CMU Homecoming
2023 Homecoming celebrations
Thursday, Oct. 12 - Sunday, Oct. 15
Join alumni and friends back on campus for a fired-up weekend filled with fun and memories!
Get fired up with the CMU Fight Song
Homecoming activities
Click the '+' to see the schedule for each day of CMU's 2023 Homecoming celebrations, or click the button below to see a PDF version. Check back often for updates to the schedule.
**Activities are subject to change without notice.
Thursday, Oct. 12
6:30 p.m. | Art and Design PRINT-A-THON!
Wightman Hall 148
Alumni and current students, please join us to design, carve, and print 5" x 7" relief prints. Each participant will create 15 prints. All materials will be provided. We will also have snacks and a collage-making station. If you would like to trade prints at the end of the event, you will submit ten prints, and in return, you will take home ten prints created by the other artists!
We look forward to you joining us to MAKE MAKE MAKE!
Contact: Johanna Paas | paas1jm@cmich.edu
Friday, Oct. 13
9:20 - 9:45 a.m. | Keynote Address by Michigan Teacher of the Year: Candice Jackson
Education and Human Services Building 118
Alumni are invitied to join the Teacher Candidate Conference, a celebration of the final phases of the teacher education program. Teacher candidates return to campus from their placements all across the state to engage in timely professional development facilitated by current practitioners and CMU Alumni. The day includes an address by the EHS Dean, a keynote address, and a series of breakout sessions.
11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. | Central Sustainability Farmer's Market
Lot 33N (No parking pass required during the time of the market.)
Support the students of Central Sustainability and visit the Farmer's Market in Lot 33N. Central Sustainability is dedicated to making the CMU community more sustainable through projects, policy, and programming.
Contact:Central Sustainability | sustainability@cmich.edu
2:00 p.m. | CMU Field Hockey vs. Ohio
Cristy Freese Field
Watch the CMU Field Hockey team take on Ohio State.
Admission is free.
Contact: Ticket Central | 989-774-3045
2:00 p.m. | Latine Alumni Career Awareness Information Session
Bovee University Center Auditorium, UC Lake MI Room
Come join the CMU Latine Alumni Chapter for an inspiring program as these accomplished individuals share their personal stories, highlighting their journeys and impact in their respective fields. Moreover, the program will include valuable career advice sessions where alumni will provide guidance and insights to current students. This is an invaluable opportunity to gain practical wisdom and learn from the successes and challenges faced by those who came before you.
Check-in and refreshments begin at 1:00 p.m.
Contact: Alumni Relations | 989-774-3312
3:00 - 5:00 p.m. | Coming Home Middle Michigan
Courtyard Marriott, CMU
Looking for an awesome career in Middle Michigan? Connect with world-class employers from the region and learn more about what makes Middle Michigan a wonderful place to call home.
Contact: MMDC | 989-772-2858
6:00 - 8:00 p.m. | Black Alumni Welcome Reception
Bovee University Center, 3rd Floor
Welcome home, CMU Black Alumni! Stop by the 3rd floor of the UC to mix and mingle with old friends and make new connections. Join us for games, light hors d'oeuvres & networking! CMU Black Alumni apparel orders and weekend check-in will be available.
Contacts:
Alumni Relations | 989-774-3312
CMU Black Alumni Chapter | cmublackalumni@gmail.com
7:00 - 9:00 p.m. | Rock Rally
Plachta Auditorium
This is the final event of CMU Homecoming Spirit Week that is one of the most spirited and high-energy events held on campus! This awesome lip-sync/dance competition is where CMU Students compete in groups on a stage for the coveted of Gold Cup Trophy, along with finding out who will be our Gold Ambassador for 2023.
Admission is free.
Contact:
Student Activities and Involvement | 989-774-3016
7:00 - 8:30 p.m. | Fired Up Public Skate
Martin Ice Arena
Join us for a Fired Up Public Skate!
Admission: $11
Skate Rental: $4
Contact: Wendy Bennett | wendy.mpicearena@gmail.com
6:00 - 9:00 p.m | Alumni Takeover: Wayside Edition
Wayside Central
Put on your boogie shoes, dress your decade, and head to the Wayside for the 2nd Annual Alumni Takeover party from 6-9 pm! CMU Alumni Association swag will be awarded to the throwback-era best dressed. Enjoy “oldies” from the 70s through the early 2000s with DJ Darryl “Mack”(who DJ’d at the Wayside in the early 80s) and the Wayside’s resident DJ Tré. Any proceeds from the cover charge will go to support the Student Food Pantry at Central Michigan University! $5 cover, additional donations accepted.
Contact: Wayside Central 989-772-2391 | Scott Nadeau scott.nadeau@comcast.net
8:00 p.m. | The Takeover: Friday the 13th Edition Greek Showcase & Competition
Finch Fieldhouse | 8:00 p.m.
Calling ALL Alumni! Get ready to cheer on your favorite fraternities and sororities as they take the stage in Finch Fieldhouse! It's time to see whose knees are still in shape as alumni join their organizations for a chance to win a CASH prize! Beats will be lit, the moves are fire, and the surprises are off the hook! Let's relive those epic moments and create new ones together. Catch you there for a takeover night full of suspense and good vibes!
Purchase tickets through the Black Alumni Chapter package below or an ala carte ticket here. Student admission is free with a valid Student ID.
Contacts:
Office for Institutional Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion|989-774-3700
Student Activities and Involvement | 989-774-3016
10:00 p.m. | Dance Party
MAC Gym
Contact: Student Activities and Involvement | 989-774-3016
Saturday, Oct. 14
8:00 a.m. | Special Olympics Michigan 5K Race
Finch Fieldhouse
This run/walk starts Homecoming morning off right with a 5K run or walk that begins at historic Finch Fieldhouse and travels throughout the beautiful campus of CMU.
Contact: Special Olympics Michigan | 989-774-3911
9:00 a.m. | Legacy Breakfast
Bovee University Center Rotunda
The CMU Homecoming Legacy Breakfast is for prospective students who are the children or grandchildren of CMU alumni. Students will see the growth of the university since their parents and grandparents were on campus, as well as hear about the application process and scholarship opportunities.
Contact: CMU Admissions | 989-774-3076
9:00 - 10:30 a.m. | Mary Ellen Brandell Volunteer Center Homecoming Open House
Bovee University Center, 106
The Mary Ellen Brandell Volunteer Center invites alumni and the CMU Community to the Volunteer Center Open House to hear updates about the Alternative Breaks program, Central Civics, and student volunteering. Help us ensure every student can be successful by supporting the CMU Student Food Pantry. Light refreshments will be available.
Contact: Mary Ellen Brandell Volunteer Center | 989-774-7685
9:30 a.m. | 50 Year Reunion Honoring the Class of 1973
Bovee University Center, Maroon/Gold/Chip
Rekindle past friendships, explore campus, and honor traditions at the 50 Year Reunion; celebrating the classes of 1971-1976, and highlighting the class of 1973.
Contact: Alumni Relations | 989-774-3312
9:30 - 11:00 a.m. | Community Coffee & Donuts
Powers Hall Lobby
Stop by Powers Hall to start your Homecoming day with something sweet. Complimentary coffee and donuts are available for the community.
Visit with Honors Alumni, who will have an open house in conjunction with Community Coffee & Donuts.
Admission is free.
Contact: Alumni Relations | 989-774-3312
9:30 - 11:00 a.m. | Honors Alumni Open House
Powers Lobby
Stop by Powers Hall to enjoy donuts and coffee while connecting with fellow CMU Honors Alumni and students.
Contact: Honors Program | 989-774-3902
10:00 a.m. | College of Business Administration Open House & Parade Viewing
Grawn Hall
Join us at Grawn Hall to enjoy snacks, beverages, and a photo booth!
Contact: College of Business Administration | 989-774-3124
10:00 a.m. | Business Residential College 20th Anniversary Celebration
Grawn Hall; 10:00 a.m. - Noon
BRC Alumni are invited to gather in the Grawn Hall Atrium for breakfast food, BRC SWAG, and a time of networking with BRC alumni from 2003 - 2023, as well as current BRC students.
Enjoy Grawn Hall building tours of the 2017 $10 million renovation, games for the kids, BRC 20th mini footballs, custom BRC photo booth prints, a BRC highlight video and more. Our celebration leads up to a “front row viewing” of the CMU Homecoming Parade at 11am on Main Street!
Admission is free.
Contact: Business Residential College | karen.arthur@cmich.edu
10:00 a.m. | Science and Engineering Residential College 25th Anniversary
Engineering and Technology Building
SERC and STRC Alumni gather for a day of fun!
10:00 – 10:45 Coffee and Donuts – gather in ET Atrium for parade
11:00 – CMU Homecoming Parade
12:30 – 2:00 Lunch and Woldt Hall Tours
2:00 – 3:00 Building Tours, Tailgate Games in FEW Courtyard
3:30 Football Game
Contact: Kegan Rojas | rojas1ks@cmich.edu
10:30 a.m. | CMU D3 Hockey vs. Lawrence Tech
Martin Ice Arena
Tickets can be purchased on-site.
Contact: Wendy Bennett | wendy.mpicearena@gmail.com
11:00 a.m. | Homecoming Parade
Mt. Pleasant
The annual Homecoming Parade begins in Parking Lot 22 and travels through campus before heading north on Main Street to downtown Mount Pleasant.
Contact:
Student Activities & Involvement | 989-774-3016
11:30 a.m. | Tailgate Lots Open
South End Lots
Celebrate game day with a tailgate. Parking permits can be purchased by contacting Ticket Central.
Contact: Ticket Central | 989-774-3045
11:30 a.m. | 2023 Homecoming Tailgate
Chippewa Champion Center
Get ready to show your school spirit, reconnect with old friends, and cheer on our CMU Chippewas as we celebrate the 2023 Homecoming in style. Whether you're an alumni, a student, a parent, or a fan, join us for an unforgettable day of fun, food, and football!
Your ticket will include entrance to the tent and a gameday buffet with a cash bar available. Don't miss out on the biggest Homecoming Tailgate Party of the year. Spread the word, grab your friends and family, and let's make unforgettable memories together. Fire Up Chips!
Contact: Chippewa Athletic Fund | 989-774-6680
11:30 a.m. | Black Alumni Tailgate
Grass lot East of Kelly/Shorts between East Campus Dr. and Mission St.
Join the CMU Black Alumni Chapter for our annual tailgate! Come enjoy food, music, and fellowship!
Tailgate Parking: A limited number of parking passes are available on a first-come, first-served basis in Lot 63E. Pre-purchase your parking here.
Contacts:
Alumni Relations | 989-774-3312
CMU Black Alumni Chapter | cmublackalumni@gmail.com
11:30 a.m. | Latine Alumni Tailgate Fiesta
Grass lot East of Kelly/Shorts between East Campus Dr. and Mission St.
Join the CMU Latine Alumni Chapter for a vibrant and lively Tailgate Tent experience that embraces our CMU Latine community. We invite all students, alumni, and friends to come together and celebrate the diversity and richness of Latine culture in a festive and inclusive environment. Let's come together, dance, and celebrate our Latine community at this unforgettable Homecoming Tailgate Fiesta!
Contact: Alumni Relations | 989-774-3312
12:30 p.m. | Cider and Donuts with the College of Education and Human Services
Education and Human Services Building East entrance on Central Ave.
Stop by the Education and Human Services Building for cider, donuts, and some CMU swag on your way to the football game and tailgate festivities!
Contact: Education and Human Services| 989-774-3079
12:30 p.m. | College of the Arts and Media Reception
CMU Music Patio
Admission is free.
Contact: College of the Arts and Media| 989-774-1885
1:00 p.m. | Cardboard Boat Races
Rose Ponds
Student engineers construct boats out of cardboard in hopes of successfully crossing both Rose Ponds. The annual Cardboard Boat Race is hosted by the School of Engineering and Technology.
Contact:
School of Engineering & Technology | 989-774-1870
3:30 p.m. | Kick-off: CMU Chippewas vs. Akron Zips
Kelly/Shorts Stadium
Cheer on the CMU Chippewas as they take on the Akron Zips! A gold-out is planned, and all fans are encouraged to wear gold clothing to the game!
Contact: Ticket Central | 989-774-3045
9:00 p.m. | Black Alumni Party
John G. Kulhavi Event Center Atrium
CMU Black Alumni, Saturday night's going to be fire! Join us for music, small bites, dancing, and good vibes – 2 drink tickets included! Grab the crew and meet us in the John G. Kulhavi Events Center Atrium of McGuirk Arena (formerly known as Rose Arena)!
Contacts:
Alumni Relations | 989-774-3312
CMU Black Alumni Chapter | cmublackalumni@gmail.com
Sunday, Oct. 15
12:00 p.m. | Softball Fall Ball Scrimmage - CMU vs SVSU
Margo Jonker Stadium
Join the CMU Softball team for a game against SVSU. Admission is free.
Contact:Ticket Central | 989-774-3045
1:00 p.m. | Soccer - CMU vs Akron
Central Michigan Soccer/Lacrosse Complex
Join the CMU Soccer team for their Homecoming game against Akron. Admission is free.
Contact: Ticket Central | 989-774-3045
Grand Marshals
Each year, CMU honors outstanding individuals in the community as homecoming Grand Marshals.
2023 Homecoming Grand Marshals: Bill and Carla Kanine
We proudly recognize Bill and Carla Kanine as the 2023 CMU Homecoming Grand Marshals!