Swoop's goin' country.
Cowboy boots and country-western hats will probably be
seen more than usual around campus the week of Sept. 22-27,
as a result of this year's country-western Homecoming theme.
The Eastern Michigan University Eagles will take on Northern
Illinois Saturday, Sept. 27, noon, Rynearson Stadium. Reserved
tickets and general admission cost $9 and tickets cost
$3 for those 18 years of age and younger. To order tickets,
contact the EMU Ticket Office at 487-2282.
 |
YEE HAW: Country/western is the theme of
Eastern Michigan University's Homecoming
festivities this year. Numerous activities and
events are scheduled Sept. 22-27, culminating
with the football game against Northern Illinois
Saturday, Sept. 27, noon, at Rynearson
Stadium. |
The pre-game tailgate is scheduled at Eagles' Landing
from 9 a.m. to noon. This is the place for group tailgates
hosted by students and Greek organizations. Entry requires
a game ticket or valid student identification.
"We have a variety of ways for everyone to get involved," said
Vicki Reaume, executive director for alumni relations. "Our
planning team included energetic, highly-motivated students,
staff and alumni working together to benefit everyone."
Continuing with the theme, the EMU Alumni Association
will sponsor a "Toe Tapping Tailgate," presented by W4
Country, 10 a.m. to noon, on the west side of Rynearson
Stadium. This event will include food, music, activities
for children and EMU giveaways. The alumni "Chapter of
the Year" presentation
is slated for 11 a.m.
Shuttle service to Rynearson Stadium will begin at 9:30
a.m. and end at noon, with bus stops on Forest Street at
Sill Hall, the Student Center and outside the Eastern Eateries.
Shuttle service will resume after the third quarter from
the drop-off point in front of the stadium and will run
until one hour after the game. For more information, contact
EMU Athletics at 487-1050.
The entire week is a campus-wide initiative, an effort
to get the entire campus involved in the festivities, said
Reaume.
Kicking off the week, country music legends Howard and
David Bellamy will take the stage Friday, Sept. 19, 7:30
p.m., at Pease Auditorium. General admission tickets cost
$20. Contact the EMU ticket office at 487-2282 for tickets
or more information.
As a spin-off of the MTV show, "Pimp My Ride," Ted Coutilish,
associate vice president of marketing and communications,
came up with "Brand My Ride." Nonstick static, EMU-branded
decals for vehicle windows will be available at various
campus locations at no charge to students and employees.
Winners of this contest will be announced during halftime
of the game and must be present to win. The grand prize
is an Apple laptop.
 |
EAGLE ROYALTY: Last year's
homecoming
queen and king,
Athena Armstrong and Jamar
Humphrey,
were all smiles
shortly after they heard the
announcement. |
"We want to give students and employees an opportunity
to show school spirit and encourage them to attend the
Homecoming game. We are hoping that they won't remove the
decals after the contest and continue to show their school
pride," said Coutilish.
Departments and offices will have an opportunity to receive
free donuts Monday, Sept. 22, during the "Annual Donut
Drop." Homecoming committee members will deliver the donuts
beginning at 9 a.m., dressed in their country best. Each
department must order their donuts by Thursday, Sept. 18.
To order, contact Cathie McClure at mmcclure@emich.edu and
include your name, phone number, office name, office location
and the number of staff members.
The campus community will have a chance to welcome newcomers
to campus and mingle with President Susan Martin at the "Annual
All-Campus Picnic," Tuesday, Sept. 23, 11:30 a.m. to 1
p.m., Mark Jefferson Mall. For more information, call Andrea
Chickonoski at 487-2360.
The door/office decorating contest, scheduled Tuesday,
Sept. 23, is always a favorite, said Reaume. Departments
have to decorate, according to the country-western theme.
Judges base their decisions on sticking to the theme, creativity
and level of participation in the food drive. The winning
office will receive lunch for their entire staff, said
Reaume.
During Homecoming Week, Eastern Michigan University will
raise donations to benefit the SOS Community Center, an
Ypsilanti-based organization helping local families in
need. Non-perishable food items will be collected at various
Homecoming events throughout campus. Offices and organizations
interested in participating in the drive should contact
Holly at the VISION office, 487-1313.
Get excited for the game during the Pep Rally Wednesday,
Sept. 24, 8 p.m., University Park. Prizes will be given
away and finalists for Homecoming king and queen will be
announced.
 |
A GOOD FIT: Eastern Michigan University
student Rob Cupit holds up an EMU T-shirt while
his parents, Cindy and Bob, assist with the
search.
As part of Homecoming festivities, the
EMU T-Shirt
Exchange will take place Sept. 25
outside of Pray-Harrold. |
Avoid receiving a ticket by wearing green and white, Thursday,
Sept. 25, for "Campus Green and White Day." Spirit Sheriffs
will give out "tickets" to those not wearing green and
white. The tickets will be a discount coupon to the Rec/IM
Pro-Shop or the Student Center Bookstore. Students and
staff wearing green and white will be given a prize if
spotted by the sheriffs.
"We want to award the people showing support and encourage
those who aren't to do so," said Acadia Hahlbrock, assistant
director of constituent relations in alumni relations.
Trade in your non-EMU college or university item of clothing
for a free EMU T-shirt during the "EMU T-Shirt Exchange" Thursday,
Sept. 25, 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., outside of Pray-Harrold.
The exchanged items will be donated to SOS Community Center.
VISION has partnered with the 2008 Homecoming Committee
and will collect non-perishable food items at various events
throughout the week. All proceeds will benefit SOS Community
Center.
For a complete list of Homecoming events, go to
www.emich.edu/homecoming.
