Homecoming and Family Weekend set for Oct. 1

Northwestern College will celebrate Homecoming and Family Weekend Saturday, Oct. 1, with traditions such as football, the Raider Road Race and Morning on the Green carnival.

In addition, Homecoming will include reunions for seven classes (2011, 2006, 2001, 1986, 1981, 1971 and 1961), nursing graduates, members of the 2000–01 semifinalist football team, and participants of Spring Service Project (SSP) teams to Lindale, Texas.

With a theme of “Spread Red,” Homecoming and Family Weekend 2011 begins with the 18th annual Red Raider Road Race. With both 4K and 8K routes, the race begins at 8:30 a.m. on the track in De Valois Stadium. Pre-registration is $15; cost is $20 the day of the race. Visit www.nwciowa.edu/raider-road-race for registration details.

From 9:30 to noon, enjoy Morning on the Green in the center of campus. The annual family-friendly carnival will include games and prizes; proceeds support student clubs and organizations. At 10:30 a.m., former Northwestern chaplain Dr. Jerry Sittser—as well as President Greg Christy and current students—will speak in Christ Chapel.

Members of the 2000–01 semifinalist football team are invited to join current players for their pregame brunch at 9:30 in the DeWitt Center Cafeteria. Alumni baseball and softball games will be played on the Raider diamonds starting at 10 a.m. Graduates of Northwestern’s B.S.N. program will gather in Wiersma Cottage at 11 a.m. Soccer alumni are invited to take on the current team at 7 p.m.

A tailgate picnic lunch will be served on the green from 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. The cost is $6 for adults and $4 for kids ages 6 to 10; children five and under eat free. At the picnic, spaces will be reserved for reunion classes as well as the 2000–01 football team and SSP alumni. The Raider football team will kick off against Nebraska Wesleyan at 1:30 p.m. on Korver Field.

A family-friendly production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream takes the DeWitt Theatre stage at 4 p.m. Tickets are $7 for adults and $4 for students and children; they can be reserved by contacting the DeWitt Theatre box office, 712-707-7098 or boxoffice@nwciowa.edu, starting Sept. 19. Day-of-show tickets will also be available at the door.

At 6 p.m. the Distinguished Alumni Dinner will honor the professional, humanitarian and Northwestern service achievements of Peggy Bilsten ’82, Phoenix, Ariz.; Dr. Bryan Den Hartog ’81, Rapid City, S.D.; and Harold Vander Laan ’49, Orange City. Reservations are required: 712-707-7134.

The Northwestern College music department will present a free concert at 7 p.m. in Christ Chapel. Ensembles performing include the A cappella Choir, Symphonic Band, Jazz Band, Heritage Singers, Women’s Choir and Chamber Orchestra.

All alumni and friends of Northwestern as well as students’ family members are invited to Homecoming and Family Weekend. For more information, visit www.nwciowa.edu/homecoming, or contact the Northwestern College alumni office at 712-707-7127 or alumni@nwciowa.edu.