Goshen College Homecoming Weekend 2006 set for Oct. 6-8;
Oyer tribute, music gala, alumni awards, one-act peace plays, art department anniversary and athletics highlight weekend

GOSHEN, Ind. — Goshen College alumni are warmly invited to campus for Homecoming Weekend on Oct. 6-8, devoted to sharing the different journeys experienced since college and rediscovering common ground.

In addition to class reunions, other highlights of the weekend are a celebration of the art department’s 50^th anniversary, a music gala, one-act peace plays, kids’ activities, athletic events, seminars by faculty and alumni, a homecoming picnic, a hymn sing and a special tribute celebration of Mary Oyer, professor emerita of music.

Opening the weekend will be a celebration of six exceptional graduates whose lives have exemplified Goshen College’s core values. The college will honor these alumni during a public chapel in the Church-Chapel at 10 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 6. The 2006 Culture for Service Award will be presented to Goshen College alumni Ed Metzler ’52 and Ethel Yake Metzler ’46 and Glen E. Miller ’57, all of Goshen. Lisa Koop ’99, a lawyer at the National Immigrant Justice Center in Chicago, Ill., will receive the second annual 2006 Decade of Servant Leadership Award. The inaugural 2006 Dr. Ruth Gunden Champion of Character Award will go to Sally Hunsberger ’86 of Washington, D.C., and the Dr. Roman Gingerich Champion of Character Award will go to Don Jantzi ’72 of Goshen.

Following is a schedule for Homecoming Weekend events open to the public. All events are free unless indicated otherwise.

Friday, Oct. 6

• 10 a.m. – 2006 Alumni Awards Convocation, Church-Chapel
  2006 recipients: Edgar Metzler ’52, Ethel Yake Metzler ’46, Glen Miller ’57, Lisa Koop ’99, Sally Hunsberger ’86 and Don Jantzi ’72
• 10:30 a.m. – Awards Reception, Church Gathering Room
• 6-8 p.m. – 50^th Anniversary Art Faculty Exhibit & Reception, Hershberger Art Gallery
• 7:30-8:30 p.m. – Homecoming Music Gala, Sauder Concert Hall
  The music department presents its annual showcase of ensemble talent: Orchestra, Chorale, Chamber Choir, Chorale, Men’s Chorus and Women’s World Music Choir. Lavender Jazz will provide pre-concert music in the lobby. Cost $8.
• 9-10 p.m. – One-Act Peace Plays, Umble Center
  View the world premiere production of this year’s Goshen College Peace Play Contest winners, performed by the GC Players. The first place winner is “Baby Boom” by Lia Romeo; the second place winner is “Acts of Contrition” by Patricia Montley (with selected scenes performed). The plays are recommended for grades 6 and up. All seats $3.

Saturday, Oct. 7

• 7:45 a.m. – Fall Classic 3K Walk/5K Run, Roman Gingerich Recreation-Fitness Center
  Cost $12 in advance or $15 on site.
• 9:15-11:45 a.m. – K-6^th grade kids’ swimming and activities, Roman Gingerich Recreation-Fitness Center
  Cost $10 per child.
• 9:30-11:30 a.m. – Class reunions
  Classes: 1961, 1966, 1971, 1976, 1981, 1986, 1991, 1996, 2001. Cost $12.
• 10 a.m.-1 p.m. – Varsity volleyball match, Roman Gingerich Recreation-Fitness Center
• 11 a.m.-1 p.m. – Alumni and men’s varsity tennis mixer, tennis courts
• 12-1 p.m. – Back to the Classroom sessions
  --John D. Roth ’81, professor of history, “That you may be one: Mennonites in conversation with other Christians” (Music Center 110)
  --Tom Meyers ’75, director of international education and associate dean, “The SST legacy among alumni and new programs in Cambodia, Jamaica, Peru and Senegal” (Music Center 100)
  --Shashi Buluswar ’91, alumnus, will show his documentary “Leg Before Wicket” on how the sport of cricket is building peace between India and Pakistan (Administration Building, Room 28)
• 12-1:30 p.m. – Men’s basketball reunion, Outdoor basketball court
• 2-4 p.m. – Alumni vs. men’s soccer, GC soccer fields
• 2-4 p.m. – Remembering the last 50 years: Art reception and panel, Rieth Recital Hall
• 4-5 p.m. – One-Act Peace Plays, Umble Center
  All seats $3.
• 4-5 p.m. – Networking hour, Java Junction in the Connector
  Alumni and students gather for a time to network and offer career advice. $2 off a beverage for all participants.
• 5-6:45 p.m. – Homecoming Picnic, Connector patio
  Tours of the residence halls and senior apartments will be offered. Cost $13 for adults, $6 for children ages 4-10, free for children under four.
• 5-6:45 p.m. – Gold Leaf Banquet, Church-Chapel Fellowship Hall
  All alumni of 50 years or more are invited. The Class of 1956 will be inducted into the Gold Leaf association. Free to 1956 class members and spouses; reduced rate of $16 for all others.
• 7-8 p.m. – Mary Oyer Celebration, Church-Chapel
  Celebrate the life of Mary Oyer, professor emerita of music, internationally recognized hymnologist and church musician, at a time of special tribute and release of a new biography about Oyer.
• 8 p.m. – Homecoming Hymn Sing, Church-Chapel
  Enjoy hymn singing at its finest, led by Mary Oyer and Deb Brubaker.
• 9 p.m. – Reception for Oyer celebration and book signing, Church-Chapel Fellowship Hall

Sunday, Oct. 8

• 2-3 p.m. – One-Act Peace Plays, Umble Center
  All seats $3.

For more information about Homecoming Weekend, to order event tickets or to register, call the Alumni Office at (574) 535-7565 or visit www.goshen.edu/alumni/Homecoming/.

Editors/photographers: Alumni award winners will be available for photos at 9:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 6 in the College Mennonite Church-Chapel hallway. For more information, contact Jodi H. Beyeler at jodihb@goshen.edu or (574) 535-7572.

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Goshen College, established in 1894, is a four-year residential Christian liberal arts college rooted in the Anabaptist-Mennonite tradition. The college’s Christ-centered core values – passionate learning, global citizenship, compassionate peacemaking and servant-leadership – prepare students as leaders for the church and world. Recognized for its unique Study-Service Term program, Goshen has earned citations of excellence in Barron’s Best Buys in Education, “Colleges of Distinction,” “Making a Difference College Guide” and U.S.News & World Report’s “America’s Best Colleges” edition, which named Goshen a “least debt college.” Visit www.goshen.edu.