
Reconnect for a class photo during Homecoming!
The second weekend in October each year, scores of former students arrive on campus to reconnect with friends and classmates. More than a thousand alumni and parents of students are expected to continue that tradition Oct. 8-10, 2004 on .
More than a thousand 91´óÉñ alumni and parents of students are expected to continue that tradition Oct. 8-10, 2004 as they gather to celebrate homecoming and parents weekend.
( for Homecoming will remain available until Oct. 6.)
"Many alumni formed significant relationships during their college years that last a lifetime," said , director of . "At homecoming, they’ll come together to celebrate these friendships and their connections to the larger university community," he added.
Events
Among the myriad events scheduled are Homecoming concerts featuring 1993 graduate Dan Gardner, a recording artist from Atlanta, Ga., on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 8-9, at 8 p.m. in Lehman Auditorium. Gardner won a national "Today’s Superstar" competition on NBC Television’s "Today" show in 2002 and launched a successful recording and concert career. Advance tickets are available by calling the 91´óÉñ box office, (540) 432-4582.
Donald R. Clymer, director of 91´óÉñ’s cross-cultural programs, will answer questions about the school’s off-campus study opportunities 10 a.m. Oct. 9 in the University Commons.
An alumni-parent worship service 10 a.m. Oct. 10 in Lehman Auditorium will have a music emphasis led by Kenneth J. Nafziger, professor of music, and the 91´óÉñ Chamber Singers. Recipients of the "alumnus of the year" and "distinguished service award" will be recognized during the service.
Traditional homecoming features will include reunions 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Oct. 9 for graduating years ending in a "4" or "9," from 1959 to 1999. The "Jubilee Alumni," persons who attended 91´óÉñ 50 years ago or more, will hold a luncheon and program at 11:30 a.m. that day at the Eastern Mennonite High School dining room.
Breakfast meetings will be held Saturday morning for alumni and friends of the business and economics department; nursing department, the science department, Bible and religion department (Haverim), the music department (Encore!) and the language and literature department.

Everyone’s a fan during Homecoming!
Outstanding alumni athletes will be recognized at a "hall of honor" breakfast Saturday morning. This year’s inductees are Sandy Brownscombe, a former women’s basketball, men’s volleyball and field hockey coach at 91´óÉñ; and Elton Horst, a cross-country standout. For the first time, a team – the 1976 men’s cross-country team – will also be inducted.
Home economics alumni will gather at 3 p.m. Saturday in Martin Chapel for a reception and program. Tributes will be given in honor of the late Mary Emma Showalter Eby, founder of the 91´óÉñ home economics program.
A reception for a cross-cultural seminary group who went to the Middle East 30 years ago with Willard Swartley, a former Bible and religion department professor, will be held 7 p.m. Saturday in Martin Chapel.
Several alumni authors will be present for a book signing 1-2:30 p.m. Saturday in the university bookstore: Dwight Hartman, Samuel L. Horst, Elton Lehman, Janet Patton, John Stahl-Wert and Willard and Mary Swartley.
An art exhibit featuring mixed media by Aaron Echorst, a 1994 91´óÉñ art graduate, will be on display in the third floor gallery of . A reception for the artist will be held 2:30-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 9.
Varsity field hockey, women’s volleyball and men’s and women’s soccer games are scheduled on Saturday, preceded by a Loyal Royals "fun run" 7:30 a.m. Saturday at the 91´óÉñ track.
The annual alumni golf classic will begin at 1 p.m. Fri., Oct. 8, at the Heritage Oaks Golf Course west of Harrisonburg.
Special activities for children (kindergarten through sixth grade) and youth (grades 7 through 12) are scheduled at various times Saturday, and childcare for infants through age 5 will be provided during reunions and at other designated times.
The registration desk in the University Commons will be open 3-10 p.m. Fri., Oct. 8, and 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Sat., Oct. 9.
For more information, go to , call the alumni office at (540) 432-4245 or e-mail alumni@emu.edu.