Whether it’s a student’s first fall in town or an alumnus is returning to reconnect with college roommates, Homecoming at Central Michigan University is a special time of the year for Mount Pleasant. As autumn begins and football season is in full-swing, Sept. 27 through Oct. 3 is the time to celebrate the spirits and traditions of the Chippewas. As I prepare for my fourth and final year in town, I’d like to share some of my favorite opportunities to get connected with life on campus and in our community:
Competing for campus pride
As the football team prepares for the big game, students have their own competitions to gear up for. Members of registered student organizations will compete for the Maroon Cup, Greek Cup and Golden Goblet awards with Student Activities and Involvement. Activities surrounding this year’s Disney theme include trivia, mock rocks, float building and much more. Students and campus departments will also earn points by raising money for United Way of Isabella County’s university campaign.
Third Eye Blind to perform at McGuirk Arena
CMU will host the first Homecoming concert featuring Third Eye Blind with special guest Hoodie Allen on Oct. 2 in McGuirk Arena at 7 p.m. Alumni returning to campus Friday evening will have the opportunity to reconnect with old friends and former hits rock it out to kick-off the weekend.
Runners support Special Olympics Michigan
The Special Olympics Michigan Miles for Medals 5K Run/Walk has given a competitive edge to Homecoming morning for more than 20 years with a course that begins at the historic Finch Fieldhouse. This was one of the first events I participated in during my first Homecoming, and I am excited to return again this year as a runner. All proceeds benefit nearly 21,000 athletes of Special Olympics Michigan, an organization supported widely around Isabella County and beyond.
Coming together as a community
When walking the Homecoming parade route, it’s exciting to see students, faculty, alumni and community members line the streets to honor and celebrate Central Michigan University and Mount Pleasant. Since moving to campus in 2012, I have always appreciated the relationship between the community and the university, and it’s exciting to see everyone come out to show what “Fire up chips!” is really all about.
The Chippewas take on the Huskies
CMU Football will open Mid-American Conference play against the Northern Illinois University Huskies on Saturday, Oct. 3 at 3 p.m. Kelly/Shorts Stadium will contain a mixture of students enjoying their first or final Homecoming and alumni returning to reminisce the traditions of their college years. Speaker of the Michigan House of Representatives, Kevin Cotter, 99th District, is being honored by CMU and will serve as the Grand Marshal for the halftime ceremonies. The top 14 Homecoming Ambassadors will be honored as representatives of the university and the 2015 Gold Ambassadors will be crowned at the end of the week. As the 2015 Homecoming co-chair, I am excited to see all of our hard work in action as the week nears.
No matter how you choose to celebrate, take some time to enjoy the spirit of Homecoming week in Mount Pleasant.
Josh Palmer is a senior at Central Michigan University pursuing a bachelors degree in integrative public relations with minors in leadership and public affairs. Following graduation, he plans to attend graduate school for higher education administration. He is originally from Livonia, Mich. but has enjoyed life as a Mount Pleasant resident since 2012. He works as a public relations intern at University Communications and is the Homecoming co-chair for Student Activities and Involvement. In his free time, he enjoys exploring all that Mount Pleasant has to offer in addition to attending athletic events and concerts.
*All photos courtesy of CMU Communications.
