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
Monday, Oct. 13
Wednesday, Oct. 15
Thursday, Oct. 16
Friday, Oct. 17 (Homecoming Spirit Day, no classes)
Saturday, Oct. 18
Sunday, October 19
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