Sept. 17, 2008 CONTACT: Pamela Young pyoung@emich.edu 734.487.4400

EMU goes country in celebration of Homecoming Sept. 22-27

YPSILANTI — 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.

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. Activities include:

• Country Music Legends: 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.

• Brand My Ride: 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.

• Helping SOS: 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.

• Pep Rally: 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.

• Wearin’ of the Green: 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.

• Show Off Your School: 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.

• Food Donations: VISION (Volunteers Incorporating Service Into Our Neighborhoods) 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.

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Eastern Michigan University is a public, comprehensive university that offers programs in the arts, sciences and professions. EMU prepares students with the intellectual skills and practical experiences to succeed in their career and lives, and to be better citizens.

Editor's Note: Looking for an expert source for a story? Check out EMU's Eastern Experts online at www.emich.edu/univcomm/easternexperts.

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