Schedule

Homecoming Weekend 2023

Schedule: Oct. 6-8, 2023

See the schedule breakdown for each day below or info on lodging, dining and other information under general information.

Schedule of activities

Homecoming Spirit Week
Monday, October 2 – Friday, October 6

Campus offices and departments will be encouraged to decorate their spaces in purple and white by Monday. There will be coordinated dress-up days all week, ending with Purple Day on Friday.


9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Homecoming High School Visit Day (for high school-age children of alumni and siblings of current students)
Welcome Center, Union Lobby

There will be opportunities to attend classes, tour campus, interact with a student panel of current students and stay overnight in a residence hall (optional and if conditions allow at that time).

 Registration required at goshen.edu/visit.


9:30 – 9:45 a.m.

Meet and Greet
Welcome Center, Union Lobby

Meet and greet for prospective students, grandparents, parents and siblings of current students. Coffee available.


10 a.m.
Homecoming Convocation
Church-Chapel, Sanctuary
This special convocation will feature 2023 alumni award recipients.

Culture for Service Awards
Daryl Abbott ’69, Goshen, Indiana
Pauline (Graybill) Kennel ’53, Goshen, Indiana

Young Alumni Servant Leadership Award
Jeremy Pope ’11, Hermitage, Tennessee

Champions of Character Awards
Melissa (Lehman) Gillette ’05, Goshen, Indiana
Geof Landis ’76, Goshen, Indiana


10:45 a.m.
Reception for Alumni Award Recipients
Church-Chapel, Fellowship Hall


12 – 1 p.m.
Student Music Recital
Music Center, Rieth Recital Hall


1 p.m.
Alumni and Family Bicycle Ride
Meet at Schrock Plaza fountain

Ride Goshen’s Pumpkinvine Bike Trail with other alumni, friends and families. Choose rides from a few miles to up to 35 miles. Groups will form going different speeds and distances. Registration encouraged.


1 – 4 p.m.
Attend Class

Parents and grandparents may choose to attend a class with your current student during this time. As a courtesy to professors and to ensure there is room for visitors, your student will need to speak with the professor about your classroom visit ahead of time or you can connect with the admissions office to see a list of available classes.


1 – 2:40 p.m.
Campus Tours
Welcome Center

New to campus or just want to see what has changed? Join us for a 40-minute walking tour of campus, which leave at 1 and 2 p.m.


2 – 5 p.m.
Road Trip to Goshen College’s Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center
Welcome Center, leaving from the South end of the Union Building

Ride in a GC bus to Merry Lea and tour some of the Merry Lea facilities and learn more about all of the amazing programs that are part of this GC gem. Bus will leave from campus at 2 p.m. and return by 5 p.m. or you can drive on your own, if you’d prefer.
The bus is full, but you’re welcome to join us at Merry Lea or follow the bus from the South end of the Union in your own vehicle.


3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Nyai Oyer Gamelan Demonstration
Union building, Gamelan Room

Marcia Yost, director of the arts, will provide an introduction to our Indonesian gamelan. This beautiful set of instruments was gifted to the college in memory of Duane Gingerich ‘69 and in honor of Dr. Mary Oyer ‘45. Come learn more about the journey that brought this gift to Goshen, the instruments, and GC’s plans for it. You will even have a chance to play it.


4:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Class of 1973 – 50th Anniversary Dinner
Church-Chapel, Fellowship Hall
Cost: $25, Registration required

Celebrate 50 golden years! We will be taking your class photo at 4:45 pm, so come in time for that. This is a chance to connect with your classmates over dinner and a short program. President Stoltzfus will be there to welcome you.


5 – 10 p.m.
Goshen First Friday
Downtown Goshen

Stroll the streets of Downtown Goshen and visit shops, restaurants and art galleries at this monthly celebration of all that is good about Goshen. Learn more: downtowngoshen.org


6-8 p.m.
New GC History Book Signing: “A Mennonite College for Everyone(?): Goshen College and the Quest for Identity and Inclusion, 1960-2020”
Fables Bookstore, Downtown Goshen

Connect with John D. Roth ‘81, professor emeritus of history, buy a copy of his new GC history book and get it signed. Learn more about the book.


6:30 p.m.
Latinx Alumni Gathering
Downtown Goshen Theater, 3rd floor ballroom

The Goshen College Latino Advisory Council invites you to an evening of reconnecting with your fellow GC Latinx alumni. Hear the latest news regarding the college’s recent Hispanic-Serving Institution designation. Meet the advisory council members and learn about their goals and ideas for supporting GC’s programs and student support services.


7:00 p.m.
Lavender Jazz Big Band Concert
Downtown Goshen, Goshen Theater

Come see GC’s big band in the beautifully restored auditorium of the historic Goshen Theater. Feel free to come and go as you enjoy First Friday, or enjoy the whole set. The concession stand will be open.


8 p.m.
One Act —A Comedy Renaissance (Un Renacimiento de la Comedia)
Umble Center             

Cost: $6, free for GC students/faculty/staff

Tickets can be purchased at goshen.edu/tickets or by calling 574.535.7566. The Umble Center ticket window will open at 7 p.m. for ticket purchase or will call. Click here for more information about the show.


8:30 p.m.
Homecoming Pep Rally,
High Park Plaza (patio area northwest of the RFC)

The pep rally is a celebration of athletics at Goshen College. Fall sports teams will be acknowledged and we’ll celebrate Dash’s 1st birthday. Afterward, current and prospective students are invited to stay for outdoor activities and snacks.

8 – 9 a.m.
Restored GC Labyrinth
North of East Hall

Join Campus Pastor, Jen Shenk ’94, at our recently restored GC labyrinth. Constructed in 2003, it is a replica of an ancient labyrinth in the stone floor of the Chartres Cathedral in France. The Class of 1962 and 2012 each donated the landscaping around the labyrinth. Come walk the labyrinth – using it as a place for prayer, meditation, and solitude.


9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Free Time
Opportunity for parents and grandparents to spend time with your college student. Leaf Raker Cafe will open at 9 a.m. for continental breakfast or head off campus to one of our great local restaurants.


9:15 – 11:30 a.m.
Preschool childcare (3-5 yrs.)
Church-Chapel, Nursery Rooms 124

Snack provided. Pick up your children by at least 11:45 a.m. Registration required.


9:15 – 11:30 a.m.
K-6th Grade Activities
Rec-Fitness Center, Lobby

A variety of age-appropriate activities are planned, including a chance to learn about and play GC’s gamelan. Snack provided. Mark Daniels ’00 will be here to draw caricatures for interested children.

Please pick up your children by 11:45 a.m. No fee. Registration required.


9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Middle and High School Students Activities
Hunsberger Commons, GC Union

Admissions staff and students will meet you there for a time to hang out and play board and card games. Continental breakfast provided. An optional campus tour will be offered at 10:30 a.m. Registration encouraged.


9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Alumni Class Reunions

Baked goods, coffee and tea will be served at 9 a.m. in the College Mennonite Fellowship Hall and the Newcomer and Music Center Lobbies. We will not be holding a 5th year class reunion (class of 2018) in 2023.

  • 70th — Class of 1953 at 1574 Dogwood Court, Greencroft
  • 65th — Class of 1958: Church-Chapel, Room 108
  • 60th — Class of 1963: Church-Chapel, Room 110
  • 55th — Class of 1968: Church-Chapel, Room 112
  • 50th — Class of 1973: Church-Chapel, Fellowship Hall (North end)
  • 45th — Class of 1978: Church-Chapel, Room 143-44
  • 40th — Class of 1983: Church-Chapel, Koinonia Room
  • 35th — Class of 1988: Newcomer Center, Room 19
  • 30th — Class of 1993: Church-Chapel, Room 141-42
  • 25th — Class of 1998: Music Center, Room 153
  • 20th — Class of 2003: Music Center, Room 150
  • 15th — Class of 2008: Goshen College Cabin
  • 10th — Class of 2013: Newcomer Center, Room 17

10 a.m.
1973 National Qualifying Men’s Soccer Team Reunion
Rec-Fitness Center, Room 104

Join the members of the 1973 men’s soccer team as they reminisce about their run to and time at the national tournament. This event is open to anyone affiliated with the team and anyone who is curious to learn more. For more information, contact Geof Landis at geof.landis@outlook.com.


11 a.m.
Intersquad Men’s Basketball Game
Recreation-Fitness Center, Gunden Gymnasium


11:30 a.m.
Lunch: Food Trucks
Parking lot South of the Union Building

Enjoy lunch from local food trucks. No registration required, food can be purchased directly from the vendors. Mark Daniels ’00 will be available in the Welcome Center lobby to draw caricatures for children and the young at heart.


12 – 1 p.m.
Champions of Character Reception
Church-Chapel,  Fellowship Hall

This reception will honor Melissa Gillette ’05 and Geof Landis ’76, our 2023 Champions of Character awardees. Melissa and Geof will both give brief remarks.


1 p.m.
Alumni, Friends and Current Student Intramural Kickball Tournament
Kratz-Miller-Yoder Lawn

Do you want to relive your intramural glory day or make new athletic memories? Now’s your chance to see how you stack up against those whippersnapper GC students. The class of 2023 have committed to bring a team. Will you bring a team to take them on? Click here for more details and to register for the tournament.


1 – 2 p.m.
Biological Sciences Dessert Reception: “Marine Biology — New Spaces and Faces”
Science Building, Room 106

Meet the new director of the marine biology program and hear updates about the Biological Sciences Department and opportunities for alumni engagement.


1 – 2 p.m.
New GC History Book Release: “A Mennonite College for Everyone(?): Goshen College and the Quest for Identity and Inclusion, 1960-2020”
Newcomer Center, Room 19

John D. Roth ’81, professor emeritus of history, will present about his newly-published book, A Mennonite College for Everyone(?): Goshen College and the Quest for Identity and Inclusion, 1960-2020. President Stoltzfus ’83 will offer an introduction, Jodi Beyeler ’00 will facilitate a Q&A, light refreshments will be served and books will be available for signing. Read more about the book here, including how to purchase it.


1 – 3 p.m.
Alumni Book Signing
Hunsberger Commons, The Union Building

If you are an alumni author and would like to sell a recent book, you are welcome to reserve a table in the Union. You will need to bring your own books and sell them yourself. Email alumni@goshen.edu if interested or with questions.

Participating authors include:

Krista Danielle Fliger, Ivan Ray Mast Jr . ’84, Katie Mast ’85. Orange Roses: A Memoir on Mental Health from One Family’s Perspective.

Ervin Beck ’59. MennoFolk3: Puns, Riddles, Tales, Legends.

Celeste Kennel-Shank ’05. What You Sow Is a Bare Seed: A Countercultural Christian Community during Five Decades of Change.

Michele Hershberger ’83. Why Did Jesus Die and What Difference Does It Make?

Trinda Herschey Bishop ’69. Everything is Fine with Me… a “Big Red” Soldier Chronicles His Survival in WWII.


1 – 3 p.m.
GC Thrift Fair!
Union Building, Hunsberger Commons

Alumni, current students and GC friends are invited to bring their well-loved GC gear — old or new — to share with other generations! T-shirts, jackets, hats, sweatshirts, mugs or other memorabilia in any condition are welcome. For a small donation to the GC Fund, anybody can score a piece of GC history!


2 p.m.
Men’s Soccer Game vs. Indiana Wesleyan University
GC Soccer Field

At half-time we will recognize the 50th anniversary of the 1973 men’s team going to nationals.


2 p.m.
Men’s Alumni Basketball Game
Recreation-Fitness Center, Gunden Gymnasium


2 – 3 p.m.
Homecoming Hymn Sing
Church-Chapel, Sanctuary

Led by Dr. Scott Hochstetler ’97, professor of music, and H. Roz Woll, assistant professor of music. In honor of Mary Oyer ’45, professor emeritus of music, who celebrated her 100th birthday this year, we will sing hymns from Mary’s top ten hymn list.


2 – 3 p.m.
Tour of the Center for Communication Studies
Northwest end of Newcomer Center

Jason Samuel ’93, WGCS general manager and assistant professor of communication, and student leaders will guide you through the new center.


3 – 4 p.m.
Behind-the-scenes Tour of the Goshen College Music Center

Learn about the construction of the facility, how it was built to have amazing acoustics and see some of the areas of the center that many do not get to see. Meet in the Music Center lobby.


3 – 4 p.m.
Service Learning — Local and Abroad
Newcomer  Center, Room 19

Come meet the staff of the Center for Community Engagement (CCE) and learn about their local community work, as well as the amazing global engagement opportunities students have today.


3 – 4 p.m.
“A Cabinet of Curiosities: Quilts, Clocks, Ceramics, Fraktur” — Gallery Talk
Good Library Gallery (basement)

Ervin Beck ’59, professor emeritus of English, will present a gallery talk about the current exhibit. Learn more here.


4 p.m.
Women’s Alumni Basketball Game
Rec-Fitness Center, Gunden Gymnasium


4 p.m.
The Goshen College Reunion Relays
The Eigsti Track and Field Complex

The class of 2008 is inviting all-comers to participate in their Homecoming tradition of running a 4X400 relay. Alumni from all years and families are invited to show up and form teams of 4 for a 4×400 relay. The winning team/class can boast bragging rights. Come showcase your fitness or chuckle at your team’s lack of coordination! Show up in some GC swag and head to the starting line!


4 p.m.
Tour of the Goshen Printmakers Guild
213 S. Main Street, Goshen (enter in the back, off public parking lot B, next to Fables Books)

Meet the owners of Goshen’s new Printmakers Guild, learn about the old-school presses and other equipment, and see the English Department’s Vandercook press in action! Join us on location or catch a ride at the south end of the Union in a GC van at 3:45 p.m.


4 p.m.
Demonstration of the Nyai Oyer Gamelan
East end of Union Building

Marcia Yost, director of the arts, will give a brief introduction to the instrument and you may even have a chance to play it.


4 p.m.
One Act — A Comedy Renaissance (Un Renacimiento de la Comedia)
Umble Center
Cost: $6, free for GC students/faculty/staff

Tickets can be purchased at goshen.edu/tickets or by calling 574.535.7566. The Umble Center ticket window will open at 3 p.m. for ticket purchase or will call. Click here for more information about the show.


5:30 – 7 p.m.
Art Exhibit Reception, “Sense of Place” Music Center, Hershberger Gallery

Come see an exhibit of work by Sara Method, assistant professor of art. There will be an artist talk at 6:15 p.m. Learn more about the exhibit here.


7 p.m.
Women’s Volleyball Game vs. Indiana University — South Bend Rec-Fitness Center, Gunden Gymnasium


7:30 p.m.
Homecoming Music Gala
Music Center, Sauder Concert Hall
Cost: $8, $6 for seniors and free for GC students/faculty/staff

The Music Department presents its annual showcase of student and faculty musicians.

Tickets can be purchased at goshen.edu/tickets or by calling 574.535.7566. Ticket window will open at 6:30 p.m. for ticket purchase or will call.


9:00 p.m.
Homecoming Trivia Night for Students and Alumni Newcomer Center, Room 19 

Bring your friends and your thinking caps for a chance to win some prizes and the honor of schooling the other teams. You can bring a team of up to six participants or you can come alone and we’ll add you to a team. Special call out for any alumni team willing to take on current students and stay up past your bed time! Time to relive those sleep deprived college years. Snacks will be served.

9:30 a.m.
Worship at College Mennonite Church Church-Chapel, Sanctuary

Join us for worship. President Rebecca Stoltzfus ’83 will be preaching. Pre-service singing starts at 9:15 a.m. Prelude and offertory music will be provided by the Kennel String Trio (Pauline Kennel ’53, piano, Rita Kennel Lopienski ’78, violin, & Janice Kennel Ropp ’82, cello).

Other local churches will also warmly welcome you back. For a complete list of local congregations, visit: goshen.edu/faith/church-directory


2 p.m.
One Act —A Comedy Renaissance (Un Renacimiento de la Comedia) Umble Center             Cost: $6, free for GC students/faculty/staff

Tickets can be purchased at goshen.edu/tickets or by calling 574.535.7566. The Umble Center ticket window will open at 1 p.m. for ticket purchase or will call. Click here for more information about the show.

Tickets

Tickets for music and theater events only, can be purchased at goshen.edu/tickets or by calling 574.535.7566. Tickets will not be mailed. Electronic tickets for One Act Plays and Music Gala will be sent to your email address. Please print your tickets or bring your electronic device so the ticket may be scanned at the door. Paper tickets will also be available in the Music Center Box Office, with hours of Friday, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., and Saturday, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. during Homecoming Weekend. Tickets are available for pick up or purchase one hour prior to the event at each venue.


General Information

Hotels & Lodging: Blocks of rooms have been held. To get the group rate, identify yourself as a GC Homecoming participant.

Comfort Inn ($79 double)
574.533.0200.
Request the Goshen College rate if you call for a reservation or choose the “Goshen College Ath Dept” rate online.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites (15% discount)
574.535.9200.
Request the Homecoming discount when reserving your room.

Camp sites
Available at the Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds.
Call 574.533.3247 for more information.


Welcome Center | Information and Lost & Found
Union Building

Friday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Box Office | Performance ticket purchase and will call
Music Center, Lobby

Friday: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Saturday: 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased at goshen.edu/tickets or by calling 574.535.7566

Hershberger Art Gallery
Music Center
Exhibit: Sara Method, Goshen College assistant professor of art

Friday: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Sunday: 2 – 4 p.m.

Library Art Gallery 
Harold and Wilma Good Library, Basement
Exhibit: A Cabinet of Curiosities: Quilts, Clocks, Ceramics, Fraktur

Friday: 8 a.m – 5 p.m.
Saturday: 1 – 6 p.m.
Sunday: 1 p.m. – midnight

Dining Hall (in the Union due to the Westlawn renovation project)
Dining hall prices. Pay at the door. Prices don’t include tax. Child rate for ages 11 and younger.

Java Junction
Kratz-Miller-Yoder Connector
Hang out with old friends and enjoy your favorite milkshake, mocha or muffin!

Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Sunday: 3 – 10:30 p.m.

Call 574.535.7564 for more information or email alumni@goshen.edu