2013 Homecoming features diverse lineup of events

2013 Homecoming celebration features diverse lineup of events

News contact: Laura Hancock | University Advancement
541-962-3585 | lhancock@eou.edu

Source contact: Jessie Brett | Alumni Coordinator
541-962-3740 | jbrett@eou.edu

September 6, 2013
LA GRANDE, Ore. (EOU) – Eastern Oregon University is celebrating Homecoming early this year with activities slated Wednesday through Saturday, Oct. 2-5.

Events coincide with the first week of fall term classes at the university, and campus will be filled with fresh-faced students and faculty.

A series of “Mountie Challenges” presented by Eastern Student Entertainment (ESE) kicks-off on Wednesday, when an open mic also brings entertainment to the club fair from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the quad.

Thursday evening, EOU alumni will meet up at Ten Depot Street Restaurant to enjoy some jazz piano by Matt Cooper, professor of music. The informal gathering starts at 8 p.m.

Friday morning at 9:30 is the annual Mountaineer Athletic Association Scholarship Golf Scramble at Buffalo Peak Golf Course in Union. Registration is $75 for individuals and $300 for teams, with all proceeds supporting scholarships for student-athletes.

Later in the day a reunion and reception for former science students takes place in Badgley Hall at 2 p.m. Guests include retired faculty members Richard Hermens, Burr Betts, Dennis Swanger and David Kerley who each taught hundreds of Eastern students during their tenure.

Friday at 3 p.m. a public presentation from Laurie Marker takes center stage in Huber Auditorium. Marker, who is attending the science reunion, is the founder and executive director of the worldwide Cheetah Conservation Fund and recipient of EOU’s 2013 Distinguished Alumna Award.

> Read more about Marker’s work with cheetahs.

The afternoon finds students, alumni and community groups taking to the streets for the Homecoming Parade. The procession of entries led by Grand Marshal Lee Insko starts at 5 p.m. and traverses from 4^th St., past Max Square and then east along Adams Ave.

Keeping the celebratory feeling going is the annual Alumni Honors and Athletic Hall of Fame Reception and Ceremony at 6:30 p.m. in the Gilbert Center on campus.

Award recipients are: Don and Zola Dunbar, Distinguished Alumni; Laurie Marker, Distinguished Alumna; John Howard, Honorary Alumnus; and Bob Moody, Dixie Lund Service Award.

Hall of Fame inductees are: Bill Burns (Baseball) and Nicole Christian (Softball).

When the sun goes down Friday night, ESE invites everyone to the Mountaineer Spirit Bonfire at Snowflake Field on the south end of campus near Gekeler Lane.

Weekend athletic activities include co-ed games of slow pitch baseball and softball open to all alumni. Participants should meet at 8:30 p.m. Friday at Pioneer Park. Those hoping for a fast pitch game of softball are also in luck, with one planned for 10 a.m. Saturday at Peggy Anderson Field.

Saturday’s main events start off early with the inaugural Homecoming Run. Registration is at 7 a.m. with the run beginning at 8. Participants choose a 5K run/walk or a 10K run with routes through the heart of campus and downtown. Pre-registration is $25 or $30 the day of the event.

The John J. Howard and Associates Tailgate Zone opens to football fans at 10:30 a.m. Saturday prior to the big game between the Mountaineers and the University of Montana Western. Kick-off is at 1 p.m. at Community Stadium. Win or lose, everyone is invited to a 5^th Quarter Celebration in the Hoke Union Building at 4:30 p.m.

Also on Saturday is the Alumni Association’s reunion breakfast and annual meeting. Members meet at 9 a.m. in the second floor lounge and patio of the Hoke Union Building.

Tours of the newly remodeled Hoke, Zabel Hall, Pierce Library and Quinn Coliseum start at 10 with a reopening celebration at Hoke planned for 10:30.

As the grand finale, the EOU Foundation is hosting “An Evening with Lee Insko” beginning at 6 p.m. Saturday in the Gilbert Center. Athletic alumni from 1968-82 are especially encouraged to attend and catch up with one of Eastern’s longtime coaches and faculty members. Tickets are $25 per person and include a buffet dinner.

ESE is also bringing South Carolina musician and YouTube sensation Noah to perform Saturday at 6:30 p.m. A beer garden with other refreshments will be set up in the tennis courts. Families and those under age 21 can enjoy the music from a separate area. There is no cover charge.

For more information and to register for events visit www.eou.edu/alumni/homecoming, call University Advancement at 541-962-3740 or e-mail alumni@eou.edu. To reserve a space in the tailgate zone go to www.eou.edu/alumni/tailgate.