Broncos plan to celebrate centennial versus Michigan
May 1, 2003
KALAMAZOO -- Western Michigan University will take on the University of Michigan in a Tuesday, May 6, "Centennial Baseball Game" in honor of this year's 100th anniversary of WMU's founding. Admission is free to the contest, which begins at 4 p.m. at Hyames Field.
The grandstands will be decorated with patriotic bunting, a barbershop quartet will sing the National Anthem and hot dogs will be just 25 cents each--all in honor of the centennial celebration. There also will be a variety of promotions and special activities during the contest.
On May 27, 1903, Gov. Aaron T. Bliss signed legislation establishing Western State Normal School. Fifty-four years later, that school became Western Michigan University, the fourth public university in the state. WMU is celebrating the 100th anniversary of its founding with a number of special activities, most of which will take place this fall.
Highlights of the many centennial events planned include:
Sept. 3 -- "Opening Ceremonies," gala evening of centennial-theme programs and entertainment, Miller Auditorium, 7:30 p.m. Free and open to the public.
Sept. 5 -- Dedication of the replicated Western Trolley in front of the Bernhard Center, 11 a.m. Free and open to the public.
Sept. 13 -- Centennial Football Game versus the University of Virginia, Waldo Stadium, 2 p.m. Tickets: 888 4-WMU-TIX, wmubroncos.com
Oct. 5-12 -- Homecoming Week, including a Centennial Homecoming Parade through downtown Kalamazoo, Oct. 11, 11 a.m. More homcoming activities.
Oct. 17-18 -- Varsity Women's Reunion, includes the awarding of varsity letters to female athletics who competed prior to 1980, Bernhard Center, Oct. 18, 7 p.m.
More information is available through the following Web sites.
Centennial Celebration - www.wmich.edu/centennial
Homecoming 2003 - www.wmich.edu/homecoming
Varsity Women's Reunion - www.wmich.edu/wmu/women
Media contact: Thom Myers, 269 387-8400, thomas.myers@wmich.edu