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WMU community kicks up its heels for homecoming

Oct. 12, 2007

KALAMAZOO--Western Michigan University will be treating the public as well as the campus community to a week of exciting activities during its 2007 Homecoming celebration Monday through Sunday, Oct. 15-21.

The highpoint of the celebration, which revolves around the theme "Kickn' It Old School," will be the Homecoming football game at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 20. The gridiron contest will pit the WMU Broncos against the Ball State University Cardinals.

Among the many activities open to the public during the weeklong festivities will be a 5K and 1K run/walk; the wild and wacky Western Games; and a variety of shows, concerts and athletic competitions. Many of these events are free.

Students will help celebrate Homecoming by staging two annual public events Friday, Oct. 19: the Western Games at 1:30 p.m. in the tennis courts area of the Student Recreation Center and the soap box derby at 3 p.m. on Gilkinson Avenue in front of the Sindecuse Health Center.

Hundreds of University and community members will kick off Saturday's activities beginning at 8 a.m. by enjoying the annual Campus Classic race/walk, either as participants, volunteers or spectators.

Other Bronco fans and friends will rev up for the Homecoming football game by congregating in one of the corporate tents, while many alumni will gather at the Alumni Association PepFest being staged from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. south of Waldo Stadium on the grounds of the College of Health and Human Services Building.

PepFest is free and open to all alumni and will feature a festive atmosphere with games, a caricaturist, prizes and food concessions. WMU's new president, Dr. John M. Dunn, and first lady Linda Dunn will be on hand from noon to 1 p.m. to meet returning alumni. Also in attendance will be deans and other representatives from the University's academic colleges.

Additional activities taking place throughout Homecoming week include the following.

Tuesday, Oct. 16--Skit Night, with student organizations displaying their acting and dancing talents while competing to show the most WMU spirit, starting at 7 p.m. in the Dalton Center Recital Hall, and a University Concert Band performance at 8:15 p.m. in Miller Auditorium.

Wednesday, Oct. 17--A University Jazz Lab Band concert at 8:15 p.m. in the Dalton Center Recital Hall.

Thursday, Oct. 18--The University Theatre production of "Dracula" at 8 p.m. in Williams Theatre and at various times through Oct. 21.

Friday, Oct. 19--A College of Aviation open house from 3 to 4:30 p.m. on the college's campus at the W.K. Kellogg Airport in Battle Creek, Mich.; the WMU Alumni Association Distinguished Alumni Award reception and dinner starting at 6:30 p.m. in the Bernhard Center's East Ballroom; a volleyball game at 7 p.m. in University Arena; and a hockey game at 7:30 p.m. in Lawson Arena.

Saturday, Oct. 20--"Ancient Air" sponsored by the campus radio station WIDR, with station alumni taking over the airwaves from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; a special campus tour for children of alumni thinking about attending or transferring to WMU set for 10 to 11:30 a.m.; a College of Health and Human Services open house from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the college's new building off of Oakland Drive; the annual National Pan-Hellenic Council March Down featuring the art of stepping at 7 p.m. in Miller Auditorium; and the Onyx Society Scholarship Dance from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. in the Radisson Plaza Hotel and Suites in downtown Kalamazoo.

Sunday, Oct. 21--The Choral Showcase concert featuring the University Chorale, Women's Chorus and Collegiate Singers at 3 p.m. in the Dalton Center Recital Hall.

More information about the activities taking place at WMU during Homecoming week, including cost and registration details, is available by visiting www.wmich.edu/homecoming and clicking on the links for "Student Events," "Alumni Events" and "Campus Events."

Media contact: Jeanne Baron, (269) 387-8400, jeanne.baron@wmich.edu

WMU News
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