a.m.
In addition to this ceremony, there will be a Peace Studies Institute Plaque dedication and reception recognizing Japanese social reformer and pacifist Toyohiko Kagawa. His name will be added to the Gladdys Muir Peace Garden at 3 p.m. tomorrow.
Getting students involved is a priority for the team behind making homecoming a success. Students are encouraged to participate in all events, and meet alumni. “We always want students to be more involved,” Shepherd said. “Alumni love talking to students and interacting, so the celebration after the football game is a good time to meet alumni and hear good music.”
Homecoming t-shirts are currently for sale. The full schedule of events was sent out to students earlier this week. There is also a brochure available online at link.manchester.edu/homecoming.