UM-Flint to celebrate past, present and future during Wolverine Homecoming 2024

Two is company … three's a crowd … then four must be a party. With that in mind, the University of Michigan-Flint will host its fourth annual Wolverine Homecoming with events that harken back to the university's oldest traditions while promising a vibrant future. Programming will take place Sept. 9-14 with dedicated events for alumni, students, and faculty and staff.

While homecoming celebrations are slated to take place throughout the week, students will enjoy an "enchanted forest" themed dance, Sept. 12, while alumni are invited to the Blue Carpet Affair at the Flint Farmers' Market the evening of Sept. 13. On Saturday, the university will host two watch parties as U-M Football takes on Arkansas State. Students are invited to enjoy the game in Wolverine camaraderie in the Riverfront Residence Hall lobby, while alumni can cheer for Team 145 during a tailgate at Tenacity Brewing.

Highlights of the week's events are listed below.

Office Decorating. Faculty and staff show off their school spirit while competing for prizes. Judging will take place Sept. 12.
Student Housing Door Decorating. Students living on campus can show off their creativity while supporting U-M.
Campus Walks with M-Healthy. Meeting by the University Center Arch, these one-mile walks will help you stay healthy with the UM-Flint community. Noon, Sept. 10-12.
Campus Tailgates. Sponsored by the Campus Activities Board, they will take place on the third floor of UCEN from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., Sept. 10 and 12.
Sept. 11 Remembrance Ceremony. Co-sponsored by the Student Veterans Resource Center, 8:30 a.m. at the UCEN entrance.
Tug-of-War. One of UM-Flint's oldest traditions is coming back! Teams of six will compete for the tug-of-war cup. Taking place on the First Street Lawn from 4-6 p.m., Sept. 11.
Enchanted Forest Student Homecoming Dance. Students will celebrate from 6-9 p.m., Sept. 12, at the Riverfront Conference Center.
In Search of Memories: Exploring the Archival Gaps between Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow. Part of U-M's Inclusive History Project, this interactive exhibition asks past and present UM-Flint community members to share their stories. Sept. 5-17, UCEN Gallery.
Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow Mixer. Graduates who were involved with student organizations can mingle with currently involved students. UCEN Happenings Room, 2-4 p.m., Sept. 13.
Blue Carpet Affair. Alumni are invited to enjoy an elegant evening at the Flint Farmers' Market, 6:30 p.m., Sept. 13.
Student Football Watch Party. Riverfront Lobby, noon, Sept. 14.
Alumni Football Tailgate. At Tenacity Brewing. 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Sept. 14.

Melissa Winter, director of housing and dining and chair of the homecoming planning committee, said this year's homecoming activities will celebrate the university's rich past while looking toward the future.

"The tug-of-war is one of UM-Flint's oldest events and we couldn't be more excited to bring that back this year," she said. "This is a tradition that we can really see our Greek organizations getting behind and I can't wait to see everyone in action. Also of note, the Inclusive History Project is highly involved with this year's homecoming activities, inviting student organizations to produce posters documenting their group's history and curating a gallery that invites current students and alumni to share their stories."

U-M's Inclusive History Project is a universitywide initiative dedicated to studying, documenting and sharing a comprehensive history of the university that is attentive to diversity, equity and inclusion.

Winter also noted that the diversity of programming can help stakeholders with varying degrees of involvement and interest celebrate homecoming.

"Maybe you're not the kind of person to attend a formal dance–we've got tailgates for you," said Winter. "Maybe getting involved with Homecoming means taking a lunchtime walk with your peers and the M-Healthy group. Or maybe you just want to show up and watch some football. We have something for everyone this year, and I'm hopeful that folks who haven't engaged with homecoming in the past will take advantage of what we have to offer."

By definition, alumni are a large part of any homecoming celebration, and this year is no exception. Christina Blitchok, director of campaign initiatives & alumni engagement, said that things like volunteering during the student dance demonstrate the support of the UM-Flint community before and after graduation. The semi-formal Blue Carpet Affair will offer alumni a special opportunity to meet newly appointed Chancellor Laurence Alexander, maintaining their connection to the university and its leadership.

"My hope is that this weekend of events will demonstrate that there are many ways to conceptualize 'homecoming,' said Blitchok. "For those who had a vibrant on-campus experience as students, this is a chance to reconnect with those who made a positive impact on their time here. And for our alumni who had non-traditional experiences or may have missed the opportunity to be involved as students, these chances to gather are proof it's not too late to cultivate a sense of home on campus."

According to Blitchok, football-oriented alumni can take advantage of a block of reserved tickets to experience the game at The Big House or stay closer to home with a tailgate party at Tenacity Brewing. There are also plenty of other opportunities for alumni to experience homecoming, like the Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow Mixer.

While alumni may be the focus of several homecoming events, current students also play a large role in any homecoming celebration, even in the planning beforehand. Logan LaPeen is the president of Student Government and part of the homecoming planning committee.

"Being part of planning homecoming is always special because it is one of the key moments of the year when all of our campus–students, staff, faculty and alumni come together to celebrate being proud Michigan Wolverines," LaPeen said. "I am most looking forward to the homecoming dance! With the enchanted forest theme, I think the dance this year will be a great opportunity for our students to express creativity and have lots of fun coming together as a campus community."

More information about Wolverine Homecoming 2024 can be found on the homecoming webpage. Alumni can find more information and RSVP here.