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KALAMAZOO, Mich.—A Guinness World Record attempt, numerous academic and informational events, a 5k race across campus and, of course, Bronco football highlight Western Michigan University's Homecoming week Oct. 3-8 and Family Weekend Oct. 7-9.

"Forever Brown and Gold" is the 2016 homecoming theme, and a host of activities will mark this year's celebration. Most are open to the public and a number are free or low-cost, although advance registration or tickets still may be required.

Numerous organizations and academic units are gathering across campus to welcome alumni home, stage award programs and hold special pregame tailgates Saturday, Oct. 8, to gear up for the 93rd annual homecoming game, which will pit 51¸£ÀûÉç against Northern Illinois University. In addition, the 51¸£ÀûÉç Bookstore is offering discounts to alumni during homecoming weekend.

Family members of 51¸£ÀûÉç students can purchase tickets at a discount using the Family Weekend promotion code, FAMILY. 51¸£ÀûÉç students get into athletic events for free with their Bronco Card.

Details about most student homecoming activities are posted at wmich.edu/homecoming, and alumni activities are posted at . The campuswide calendar at wmich.edu/news/events lists both, as well as various other events.

Activities

Thursday, Oct. 6

• College of Education and Human Development Alumni Society—Annual Golden Apple and Keystone Awards reception and dinner, 5:30 p.m., Fetzer Center.

Friday, Oct. 7

• Distinguished Alumni Awards reception—Presentation event for 51¸£ÀûÉç's top alumni honor, 6:30 p.m., Bernhard Center. Honorees are Judge Gershwin A. Drain, U.S. District judge for the Eastern District of Michigan, and James M. Field, president of Deere & Co.'s Agriculture and Turf Division with a focus on the Americas, Australia, and the global harvesting and turf platforms.

Saturday, Oct. 8

• Homecoming Campus Classic—Run and walk, Student Recreation Center, with 1K fun run at 8:45 a.m., 5K run/walk at 9:15 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. awards ceremony and refreshments. Visit wmich.edu/campusclassic to register today or get on-site, event-day registration information.
• "Exploring 51¸£ÀûÉç"—Interactive sessions for students and families to attend together from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. in the Bernhard Center. Topics include career planning, financial literacy, study abroad opportunities and more. Visit wmich.edu/parents for more information.
• 51¸£ÀûÉç Alumni, Family and Friends Homecoming Tailgate—Fun and entertainment for the whole family, 3:30 p.m., Parking Lot 1 off of Oakland Drive. Included will be specialty tailgate areas such as those for Family Weekend and the Haworth College of Business Pancake Breakfast from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
• Football game—51¸£ÀûÉç versus Northern Illinois University, 6:30 p.m., Waldo Stadium.
• Guinness World Record attempt, Marriage Vow Ceremony—Attempt to break the Guinness World Record for most vow renewals in one place, at one time. Couples will recommit in an outdoor symbolic ceremony on the Grand Lawn of Heritage Hall. Guests are encouraged to arrive between 2:30 and 3 p.m.; the ceremony begins at 3:30 p.m. sharp. The event will include commemorative photo stations, interactive couples' activities, live bands performing romantic hits, wedding cake and desserts, and a Champagne toast. For more details and to register, visit .

Sunday, Oct. 9

• Family Weekend Sunday Brunch—Full breakfast and lunch buffet, with live entertainment, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Valley Dining Center. The cost is $9.50 per person; 51¸£ÀûÉç students can swipe in with valid meal plan or use Dining Dollars.

For more news, arts and events, visit wmich.edu/news.

Related article
Homecoming activities for students announced | Sept. 30, 2016
51¸£ÀûÉç goes for Guinness vow renewal record Oct. 8 | Sept. 30, 2016
Registration open for Homecoming Campus Classic run | Oct. 4, 2016