In celebration of the 2012 Homecoming/Family Weekend, Central College welcomes alumni, family and friends to campus Sept. 28-30. Over the weekend, visitors are invited to join in activities, enjoy performances, watch athletic events and catch up with classmates.
For alumni, family and friends planning to participate in the weekend, a welcome center will be open Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 8 to 11:30 a.m. in the Graham Annex located across from the Graham Conference Center. Check in to receive a registration packet, meal and event tickets and a Central gift.
“When it comes to Homecoming, we have lots of dedicated alumni who come back year after year,” said Kelsey Jacobs, assistant director of alumni relations. “At the same time, it’s very cool to see alumni who haven’t been back in five, 10 or 15 years—or who maybe haven’t even stepped foot back on campus since they graduated! It’s such a fantastic time, and we’re so excited to see everyone.”
Events start on Friday morning with glassblowing demonstrations in the newly updated John Vruwink Glass Blowing Studio. Kicking off the evening, the 35th annual Lemming Race is scheduled at 6 p.m. This Central College tradition features students racing from Geisler Library to the island in the Pond while in costume.
After the Lemming Race, the Street Festival on the east side of Graham Hall will pump up the excitement with a barbecue, pep rally, Homecoming coronation and street party for alumni, students and families.
The night concludes with Central’s first annual Student Showcase in Douwstra Auditorium. Central’s Got Talent highlights the many artistic talents of Central students.
Saturday morning begins with lifelong learning classes offered at 9:30 and 10:30. Classes will be held at various locations and taught by Central College faculty and staff on a variety of topics. Exact locations and topics will be available at the welcome center on campus.
The afternoon will be a sports spectacular, with women’s soccer at 1 p.m. and men’s soccer at 3 p.m. The football team takes on the University of Dubuque at the Ron and Joyce Schipper Stadium at 1 p.m. Since 1930, Central has faced Dubuque 72 times with a record of 54-16-2. Last season Dubuque beat Central 56-28. Central Dining Services will host a tailgate luncheon on the corner of Independence St. and West 3rd St. beginning at 11 a.m.
After the football game, all are invited to the Party on the Plaza, which begins at 5 p.m. Guests will enjoy food and entertainment while visiting with classmates, friends and families. The party will be held at Central’s entrance plaza off University St.
During this event, alumni awards and the 50-year class gift will be presented in the Graham Conference Center.
Ending the weekend on a high note, on Sunday, the A Cappella Choir will participate in worship at Second Reformed Church at 9 a.m., and the Sixth Annual Flying Pans Alumni Steel Band concert will take place in Douwstra Auditorium at 1 p.m.
“Homecoming is such a fun time for alumni to come back and relive the traditions that were meaningful to them when they were students on campus, as well as to see what’s new,” said Jacobs. “It’s a great opportunity to remember that what was important then is still important now, and to show current students and families what it means to be part of the Central community.”
Check out all the events going on during 2012 Homecoming/Family Weekend at www.central.edu/alumni/homecoming.cfm.
