Homecoming weekend was welcomed by the leaves falling down the trees, sunsets, and people wearing cozy sweaters. This year’s homecoming weekend started on Sunday, October 11th, and finalized on Sunday 13th. There were various events happening where current students and alumni were able to interact with each other and share their love for EMU. This article is going to go through some of the most notable events that happened throughout the weekend.
On October 11th, the donor’s meal was dedicated to people who have been giving to EMU’s mission annually. Round tables were arranged with clean tablecloths and flower arrangements welcoming students and alumni to gather and get the homecoming weekend started. “It was cool to see people who care about EMU for different reasons like their music department or the track team.” shared Junior Marciella Shallomita. Even though it was midterms week, some students attended the event and not only did they enjoy a tasty mocktail, but also got to listen to donor stories of what inspires them to give selflessly to the University.
Saturday the 12th started with a homecoming breakfast, where alumni reunited and enjoyed a warm breakfast in University Commons. President Susan Schultz Huxman recognized alumni award winners Kendra Conrad Bailey ‘03, MA ‘05; Seth Crissman ‘09, MDiv ‘15; and Dr. Lee Roy Berry Jr. ‘66 and Hall of Honor inductees Michael Allen ‘13, Roland Landes, Gina Troyer ‘93 and Bianca Ygarza ‘14 (emu.edu/homecoming/). Later that day, another award ceremony took place at Thomas Plaza where homecoming royalty coronation took place. Students could vote for their friends and the most voted students from each year were celebrated. The winners were First-year students Jack Gallagher and Ella Richer, Sophomores Kaylene Todd and Caleb Metzler, Juniors Joshua Stucky and Leah Peachy, and Seniors Adam Stoltzfus and Adrianna Jacobs.
TenTalks were another of the very awaited events for the evening. Invited speakers shared a glimpse of their fields of expertise. Mark Sawin, professor of Theology, Humanities and Performing Arts talked about the history of the preserved “Green book” house located in Harrisonburg; Adesola, biochemistry senior, talked about her research in “The genes regulated in podocyte development” and recently graduated Ashley Mellinger talked about her debut as an author with her book “Heartache on the play stage.” The Q&A section started by inviting attendees to make questions or comment on the talks. Adesola commented that the event was successful, and that the audience members were interested and interactive which made the talk “less nerve wracking.” There was time for one last question, a woman in the back asked if there was a book about the “Green book” house and its historical significance in the city of Harrisonburg and black history to which the answer was “Not yet.” The panel was closed with applause and alumni heading to their next event.
The day ended with a tied men’s soccer game against the University of Lynchburg. The crowd showed the excitement of the game with every attempt of scoring. By the end of the game, students and alumni waited standing to recognize the effort of the players with a well deserved applause.
Overall, Homecoming weekend was enjoyed by attendees of all ages. Besides having spaces for interaction with current students, alumni were able to revisit the University that will forever be their home.
