Campus Update - 100th Homecoming: Sept. 30, 2021

To the Eastern Michigan University community:

I hope you are staying safe and healthy and enjoying the very best of a beautiful fall in Michigan!

Next week marks Eastern Michigan University’s 100^th Homecoming. As the second oldest public university in Michigan, Eastern has rich traditions and an alumni base of more than 169,000 people. If there was ever a time to celebrate our history and traditions, it is at homecoming. And this year, the University’s Centennial Homecoming Celebration provides an even greater reason to take stock of where we've been, where we are today, and our hope for the future.

So today, my message is one of congratulations!

Congratulations to our many alumni who have made EMU a part of their lives and have Eastern to thank for part of their success in life and in their careers.

Congratulations to our current students for being a part of something truly special – Eastern’s centennial homecoming. You are why we are here. We hope you will take full advantage of the upcoming festivities while also remembering the thousands of students who have come before you. 

Congratulations to our faculty and staff who work hard every day to innovate and expand all that Eastern has to offer -- fostering our welcoming, diverse and supportive community, while maintaining our wonderful University assets, including classrooms, grounds and support services.

Finally, congratulations to our neighbors and supporters in Ypsilanti, Washtenaw County, the state of Michigan, across the country and around the world. The EMU community is large and diverse. As always, your support is vital to our success.

When you view Eastern through this kaleidoscope-like lens, the montage is a reflection of the many individuals, groups and organizations who are integral to our University and who, for decades, have collectively impacted it in positive ways. You get a true sense of the very special place we call home. And, that’s what makes our Centennial Homecoming Celebration so special.

Our 100th Homecoming officially begins on Monday, Oct. 4, and is highlighted by the homecoming football game versus Miami (Ohio) at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 9. Students, faculty, staff and alumni are offered a number of events to celebrate. Visit the Homecoming website to learn more about the many in-person and virtual programs. While you’re on the website, please also check out this year's limited edition Spirit Box in celebration of the Centennial Homecoming. It is filled with the best in EMU swag.

Don’t miss the announcement of the Homecoming Court tomorrow at 7 p.m. Student voting will open Monday at noon. On Thursday, Oct. 7, the Court will participate in a "campus beautification" project. And, of course, the two “Royals” will be announced during halftime of the football game.  

I am looking forward to the beginning of homecoming week on Monday (Oct. 4) and am excited to join with the rest of our community in celebrating this special time in Eastern Michigan University history. Let’s have fun. Let’s celebrate. And, let’s be thankful for all we have.

Go Eagles!

James Smith, Ph.D.