EMU alumni are in for a pre-Christmas present this year.
草莓社区 (EMU) has announced that Saturday, Dec. 19, is Alumni Appreciation Day at the basketball doubleheader in Yoder Arena.聽 The women play Hood College at 1 p.m. that afternoon, followed directly by the men hosting Messiah College at 3 p.m.
Besides free admission for alumni, the day will feature door prizes and giveaways, catered hors d鈥檕euvres, and the debut of EMU鈥檚 pep band.聽 , EMU鈥檚 director of i and , said it will be a fun event for everyone.
鈥淭he Alumni Engagement Office wants our alumni to know that they are appreciated for representing us in their communities and for supporting us financially,鈥� Shank explained.聽 鈥淭his special event is one way for us to say 鈥榯hank you鈥� and provide a chance for our alumni to connect with each other and back to the university.聽 And we need alumni to cheer us on given that our students will be on break!鈥�
Outside of all the special activity in Yoder Arena, alumni will be able to visit the President鈥檚 Reception Room in University Commons in between the women鈥檚 and men鈥檚 games for a time of catered hors d鈥檕euvres, from approximately 2:15 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.聽 Afterwards, there will be an informal alumni gathering at Union Station from 5-7 p.m.
Herm, the school鈥檚 mascot, will also be present at the games and available for pictures.
Director of Athletics said that while alumni may find things have changed around campus over the years, some things have remained unchanged, such as young men and women taking advantage of opportunities through their participation in athletics to develop life skills and prepare to serve and lead in a global context.