Eastern Michigan University EMU HOME
 
 

Sept. 22, 2009 issue
EMU to groove to Motown beat during Homecoming


By Lisa Donovan

 

Get ready for a "Supreme(s)" adventure at Eastern Michigan University's Motown Homecoming the week of Sept. 28 through Oct. 3. An action-packed week of activities, including a live performance by a member of Motown's legendary Temptations, is sure to send your school spirit to the top of the charts.

"The Homecoming committee thought Motown would be a great theme," said Vicki Reaume, executive director of alumni relations. "Plus, Motown is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year and we wanted to support their efforts."

Homecoming logo

MOTOWN HOMECOMING: Eastern Michigan
University's homecoming will have a Motown
flavor this year. Allie Woodson, a member of The
Temptations, will sing the national anthem.

Add your voice to the crowds cheering on the EMU Eagles to victory over the Temple Owls, Saturday, Oct. 3, with a 1 p.m. kick-off at Rynearson Stadium. Enjoy a Motown-flavored rendition of the national anthem by Allie Woodson, a member of the Temptations, and performances by the EMU Alumni and Marching Bands. Reserved tickets and general admission are $9 for adults, $3 for 18 and under. To order tickets, call the EMU Ticket Office at 487-2282 or visit www.emutix.com.

Before the game, start the day with food and fun at one of several sites. Eagles Landing Fan Zone, just outside Oestrike Stadium, will feature beverages, live entertainment and Fan Zone activities from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Student tailgate parties, hosted by student and Greek organizations and reunions, are scheduled 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. north of Rynearson Stadium. A game ticket or valid EMU student ID is required for entry.

Alumni can reconnect with old friends at the Alumni "Go Green" Tailgate, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., on the west side of Rynearson Stadium. Celebrate with food, music, cheerleaders, fun activities for children and EMU giveaway items. Proceeds will benefit the EMU Alumni Association Scholarship Fund.

After the game, head over to Oestrike Stadium for a Dwele concert, sponsored by 105.9 Kiss FM. Admission is free with a Homecoming game ticket.

Shuttle service to Rynearson Stadium runs from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., with bus stops on Forest Street at Sill Hall, the Student Center and outside Eastern Eateries. Shuttle service will resume after the third quarter from the drop-off point in front of the Convocation Center and will run until one hour after the game.

Pre-Homecoming Week Highlights

Eastern Michigan employees and students can jumpstart the excitement by joining in on spirit-boosting activities the week before Homecoming.

"We hope that all the Homecoming activities will help students build the same strong ties to EMU that bring alumni back to our campus each year," said Reaume. "The entire campus community has been working very hard to make this year's Motown Homecoming spectacular."
Homecoming crowd

PACK THE STANDS: Another large crowd is
expected in Rynearson Stadium for this year's
Homecoming game against the Temple Owls
Oct. 2.

After its popular debut last year, the Brand My Ride Contest is back. Students and employees who display a static EMU-branded decal on their vehicle windows will be randomly selected to win prizes, including an Xbox 360 and Rock Band game. The free decals are available at various main campus locations. Winners will be announced during the third quarter of the Homecoming football game and must be present to win.

Bring your school spirit indoors for the Brand My Door and Banner Decorating Contests. Prizes will be awarded for the best decorated Motown-theme door in a residence hall or apartment, and for the most creative banner. Winners of the Brand My Door Contest will be announced during the Homecoming football game. Prizes for the Banner Decorating Contest will be awarded at the Homecoming Pep Rally Oct. 1. Winners of both contests must be present to win. For more details, visit www.emich.edu/homecoming.

For students interested in a chance at royalty, Homecoming king and queen applications are available online or at the Campus Life front desk. The application deadline is 1 p.m. p.m. Friday, Sept. 25. Voting will end at Thursday, Oct. 1.

Homecoming Week Highlights

football action

ON THE RUN: The Eagles hope to change
their Homecoming fortunes this year. Last
year, the team lost to Northern Illinois
(above) in its Homecoming game. This
year's opponent, the Temple Owls, beat
the Eagles last year in a 55-52 barn
burner.

Indulge your sweet tooth with donuts Monday, Sept. 28. For the Motown Doughnut Drop, order Krispy Kreme doughnuts by noon, Thursday, Sept. 24, and have them delivered to your office by Homecoming VIPs Monday, Sept. 28. Students who exhibit EMU pride can get a free doughnut courtesy of the Student Government Doughnut Drop, 9 a.m., at the southwest corner of Pray-Harrold.

Show your EMU spirit by donating a non-perishable food item for the SOS Community Center at a Spirit Station in the Student Center, Rec/IM, Pray-Harrold, Halle Library, Eastern Eateries or at the College of Business, Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Information on all Homecoming activities also wil be available. Food donations for the SOS Community Center also will be collected at several other Homecoming events.

Spread more Motown flair around campus and win prizes in the Homecoming Door/Office Decorating Contest. Judging begins at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 29. To register your office, contact mary.morris@emich.edu or call 487-3566.

After decorating your office, enjoy fresh air fare, Motown music and greet newcomers at the annual All-Campus Picnic hosted by EMU President Susan Martin, Tuesday, Sept. 29, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., on the Student Center North Patio.  

Are you an Eastern graduate who works at EMU? Come celebrate your "Motown" spirit at this year's Staff Alumni Social Wednesday, Sept. 30, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Student Center Ballroom. The event is hosted by the Office for Alumni Relations. Chef Tom Murray has created a special menu that's sure to please! Bring a non-perishable food item to the event to contribute to the SOS Community Center food drive. Cost is $5 per person (pay at the door). Reservations are required. RSVP to the Office for Alumni Relations, 487-0250, or e-mail ken.ruppel@emich.edu by Wednesday, Sept. 23.

Wearing EMU green and white will be more than a fashion statement on Campus Green and White Day, Thursday, Oct. 1. Getting decked out in those colors could win you a prize. On the flip side, anyone spotted wearing non-EMU college paraphernalia may get a "ticket" from the Spirit Troops, redeemable at the Rec/IM Pro Shop or Student Center Bookstore. Avoid a "ticket" at the EMU T-Shirt Exchange by donating a gently used clothing item from another college in exchange for a free EMU T-shirt, 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., on the northwest corner of Pray-Harrold.

With your green and white fashion in order, supercharge your school spirit at the Pep Rally, Thursday, Oct. 1, 8 p.m., in University Park (behind the Rec/IM). This high-energy event will feature a DJ from 105.9 Kiss FM, cheerleaders, the EMU Marching Band, giveaways and prizes. Support your team as they fight for victory in Saturday's game against the Temple Owls.

For a complete detailed list of Homecoming events, visit http://www.emich.edu/homecoming/events.html#tues