Northern Michigan University will close out its Homecoming celebration with a weekend of activities for alumni and community members Sept. 15-17. The schedule includes the traditional parade, tailgate party and sporting events, along with family activities, arts and culture exhibits and a historical tour of campus.
“My family and I are so excited to participate in as many Homecoming activities as we can, and meet current, past and future Wildcats," said first-year NMU President Brock Tessman. "I am sorry that this year's Homecoming schedule will preclude our Jewish community members from participating in the weekend events, but I certainly wish all who are celebrating a joyous and blessed Rosh Hashanah. Northern has a longstanding commitment to inclusion, but we will use this moment as an opportunity to redouble our effort to maximize the inclusivity of our university calendar moving forward.”
Friday's events include a 2 p.m. rededication of the Jacobetti Complex, following a major two-year renovation project. The Homecoming parade begins at 5:30 p.m. on Fair Avenue, travels down Third Street to Hewitt, then back on Front Street toward the Superior Dome. It is followed by the NMU Sports Hall of Fame Induction Dinner and Ceremony at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are required and can be purchased here. An All-Alumni Reception is at 7 p.m. in the Northern Center Peninsula Rooms I and II. The event features music provided by NMU's Radio X, a Double Trouble Photo Booth, hors d'oeuvres and cash bar.
The schedule for Saturday, Sept. 16 follows:
-Golden Wildcat Brunch with President Brock Tessman from 9-10:30 a.m. in the Northern Center Ballrooms. The event celebrates alumni from the class of 1973 and prior on the 50th anniversary of their graduation from NMU. It is open to the public and requires a reservation with Alumni Relations at 906-227-2610.
-Lydia Olson Library will hold two family-friendly activities: Bagels and Books, led by NMU students, from 10-11 a.m.; and Create at the Library from 11 a.m. to noon.
-A historical campus tour with Dan Truckey, director of the Beaumier U.P. Heritage Center, will be held from 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m., starting at the Carillon Towers outside of the Northern Center.
-The pre-game Tailgate Party runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. behind the Superior Dome in Lot 55 and the adjacent grassy area. Food and refreshments will be available, along with music, yard games and kids' bounce houses.
-The NMU Homecoming Football Game is at 2 p.m. in the Superior Dome. The Wildcats host the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. Sports Hall of Fame inductees and Alumni Award recipients will be honored and Golden Wildcats will be recognized. An alumni rate of $9/ticket for the Homecoming football game is available by using the code NMUALUM23 at checkout. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
Final events on Sunday are the annual student Dead River Games at 1 p.m. at Clark Lambros Beach and the U.P. Children's Museum Block Party from 2-6 p.m. on Baraga Avenue between Front and Third Streets. NMU is a sponsor of the block party. Adults can take advantage of the social district while the entire family enjoys food trucks, bounce houses, kids' yoga, a music tent, dunk tank, face painting, relay races and more. Wristbands for kids' activities are $10 per child.
Alumni and friends can also view two exhibits on display at the DeVos Art Museum all weekend and take a director's tour of the facility from 11 a.m. to noon on Friday. The Beaumier U.P. Heritage Center in Gries Hall will host the exhibition “1820 Expedition of Lewis Cass” during Homecoming and beyond.
Find the full Homecoming weekend schedule here.