Alumni are homeward bound

Up on the hill, things haven’t changed much.

Donna Souder noted that while older alumni may not be familiar with current EMU attractions such as the University Commons, they usually find the hill filled with old memories.

At a lower altitude, the Alumni Relations Department has been busy organizing last minute details before the arrival of some eight to nine hundred registered guests and families. Representing a variety of ages, professions, and locations, EMU alumni will return to their alma mater for Homecoming. Even alumni from the 1920s make the effort to come.

Attending Homecoming has been a priority for others as well. Kenton Zehr, leading heart surgeon at Mayo Clinic and 1983 Biology Major of EMU, canceled a trip to Russia to come speak for the Science Center’s breakfast and program.

One feature of this year’s Homecoming will be the premiere of the new University Hymn during Sunday’s chapel. The chapel has been structured around the hymn’s four verses and a special University Hymn Choir will teach it to the EMU community.

The words, written by poet Jean Janson, depict EMU’s mission and goals. Inspired by a $1000 competition, the music was selected from 60 submissions by the Encore Alumni Support Group. Encore chose the winning score from among seven finalists without knowing the composer’s identity. Goshen College graduate Shirley Bustos was the contest winner and will be recognized along with Jean Janson during the chapel.

In preparation for this weekend’s homecoming events, Pioneer Foods and Physical Plant have joined forces with the alumni relations department. John Luc of EMU catering contractor Pioneer Foods has been swamped with meal orders for all of the alumni coming, while the Physical Plant has been responding to a steady stream of work orders. "We couldn’t do it without Phys. Plant," said Director of Alumni and Parent Relations Janet Stutzman.

Student organizations also have planned many activities for this weekend. "We just really appreciate students assisting us with this weekend," said Stutzman.

The Student Government Association (SGA) is sponsoring a bake sale and providing childcare to raise money for the Student Initiated Need Based Scholarship Fund, or the student fund.

The Student Education Association (SEA) is planning and organizing activities for children from kindergarten to sixth grade. All activities will be based on the theme of the weekend, “The World Next Door.”

A new aspect this year will be the coffee house put on by Student Life and the Homecoming Planning Committee. Bluegrass groups Reuben’s Potted Ferns and Daphna Creek will perform, and Professor Emeritus Omar Eby will read selections from his published works.

Other activities include the Loyal Royals’ Fun Run, the Marshmallow Mixer, and many department-sponsored meals. Times for these and other events can be found in the homecoming brochure or online at www.emu.edu/alumni/homecoming.