As a college student with numerous stressors, it may be difficult to see the larger picture sometimes. Everyone knows there is a life after college, but what exactly does that life entail?

MSUM President Edna Szymanski, looks back to her undergraduate education and admits to having no idea what an impact it would make on her life. Szymanski remembers appreciating the humanity of the faculty in helping her through “gigantic, scary assignments”.

“I met my husband in college; that wasn’t too shabby either,” she said. “And we’ve been together now for over 40 years.”

With the multitude of Homecoming activities this week, Szymanski hopes students take time to reflect on the past of MSUM, as well as how MSUM might impact one’s future.

“It’s an opportunity to celebrate who we are as an institution, who we’ve been and how we’re all connected together, both current students and past alumni,” Szymanski said.

Because this year marks MSUM’s 125th anniversary, this Homecoming is “really power packed.”

“This is the most I’ve ever seen happening at Homecoming,” Szymanski said. “There’s something for everyone.”

This year includes multiple alumni lectures and question and answer panels where individuals have a chance to hear exactly how MSUM helped shape some alumni’s lives. They can also receive feedback on those burning questions pertaining to what life after college really means.

“I think it’s important for students to see that the experiences of today are huge sometimes in shaping tomorrow,” Szymanski said.

There will be plenty of time to let loose and have fun as well, with activities like the burning of the “M,” Color Me Rad and tailgating before the Dragon football game on Saturday afternoon.

With something for everyone, this homecoming won’t disappoint. Be sure to check out the following Homecoming calendar and take part in the festivities.

Homecoming Week Schedule

Tuesday

Hypnotist Frederick Winters, 7:30 p.m., Hansen Theatre

Battleship and pool party, 8:30 p.m., Nemzek

Wednesday

Ice cream social, noon to 3 p.m., Campus Mall

Coach Herman Boone, “Remember the Titans,” 7:30 p.m., Hansen Theatre

Thursday

Distinguished alumni lecture – Smogard ‘72, 11 a.m., Science Lab 118

Chili feed competition, noon to 3 p.m., Campus Mall

Distinguished alumni lecture – Bob Mikkelson ‘72, 3 p.m., Center for Arts 150

Johnny Holm Band, 8 – 11 p.m., CMU Ballroom

Friday

Distinguished alumni lecture – Emily Beck ‘06, 10 a.m., Weld 106

Distinguished alumni lecture – Dr. Christina Broadwell ‘00, noon, Science Lab 104

Presidents’ panel with John Neumaier, Roland Dille, Roland Barden and Edna Szymanski, 1 p.m., Hansen Theatre

Campus tours with Dragon Ambassadors following panel

Academic showcase/open house/reunions, 2:30 – 4:30 p.m.

Distinguished alumni Q&A – Evelyn Quigley, 3 p.m., Lommen 108

Student Senate Reunion, 4 p.m., CMU 205

2nd annual Mathematics Department alumni and faculty gathering, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m., Speak Easy Restaurant and Lounge

PowderPuff football and PowderBuff volleyball, 6 p.m., intramural fields

Distinguished alumni celebration, 5:30 p.m., Courtyard by Marriott

Distinguished alumni Q&A – Bob Bowlsby, 8 p.m., Courtyard by Marriott

Gamma Phi Beta Sorority Open House, 7 – 8:30 p.m.

Delta Zeta Sorority 50th anniversary celebration through Saturday

Coronation, burning of the “M” and fireworks, 9 p.m., Nemzek

S’mores, following fireworks, Holmquist Slab

Saturday

1960’s reunion breakfast, 8:30 a.m., CMU Ballroom

Parade, 11 a.m., circles campus

Dragon football reunion and athletic alumni social, 6 p.m., JC Chumley’s

Formal dance, 9 p.m. – 1 a.m., CMU Ballroom – tentative

Sunday

Club Sports Extravaganza, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
BY ALISON SMITH
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