Schedule

Friday, Oct. 13
11 a.m. – Golf outing, Honeywell Golf Course, Wabash, Ind.
3 - 4:30 p.m. – Choir and alumni rehearsal, Wine Recital Hall, Otho Winger Memorial Hall
4 - 5:30 p.m. – Artist reception, Gallery G, Jo Young Switzer Center
  – Band and alumni rehearsal, Cordier Auditorium
5- 7 p.m. – Alumni Honor banquet, Jo Young Switzer Center, Lahman Room
5:30 - 7:30 p.m. – Fort Wayne campus Homecoming Kick-Off, 10627 Diebold Road
7:30 p.m. – Choir and Band Alumni-Student concert performances and reception, Cordier Auditorium
8:08 p.m. Bonfire near the softball field

Saturday, Oct. 14
9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. – Pharmacy health fair, East Street Tent
9 a.m. - 3 p.m. – Alumni registration, East Street Tent
  – Kids inflatable games and lawn games (all day), various locations Memorial Reflections, Petersime Chapel
  – Homecoming t-shirt sale, East Street
9:30 - 10 a.m. – Hall of Fame registration, upper level, Jo Young Switzer Center
10 a.m. – Hall of Fame presentations and lunch, Jo Young Switzer Center
  – Ultimate Frisbee on the Mall
10 a.m.-3 p.m. Alumni author displays, The Oaks, Jo Young Switzer Center Homecoming photo booth, Welcome Center, outside Academic Center Residence hall open houses
10 a.m. - 5 p.m. – Campus Store open, lower level of Jo Young Switzer Center
10:30 a.m. – Athletic Training, Exercise Science and Physical Education alumni gathering and cookout, East Street Tent
  – Study abroad alumni gathering and cookout, East Street Tent Biology-Chemistry alumni gathering and cookout, East Street Tent
10:45 a.m. – Chime concert, Administration Building
11 a.m. Class photos for the classes of ’72, ’77, ’82, ’87, ’92, ’97, ’02, ’07, ’12, Wine Recital Hall, followed by reunion luncheons, Academic Center College of Business alumni gathering and cookout, East Street Tent
11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. – Artist reception, Link Gallery, Winger Hall
11 a.m. - 1 p.m. – General luncheon, Haist Commons, Jo Young Switzer Center 12:45 p.m.
  – Golf cart parade, East Street and around the Mall, ending at the football field
1 p.m. – Women’s soccer vs. Transylvania
1:10 p.m. – Encore Lectures, see postings at the event for locations
1:30 p.m. – Football vs. Rose-Hulman
2:10 p.m. – Encore Lectures, see postings at the event for locations
3 p.m. – Peace Studies plaque dedication and reception, Gladdys Muir Peace Garden on Wayne Street
3:30 p.m. – Men’s soccer vs. Transylvania
4 - 7:30 p.m. – 5th Quarter Celebration, inside the track with musical entertainment by the Wabatucky Shooters
4:30 p.m. – Alumni of Color gathering, Intercultural Center located on College Ave.
  – Environmental Studies award and celebration, Log Cabin north of the football field
4:30 p.m. – General dinner available, Haist Commons, Jo Young Switzer Center

Reunions

Celebrating the Classes of ’72, ’77, ’82, ’87, ’92, ’97, ’02, ’07 and ’12
Class reunions are a great way to reconnect with classmates, share stories about classes and professors, and come back to campus to experience the changes in scenery and programs.
The shenanigans start with the class photo on Saturday, Oct. 14. Classmates should gather at Wine Recital Hall at 11 a.m. After the photo, you and your guests will be herded to the Academic Center to enjoy food from the chow line, fellowship with your classmates, and dessert. A member of each class will serve as a host convener and share a presentation designed to stir memories and lots of laughter. Each classmate is encouraged to share where life has taken them over the years.
Enjoy a meal of all-American cookout food. Cost is $11 per person, $5.50 for ages 6-12 and free for children 5 and younger. While you may purchase a meal at the event, R.S.V.P.s are encouraged and preferred, so please register online for your reunion and meal. 

College of Business Alumni Gathering & Cookout
College of Business graduates and families will gather to connect, network and share stories in the tent on East Street, Saturday, beginning at 11 a.m. Those not attending a class luncheon may join us for the cookout at 11:30 a.m. Enjoy a meal of all-American cookout food. Cost is $11 per person, $5.50 for ages 6-12 and free for children 5 and younger. While you may purchase a meal at the event, R.S.V.P.s are encouraged and preferred, so please register online. 

Athletic Training, Exercise Science and Physical Education Alumni Gathering & Cookout
Athletic training, exercise science and physical education majors are encouraged to return to campus for a reunion and cookout. Come share stories with current students, get reacquainted with faculty, learn about new study abroad opportunities, hear short presentations on those majors, and network with other alumni in the tent on East Street,
Saturday, beginning at 10:30 a.m. Those not attending a class luncheon may join us for the cookout at 11:30 a.m. Enjoy a meal of all-American cookout food. Cost is $11 per person,
$5.50 for ages 6-12 and free for children 5 and younger. While you may purchase a meal at the event, R.S.V.P.s are encouraged and preferred, so please register online for your reunion and meal.

Choir and Band Alumni-Student Concert
“In a cavern, in a canyon, excavating for a mine. Dwelt a miner forty-niner and his daughter Clementine.” Now that we have you singing, consider joining current students for the annual Homecoming concert, Friday, Oct. 13, in Cordier Auditorium. If you sing or play an instrument and love music, you are welcome!
Arrive early on Friday to practice. A 90-minute choir rehearsal begins at 3 p.m. in Wine Recital Hall. Band rehearsal is set for 4-5:30 p.m. in Cordier Auditorium. At 7:30 p.m., all performers will take the stage together for a concert that’s as much fun for them as it is for the audience. Reception to follow!
For more information, contact the Music Department at 260-982-5296 (choir) or 260-982- 5331 (band). We hope you will join us!

Biology-Chemistry Alumni Gathering & Cookout
Alumni who majored in biology-chemistry are invited to join department faculty, emeriti faculty and current students in a tent on East Street, Saturday, beginning at 10:30 a.m. Professor Emeritus Ed Miller ’56 and Professor Jeff Osborne will host the event. Share stories about classes, medical practicum trips and how Manchester impacted your life. Those not attending a class luncheon may join us for the cookout at 11:30 a.m. Enjoy a meal of all- American cookout food. Cost is $11 per person, $5.50 for ages 6-12 and free for children 5 and younger. While you may purchase a meal at the event, R.S.V.P.s are encouraged and preferred, so please register online for your reunion and meal.

Study Abroad Alumni Gathering & Cookout
Alumni who studied abroad for an MU January session, or a semester or year through BCA, LCCF or HGU, are invited to join faculty hosts, other alumni and current study abroad student “returnees” for some fun, fellowship and storytelling! The group will be in a tent on East Street, Saturday, beginning at 10:30 a.m. Share memories about your experience abroad and reflect on how study abroad has made an impact on your life. Those not attending a class luncheon may join us for the cookout at 11:30 a.m. Enjoy a meal of All- American cookout food. Cost is $11 per person, $5.50 for ages 6-12 and free to children 5 and younger. While you may purchase a meal ticket at the event, reservations are encouraged and preferred, so please register online for your reunion and meal.

Alumni of Color Gathering
Alumni of color are encouraged to meet after the football game at the Intercultural Center on College Ave. Join other alumni and current students to connect and network. Once everyone has gathered, the group will take the annual pilgrimage to the original AAFRO house location (corner of Miami and Bond).

Traditions

Encore Lectures
Encore Lectures are quickly becoming a tradition at Homecoming. Current and emeriti faculty return to campus to present a lecture on the topic of their choice. Sprinkled in are presentations of recent student trips, program presentations and student discussion panels. Come join John Planer, Jim Adams, Carl Caldwell, David Waas ’47, Richard Harshbarger ’56, Jeff Osborne, Ed Miller ’56, Jeff Beer, Ryan Hedstrom ’00, Sree Majumder and many more. Encore Lectures will happen at 1:10 p.m. and 2:10 p.m. in a variety of locations across campus on Saturday, Oct. 14. The complete schedule, along with topics, will be available online in September and at the registration tent.

Chime Concert
Since 1922, the University Chime has proclaimed the beginning of class, announced weddings of former students and indicated the results of athletic events in a language that only the Manchester community understood. Today, the tradition continues as the Chime plays each morning to welcome the day and each evening to signal the time for quiet, study and fellowship. Despite the fact that the bells can only play in the keys of F and C, there are more than 100 secular songs and 150 hymns in the Chime repertoire. Listen for the Chime concert on Saturday, Oct. 14 at 10:45 a.m.

Ultimate Frisbee on the Mall
Meet in the middle of the south portion of the Mall at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 14 for a round of Ultimate Frisbee. No experience is necessary! Don’t miss this opportunity to participate in a true college tradition!

Pharmacy Health Fair
Join Manchester pharmacy students and faculty from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday at a health fair where they will provide education on important health topics and conduct health screenings. The health fair is in the East Street tent and is free for all visitors.

Scholarship Breakfast
The Scholarship Breakfast is a special event bringing together student recipients of named endowed scholarships and their scholarship benefactors. While this event is by invitation only, visit giving.manchester.edu or contact the University’s Office of Advancement for information to create an endowed scholarship of your own!

Fort Wayne Homecoming Kick-Off
Kick off the start of our Homecoming weekend by stopping by the open house on the Fort Wayne campus on Friday, Oct. 13, from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Snacks and beverages will be offered, along with tours of the building, health fair tables and information about our pharmacy and pharmacogenomics programs. Stop by and say “Hello!”

Art and Authors

Alumni Authors
Each year, alumni authors are invited back to campus during Homecoming to literally “share their stories.” Join us as we celebrate Manchester alumni who have authored a book. Authors will be located in the Jo Young Switzer Center lower level starting at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 14. If you are an alumni author, or know of someone who should be on this list, please email alumnioffice@manchester.edu. A complete list of known authors, as well as the author registration form, can be found at alumni.manchester.edu.

Gallery G, Sept. 18 – Nov. 20, 2017, Lea Goldman, The Ephemeral Voyage
RECEPTION: Friday, Oct. 13 | 4 - 5:30 p.m., upper Switzer Center

Link Gallery, July 3 – Oct. 16, 2017, Diane Tesler, Passages
RECEPTION: Saturday, Oct. 14 | 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Winger Hall

Awards and Recognition

Each year the University accepts nominations for outstanding alumni and friends who are making great strides in improving the human condition. Please join us at the Alumni Honor banquet, Friday, Oct. 13, in the Jo Young Switzer Center. Cost is $16 per person, $8.50 for ages 6 to 12 and under 5 free. Please register online.

Alumni Honor Award
In 1960, the Alumni Association began presenting the Alumni Honor Award, the highest recognition the Alumni Association can bestow upon a graduate of Manchester University or Mount Morris College.
Tim McElwee ’78 – Few people have contributed to Manchester in as many ways or reflected the University’s mission as brightly as Tim McElwee ’78. Now senior vice president for the foundation of Parkview Health, McElwee served as campus pastor from 1983-87, director of development from 1996-98 and vice president for advancement from 1999-2003 and 2013-15. He also served as Plowshares associate professor of peace studies and political science from 2003-08 and was vice president for academic resources prior to joining Parkview. Previously in his career, McElwee worked in advancement roles with Heifer International and Albright College.

The Young Alumni Outstanding Achievement Award
Madalyn Metzger ’99 uses her ability to shine in the corporate arena and her conviction to help others along the way. Vice president of marketing for Everence Financial, Metzger has emerged as a leader and creative force for the company. Named one of Michiana’s 40 Under 40, she has been active in the Church of the Brethren and is serving her first term on MU’s Board of Trustees. She also has been involved with On Earth Peace and the New Community Project, organizations advancing the causes of justice and peace.

Environmental Studies Award & Celebration
Alumni and current students of one of the nation’s first Environmental Studies programs will celebrate with a reception and award ceremony, 4:30-6:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 14, at the Log Cabin, located by the river on the northeast corner of campus, behind the observatory. Please R.S.V.P. if you plan to attend to help us plan accordingly. The 2017 Environmental Stewardship award will be presented to alumnus Gene Likens ’57.

Peace Studies Institute Plaque Dedication and Reception
Each year at Homecoming, the Peace Studies Institute honors an individual for their significant contributions to peace and justice. This year, we recognize Professor Emeritus Allen C. Deeter ’53 for his contributions to peace studies, interfaith understanding and international education. Deeter taught religion and philosophy at Manchester for 40 years, led the Peace Studies Institute and served as executive director of international studies for BCA Studies Abroad (then Brethren Colleges Abroad).
Alumni are invited to celebrate the life and legacy of Al Deeter, who died in 2013, as we add his name to the Peacemakers Wall in the Gladdys Muir Peace Garden at 3 p.m. Saturday. The garden is on the southwest side of campus.

Hall of Fame

The Manchester University Athletic Hall of Fame and Claude E. Wolfe Coach of the Year award were established by the Department of Athletics in conjunction with the M Association in 1994. The Hall of Fame was created to recognize individuals who have brought much distinction and honor to the prestige of the University and made exceptional contributions both on and off the field of competition. The Coach of the Year award is presented to an individual based on his or her achievements and contributions in athletic coaching and who brings honor to both the University and the memory of Coach Wolfe.
 Please join us for the induction and award luncheon on Saturday, Oct. 14, 2017 at 10 a.m. in the Jo Young Switzer Center. Cost for the luncheon is $25 per person, $12.50 for ages 6-12, and free for children 5 and younger. Please register online.
There is no charge if you wish to only attend the ceremony, however an R.S.V.P. online is necessary so we have enough seating.

1993 Women’s Track & Field Team – A Hollywood writer couldn’t have put together a better script than what the Spartans, under the direction of head coach Meg Schneiders, produced.
With an 11-person roster, Manchester won the Heartland Women’s Conference and, with just three individuals advancing, finished in the top 10 at the NCAA Division III Championships indoors (seventh) and outdoors (sixth). A pair of previous Hall of Fame inductees, Brenda Ramsey ’92 and Amy Petersime Floria ’94, led the charge at nationals, as they were both All-Americans. Ramsey won the 5000 and placed second in the 3000, and Petersime Floria ended as a national runner-up in the 100-meter hurdles outdoors, while Ramsey captured the national title in the 5000 and Petersime Floria took third in the 55-meter hurdles indoors.

Fabian Chavez ’99, Wrestling – One of the many former Spartans grapplers that helped raise the national meet success banners in Stauffer-Wolfe Arena, Chavez, starring at 134 pounds, registered 110 wins, good for number nine on the program’s all-time list. He made himself a known commodity on the conference and national levels, too, winning two league titles and qualifying for the NCAA Division III Championships three times with one All-American honor included as he placed second in 1995.

Colleen Kay ’06, Women’s Soccer – Joining Class of 2014 inductee Missy King ’06 Jensen to form a formidable one-two offensive punch for former Coach Scott Stan’s program, Kay gained two all-Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference honors, as a junior and freshman, during her collegiate career. Registering 44 goals, 25 assists and 113 points over her career, Kay, the program’s all-time assists leader, helped engineer three straight league runner-up finishes, three successive double-digit win totals and back-to-back NCAA Division III national tournament appearances.

Kailey Honn ’12 Leemkuil, Women’s Outdoor Track  & Field/Women’s Basketball – Kailey was a two-sport star at Manchester University during her four-year collegiate career. On the basketball court, she was a two-time all-Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference honorable mention selection, tallying better than 600 points, over 300 rebounds and more than 200 blocked shots in 105 games. She also showed off her talents in the high jump for track and field, winning conference titles twice (2008, 2010) and qualifying for the NCAA Division III Outdoor Championships three times, which included a national title during her junior year.

Don Butts ’56, Men’s Basketball – Leading the then Manchester College Spartans to a trio of double-digit win seasons, including a conference championship (1953-54), Butts proved valuable on the offensive end of the court. His 42-point effort in a game against Coe College of Iowa during his junior season still ranks among the program’s top five, while his career total of 1,314 stands 10th. Butts’ career points per contest average (12) is part of an impressive resume.

Mark Conrad ’90, Football – Prior to a 2012-15 span for Manchester University football, Conrad dominated the top spot on several Spartans’ passing marks. His career totals of 5,252 total yards, 4,546 passing yards, 374 completions and 714 attempts are now second only to current record holder and assistant coach Logan Haston ’16. Conrad’s appearance on the Black and Gold gridiron honors doesn’t end there, as he’s also in the top five of career touchdown strikes (25), part of a glittering chart that included all-Indiana Collegiate Athletic Conference honors.

Claude Wolfe Alumni Coach of the Year
Burt Paddock ’97, men’s basketball head coach, Davenport University – The Class of 2008 Hall of Fame inductee has taken his playing skills and hoops knowledge to the National Association of Intercollegiate Association’s institution with remarkable results. In nine seasons, the Panthers have advanced to the Final Four three times as part of eight straight national tournament appearances. His career record is 246-67, good for a winning percentage of 78.5. Paddock’s also led DU to four Wolverine- Hoosier Athletic Conference championships and mentored 13 student-athletes who have earned All-American honors.

Activities and Entertainment

Golf Outing
This year’s Homecoming Golf Outing is set for Friday, Oct. 13, at the Honeywell Golf Club, Wabash, Ind. Preceded by lunch at 11 a.m., a shotgun start at noon opens the Florida scramble tournament with space for 36 teams of four. The cost is $65 per person, which includes lunch, golf, cart and prizes. Register online, and please be prepared to include the 9-hole average for each person on the team.

Wabash Trolley No. 85
In addition to golf carts on campus to help with transportation, we are honored to provide the historic Wabash Trolley No. 85 on Saturday, Oct. 14, which will transport people from parking lots to soccer fields, the Gladdys Muir Peace Garden, football field, and around campus.

Memorial Reflections
Alumni who have lost a family member, cherished friend or classmate may spend some quiet time in Petersime Chapel, where they can light a candle in memory of their loved one. Petersime will be open 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Games for all ages
Homecoming is for kids of all ages. Your future Spartans will love exploring a giant maze, bouncing in the jumpy castle and playing other games. We will also have corn hole, Stack Up, dominoes and more. It all begins at 9 a.m., Saturday, near the Jo Young Switzer Center parking lot.

Caricaturist
Don Swartzentruber (www.caricaturesideshow.com) was contracted to draw caricatures at his first State Fair almost 35 years ago. In addition to art school and his studies, with Disney animator Milt Neil, Don learned his trade at carnivals and company picnics. He is replacing his son Drake, who has entertained at Manchester’s homecoming for the past three years. Don will create a fun keepsake to frame for your office or family room. Stop by his booth and get a FREE caricature to commemorate your time back on campus.

Homecoming T-Shirt
Get your Homecoming T-shirt to commemorate your fun! Shirts can be purchased outside the Jo Young Switzer Center in a wide variety of colors. XXL and XXXL sizes available. Purchase yours, cash or credit, while supplies last.

Food, food, food
Jeepers, free peanuts, kettle corn, cotton candy and apple fritters round out the food for the day! Those not attending a class luncheon or alumni gathering cookout may join us for lunch at 11:30 a.m. on East Street. Enjoy a meal of all-American cookout food. Cost is $11 per person, $5.50 for ages 6-12 and free to children 5 and younger. While you may purchase a meal at the event, R.S.V.P.s are encouraged and preferred, so please register and pay online in advance.

Campus Store
Now that you have hit the mother lode, visit Manchester’s Campus Store to support your Spartans with T-shirts, sweatshirts, coffee mugs, umbrellas and much more! The store is located in the lower level of the Jo Young Switzer Center. Remember to pick up your 20-percent-off coupon when you check in at the registration tent. If you can’t visit in person, go to the online Campus Store. Use coupon code ALUMNI17 to get your discount.

There’s music in them there hills!
We dare you to not enjoy the music on East Street. We double-dog dare you! Our DJ will play everything from jazz, to country, to the best of the ’60s, ’70s, ’80s, ’90s and current tunes that make you want to move! Listen to important announcements as well for class photos, meal times, and other event reminders. The DJ will be located outside the Jo Young Switzer Center all day Saturday. He will take requests!

Residence Hall Open Houses
Do you have a hankering to experience some nostalgia? Make sure to stop by your favorite residence hall for a stroll through your former abode. Homecoming tribute paintings and decorations will adorn the walls, a long-time Manchester tradition. Each residence hall will be open Saturday, Oct. 14, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

5th Quarter Celebration
Alumni and friends are invited to the grassy area inside the track for lawn games, cotton candy, chili, cornbread, dessert, beverages and live music, 4-7:30 p.m. Bring a blanket, sit on the grass or hang out with friends at the tables and chairs provided to hear the band Wabatucky Shooters! Catered by Chartwells and the Main View. Wabatucky Shooters is a band out of Wabash, Ind. They play a family-friendly, fun dance mix of pop, rock, country, oldies, blues, classic rock, R&B and disco from the 1960s to today.

Student Activities

Bonfire
Yippie ki-yay! Each year, students ring in the Homecoming weekend with a bonfire Friday night at 8:08 p.m. on the southeast side of campus by the intramural softball fields. Alumni and parents are welcome to join students for some sweet treats, laughter and fellowship. Feel free to bring your campfire stories and songs with you!

Golf Cart Parade
Student groups will compete for prizes by decorating a golf cart that fits with the theme of Homecoming and possesses qualities of their particular group. Judges will determine the winner, who will receive a cash prize for their club or organization. Costume prizes will also be awarded. Join us at 12:45 p.m. as the parade travels East Street, circles the Mall and welcomes fans to the football game! Winners will be announced at halftime of the football game.

Join the conversation with #ManchesterHomecoming.
Register at manchester.edu/homecoming
Alumni are asked to share their news and updates at link.manchester.edu/alumni-update