It’s Raider Days Homecoming and Parent’s weekend at Northwestern, meaning campus is about to burst with new activity.
This weekend is a great opportunity for alumni, students, parents and staff to gather together and enjoy unique events around campus.
The weekend kicked off Fri. Sept. 29 at chapel with a message from Rev. Bob Bouwer, who graduated from NW in 1984.
Today (Fri. Sept. 29) at 5 p.m., NW will host a Celebration Banquet and student showcase to recognize donors and student scholarship.
Bringing Friday evening to a close is the theatre production “Fantastic Mr. Fox.” This children’s show will be performed at 7 p.m. in the Black Box. Director, Drew Schmidt, described the show as “bold, bright, funny, engaging and interactive.”
For Schmidt, it’s the audience that makes the production so rewarding. “The kids that come running over, they are what make this production so unique,” Schmidt said.
Beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday is the annual Red Raider Road Race. Participants can choose to run the 5k or walk for one mile.
Also at 9 a.m. on Saturday is the Bob Kroese Art Exhibition and Graduate School & Adult Learning Reception.
Alumni games start at 9 a.m. with men’s basketball, followed by baseball at 9:30 a.m., women’s soccer at 11 a.m., men’s soccer at 1:30 p.m., and softball at 5 p.m.
“These alumni activities provide a great opportunity for former teammates to connect and build relationships with our current coaches and team members,” said Director of Athletics, Earl Woudstra.
In addition to alumni games, NW will host a 1:30 p.m. football game vs Morningside, 5:00 women’s soccer game versus Mount Marty and a 7:15 p.m. men’s soccer game versus Mount Marty.
Morning on the Green will begin at 10 a.m. and last until noon. This kid-friendly carnival benefits student clubs and organizations. Children and families are invited to attend.
The reception for retired faculty and staff will take place at 10:30 a.m.
Beginning at 11:00am. is the Athletics Recognition Luncheon to honor Red Raider Hall of Fame inductees.
The tailgate picnic and class reunions begin at 11:30 a.m. and will continue on into the afternoon before the football game at 1:30 p.m. Class reunions taking place under the tailgate tent are 1967, 1977, 1987, 1992, 1997, 2007, 2012 and 2017.
As athletics continue into the afternoon, a second showing of “Fantastic Mr. Fox” will take place at 4 p.m., followed by the Distinguished Alumni Banquet beginning at 5:30 p.m. in the Vermeer Dining Room. This banquet invites guests to celebrate alumni who will be receiving special recognition.
Finishing off the weekend is the concert and Parents Reception at 7 p.m. This concert will consist of performances by the A cappella Choir, Symphonic Band, Orchestra, Heritage Singers, Women’s Choir and student soloists.
