Emory welcomes alumni back to campus this week for Homecoming 2016, a celebration highlighted with music and memories, class parties and special activities.
This year’s Homecoming Weekend provides an opportunity for graduates to rediscover what made Emory feel like "home," while offering dozens of activities for students and other members of the Emory community.
Events include a tailgate with Emory College faculty members, concerts on McDonough Field, a fun-filled “Spirit Day” parade, and activities for various affinity groups. Most are free, but registration may be required (see below).
The Emory Alumni Association's Homecoming website provides detailed information on dozens of activities, with links for those that require registration.
The Emory Student Programming Council chose "Camp Swoop" for its 2016 Homecoming theme, kicking off the celebration on Monday with tents, tie-dye, friendship bracelet making, a photo booth, games and plenty of food in Asbury Circle.
Alumni and student events continue throughout the week, highlighted by the Homecoming parade and concert with Smash Mouth on Saturday.
Highlights for Emory Homecoming Weekend
Wednesday, Sept. 21
8 p.m. | Homecoming Comedy Show | Harland Cinema
The Student Programming Council (SPC) 2016 Homecoming events feature the theme "Camp Swoop." The SPC presents Chris Distefano as the Homecoming comedian, with doors opening at 7 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 22
10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Golden Alumni Brunch | Miller-Ward Alumni House
Graduates of all Emory schools and units who graduated more than 50 years ago are invited to celebrate and connect with each other. Open to alumni and their guests. Register here. $15 per person.
11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Alumni Chapel Service | Cannon Chapel
Join Candler School of Theology for a special chapel service, with recognition of the Distinguished Alumni Award winners and an alumni preacher. Open to all, no charge. Registration required.
Friday, Sept. 23
5-7 p.m. | Lucky's Burger and Brew | 1569 North Decatur Road
Emory athletes and alumni are invited to don their athletic gear and reminisce at this Athletic Alumni Event.
7-9 p.m. | CEBA/BSA Benefit Reception | Emory Black Student Union | Dobbs University Center
Reunite with classmates and mingle with current students in the Caucus of Emory Black Alumni at a reception at the Emory Black Student Union. Open to all. $30 per person in advance; $40 at the door. Current students may attend compliments of CEBA and the Black Student Alliance.
8 p.m. | R3HAB, McDonough Field
The Emory Student Programming Council hosts the Homecoming Ball featuring R3HAB. This event is free for current Emory students with ID; students can register to bring a guest.
Saturday, Sept. 24 — Spirit Day
Welcome Center: Alumni stopping by Peavine Parking Deck will receive a free t-shirt throughout the weekend.
9 a.m. | Homecoming Intramural 5K Run through Lullwater Park | Student Activity & Academic Center, Clairmont Campus
The annual walk/run begins outside the Student Activity & Academic Center and will run through Lullwater Park. Online registration is encouraged, but walk-ups are welcome. On-site registration will be 8-8:45 a.m. The run is hosted by Powerade and the Emory Alumni Association. No charge for Emory students, faculty/staff, alumni, friends and families.
11 a.m.-1 p.m. | GALA: Emory LGBT Alumni Blue Jean Brunch | Dobbs University Center, Winship Ballroom
The brunch also serves as the annual fundraiser to support the GALA Leadership Award and the Office of LGBT Life. Open to all. Registration is $20 per person in advance and $25 at the door. Current Emory students and recent graduates from the classes of 2015 and 2016 will be admitted free of charge, compliments of GALA; registration requested. For information, contact latasia.woods@emory.edu.
11–11:50 a.m. | Motions and Mimosas: An Analysis of the 2016 U.S. Supreme Court | Law School, Room 1C
Emory Law School Dean Robert Schapiro will recap and analyze major U.S. Supreme Court cases from the 2015-2016 session over mimosas and coffee.
Noon-2 p.m. | Emory College Tailgate | On the Quadrangle
Mingle among some of Emory’s finest faculty minds at this free event. Registration is required.
12:30-3 p.m. | "Emory Street Eats" Food Truck Park | Asbury Circle
Homecoming Festival and Concert
McDonough Field & Asbury Circle
2 p.m. Parade | 2:30 p.m. Festival | 3:30 p.m. Concert
Cheer on your favorite group or float at Emory’s Annual Big, Bold, Blue and Gold Homecoming Parade. Doors open to the Festival/Concert on McDonough Field at 2:30 p.m., with music, games for all ages, food and fun (and beer or those over 21). Alternative rock trio Smash Mouth — creators of top-ten hits “Walkin’ on the Sun,” “All-Star” and “I’m a Believer" — are the featured performers. No charge, but ID and registration are required.
For more information, check the Emory Alumni Association’s “Schedule at a Glance,” which presents a roster of all University-wide events. You can also visit the Homecoming 2016 website for events focused on specific schools and divisions.