It’s homecoming week in Emporia and there is no shortage of events and activities on the community calendar to celebrate.
Activities officially begin Tuesday with an open house in ESU’s Special Collections and Archives starting at 4 pm and featuring an exhibition that will highlight the “lasting influence” of Emporia State and the City of Emporia on the national level. The annual Sam E. and Jeannene Hays lecture will take place Wednesday at 7 pm inside the Emporia State Memorial Union, featuring ESU alum Jermaine Jamison, a leadership consultant, executive coach and entrepreneur who will discuss leading from the inside out through greater self-awareness.
Thursday will be a busy time with the official inauguration of Emporia State President Matthew Baker at 3:30 pm inside Albert Taylor Hall, followed by a reception at 4:30 pm inside Plumb Hall. The Student Recreation Center will also host the homecoming bonfire that begins at 7 pm with food trucks, giveaways and appearances by athletic teams all on the schedule. Thursday will also see the first performance of ESU’s homecoming musical Frozen, which will have five performances between Thursday and Sunday.
Friday, the annual Phi Delta Theta Pole Sit benefiting SOS will begin at 6 am and continue through 10 am Saturday. Phi Delta Theta philanthropy chairman Logan Griffin will join KVOE’s Newsmaker 2 at 8:40 am Thursday to preview the event. The afternoon will include the Athletics Hall of Honor Luncheon, and the evening will include the Black and Gold Gala starting at 5:30 pm with a reception. Tickets for the gala are available for $100 per person.
Activities will culminate Saturday with activities throughout the day, including an alumni brunch, downtown homecoming social and the homecoming parade through downtown Emporia. This will all lead up to the university’s first evening homecoming football game at 7 pm inside Welch Stadium.
For a full schedule or more information, visit emporia.edu/homecoming.
