Mount Mercy University will welcome alumni to campus for Homecoming October 5 – 6. Special events include a spotlight on alumni emergency service careers, a balloon glow, wine tasting and live band and dance. Traditional favorites will also be held including alumni games, an alumni recognition luncheon, and alumni hall of fame induction.
With strong academic programs in areas relating to emergency services, Assistant Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations Lonna Drewelow said the university wanted to feature the many alums who are now working in the field. St. Luke's Lifeguard Air Ambulance Helicopter will make a landing on campus at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 6, on the campus Green Space near the 27th Street parking lot. Also appearing on campus will be Cedar Rapids Fire Department Fire Engine, Cedar Rapids Police Department Squad Car, Linn County Sheriff Rescue 57 SUV, Linn County Sheriff Patrol Car, and Area Ambulance. Visitors will have the opportunity to visit with alumni and their co-workers and explore their emergency services vehicles. Drewelow said the event will be family friendly and engaging to alums of all ages.
"Homecoming is a time to reconnect. Sometimes people haven't seen each other for 30 years, sometimes they meet every year," Drewelow said. "It's fun for people to come back and see updates on campus and faculty in attendance."
Other events taking place during Mount Mercy's Homecoming include:
Friday, October 5
5:00 – 6:30 p.m. Honored Class Reception, Home of President Christopher Blake
This year's honored classes include: 2007, 2002, 1997, 1992, 1987, 1982, 1977, 1972, 1967, 1962 and all Golden Graduates (those graduating prior to 1961).
7:00 p.m. Homecoming Concert, Stello Performance Hall, Warde Hall
Mount Mercy Band and University Choir will perform musical selections, including a piano solo by faculty member Tony Nickle.
Saturday, October 6
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Mercy Hospital Tour and Breakfast
Mercy Hospital School of Nursing holds a significant place in Mount Mercy University's history. A continental breakfast will be served at 9:00 a.m. followed by tours at 9:45 a.m. hosted by Sister James Marie Donahue RN '51, '59.
12:00 p.m. Alumni Recognition Luncheon
Honored reunion classes and Golden Graduates will be recognized during this special luncheon. Mount Mercy President Christopher Blake will share university highlights and present the 2012 alumni awards. Cost to attend is $10.00 per person; reservations in advance are required.
2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Special Events
Mount Mercy Archives Grand Opening; campus tours; Department of Nursing Open House; anatomy lab tour; Carver Undergraduate Research Lab Tour; Science Club experiments; Janalyn Hanson White Gallery display; University Center Timeline; Academy/Junior College Installation; spotlight on alumni emergency service careers. For more information, visit www.mtmercy.edu/homecoming.
3:00 p.m. Alumni vs. Student Flag Football, Regis Field
4:30 p.m. Mass, Chapel of Mercy
4:30 – 6:30 p.m. Meet Me in the "Caf"
Alumni will have the opportunity to reminisce with classmates while enjoying a southwestern buffet featuring a fajita bar, salad bar, desserts and beverages. Cost is $10 per person; all our welcome – reservations are preferred.
6:00 p.m. Athletic Hall of Fame Induction
A reception for the Athletic Hall of Fame inductees will be held at 6:00 p.m., followed by a dinner and ceremony in Betty Cherry Heritage Hall. This year's inductees include: Jess Mueller Dean, Jason Drewelow, Justin Pegump, and Jeremy Schlotterbeck. Cost is $10 per person; reservations required in advance.
6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Balloon Glow, Campus Lawn
6:30 – 8:00 p.m. Wine Tasting 101 & Flavor Pairings, Flaherty Community Room, Basile Hall
Presented by Lauren of the Secret Cellar, sample wines representing three regions: south of the Equator, Europe and the United States. Cost is $10 per person, which includes a Mount Mercy University wine tasting glass to keep as a souvenir and light appetizers. Participants must be at least 21 years old. Graduates from the class of 2012 will receive complimentary admission!
6:30 – 9:30 p.m. Live Band & Dance, University Center Plaza
Performance by Funk Stop! Bring lawn chairs and blankets and relax on the plaza.
For a complete list of events during Homecoming, visit www.mtmercy.edu/homecoming. For more information, alumni may contact Drewelow at 319-368-6468 or email alumni@mtmercy.edu. Current students, family and friends should contact Director of Student Activities and Orientation Sarah Botkin at 319-363-1323 ext. 1865 or email sbotkin@mtmercy.edu.