MACON, Ga. – The return of football has contributed to an unprecedented level of excitement surrounding Mercer University's annual Homecoming Weekend, which will include a men's basketball game and football game on Saturday, Nov. 23. Bob Hoffman's Bears will battle Yale in Hawkins Arena at noon, before Bobby's Lamb's Bears take on Stetson at Mercer University Stadium at 4 p.m.
Those two events represent only a fraction of the weekend's festivities, Nov. 22-24, which will bring thousands of Mercerians of all ages back to the Macon campus to celebrate with current students. The full schedule of events, including times, locations and costs, is available here.
“Homecoming 2013 is expected to be the largest in Mercer's history, in terms of both attendance and the number of events being offered. It has grown into a multi-faceted event with Mercerians from all schools and campuses coming together to celebrate our mission of higher learning,” said Jill Kinsella, executive director of the Mercer University Alumni Association.
The Alumni Career Speakers Series kicks off the weekend with three different presentations around campus on Friday at 10 a.m. The Athletic Hall of Fame induction dinner at Drake Field House begins at 5:30 p.m., with the “Old School vs. New School” Step Show at the Religious Life Center and Class of 1963 Golden Anniversary Reception and Dinner at the Presidents Dining Room both starting at 6 p.m.
A parade of lights – rather than floats – gets underway at 7 p.m. to serve as the traditional opening of Homecoming. A Homecoming Party and Alumni Reunion is set for 8-10 p.m. on the Intramural Field adjacent to Mercer Stadium. The annual student skit competition, at 8:30 p.m., and pep rally, which includes s'mores and fireworks at 9:30 p.m., will take place on the beautiful new Cruz Plaza. The opening day concludes with the “Old School, New School” Dance at 11 p.m. on the Intramural Field.
The 5K Road Run and Orange Pancake Breakfast opens a busy Saturday at 7 a.m. on Cruz Plaza. The Half Century Club brunch follows at 10 a.m. on the Intramural Courts in the University Center, with several other events and tailgating going on around campus before the men's basketball and football games.
A handful of worship opportunities are available on Sunday morning, followed by women's basketball action, as Susie Gardner's Bears clash with Furman in Hawkins Arena at 2 p.m. A performance of “Thanksgiving Song,” by the Mercer Singers and Women's Chamber Choir takes place at 3 p.m. at Fickling Recital Hall. Additionally, Mercer Theatre will perform its production of Vladimir Volkoff's “Love Kills” both Saturday (7 p.m.) and Sunday (2 p.m.) at the Back Door Theatre.
For everyone, except current students, planning to attend any events, registration is required and can be completed here.
