Maroon and Gold reunion: CMU celebrates 2023 Homecoming

On a brisk and bustling mid-October weekend in the heart of Mount Pleasant, Michigan, a vibrant tapestry of past and present CMU Chippewas and friends converged to celebrate their cherished alma mater's storied history and promising future. 

The festivities kicked off Saturday morning with a charitable 5K run/walk, raising funds for the Special Olympics of Michigan. Commencing at the historic Finch Fieldhouse, participants embarked on a scenic journey across our picturesque campus. 

As the sun ascended, a medley of events commenced. The CMU Admissions Homecoming Legacy Breakfast welcomed esteemed guests while a heartwarming 50-year reunion, with special emphasis on the class of '73, unfolded in a nostalgic tribute to the classes of 1971-76. Meanwhile, Powers Hall hosted a convivial community coffee and donuts gathering. 

The campus soon burst into life with the resplendent Homecoming parade at 11 a.m., winding its way through campus streets before weaving into downtown Mount Pleasant. Despite the temperamental weather, enthusiastic spectators adorned the sidewalks, offering applause and cheers as the procession passed. The vivid colors and boundless creativity on display bore testimony to the indomitable spirit of the CMU community. Alumni basked in the warm glow of nostalgia while students embraced the opportunity to etch their own parade memories. 

At 11:30 a.m., tailgate lots opened, and alumni immediately began to fill the parking lots, indulging in the camaraderie of food, drink, and merriment, with hours of fun before the big game against Akron. 

By 1 p.m., the Rose Ponds came alive with the 25th annual Cardboard Boat Races. Spectators gathered on the hillsides to watch students from the School of Engineering and Technology navigate the water in their cardboard vessels, vying to be the first to reach the finish line. 

A few hours later, it was time for kickoff at Kelly/Shorts Stadium. Nearly 18,000 fans watched the Chippewas' football team step up and deliver a thrilling performance, triumphing over Akron with a score of 17-10. With this victory, CMU's record for the season improved to 4-3 overall and 2-1 in the MAC, an impressive feat that added to the university's legacy of Homecoming success, with wins in 8 of their last 9 Homecoming games. 

As the sun set on Central Michigan University's 2023 Homecoming, the campus glowed with a palpable sense of unity and pride. The memories etched over the weekend would be cherished for a lifetime, and the CMU Chippewas' indomitable #FiredUp spirit burned even brighter. Homecoming had not just celebrated the university's history but also reinforced the ties that bind, reminding all that once you're a CMU Chippewa, you're always a CMU Chippewa. 

For a visual journey through the 2023 CMU Homecoming festivities, click on the video below and relive the vibrant highlights of this unforgettable event.