The University of Detroit Mercy will celebrate its annual Homecoming later in September, about four months earlier than previous years.
The two-day celebration will include everything from a tug-of-war competition to a 5k run and street fair.
"Year after year, we always do the same events with Homecoming,” said Drew Peters, director of student life. “This year we just decided to spice it up.”
The weekend kicks off Friday, Sept. 30 with a campus-wide barbecue starting at 6:30 p.m., but what makes it even more interesting is that each college is hosting an event before the barbecue starts.
The College of Liberal Arts & Education is taping an episode of its long-running “Ask the Professor” show, complete with a studio audience.
The School of Architecture is hosting four TED-type talks from recent alumni doing design work in Detroit. They'll also have student-led tours throughout the Loranger Architecture building with students work on display.
The School of Law is hosting a golf outing; The College of Engineering & Science will dedicate the new Center for Automotive Systems Engineering Education; The College of Health Professions will offer tours of its new expansion; and the College of Business Administration will screen a film about Detroit entrepreneurs.
Student Life is planning a “glow night” for students later on in the night.
To kick-off Saturday, beginning at 8 a.m. there will be the Detroit Decades 5k and Family Fun Run/Walk.
There will also be a scavenger hunt, tug-of-war tournament, and an alumni basketball game at Calihan Hall.
Starting at 10 a.m. UDM will host a Detroit Street Fair where everyone can come out to eat good food from local food trucks in Detroit and listen to music.
Homecoming ends with a Vow Renewal Mass and Reception in the ballroom from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
