Homecoming Week 2015: What You Need to Know

Homecoming Week is here, and Nebraska Methodist College is hosting a celebration unlike anything we’ve ever done. Prizes, pumpkins, dodgeball, maybe even a flying monkey or two are in store.

Here’s your full schedule of events, followed by more in-depth information you’ll need to know to make the most of Homecoming Week.

Monday

The fun begins today, with a 125-Hour Week of Service Challenge. Everyone in the NMC community is invited to give back to the community in ways big and small. Whether it’s lending a helping hand at the Mobile Diabetes Center or just taking an hour to visit with a relative you haven’t chatted with in awhile, you’re challenged to reach out and make a difference in someone’s life this week. We’ll be keeping a running tally as we get closer and closer to the 125-hour goal.

Students should also prepare themselves to rock the vote this week, and we’re not talking about an election. We’re talking about the pumpkins and gift baskets awaiting your approval in the lobby of the Clark Center. Prizes abound for the people willing to cast their vote for the best today and tomorrow, so stop in when you get a moment away from class.

Also beginning today, students, faculty and staff can get a sneak peek at the exciting changes coming to Nebraska Methodist College in the coming months. Representatives of Steelcase will be available to talk about the upgrades coming to campus. If you’ve been by the former library and student center, you can clearly see that things are changing, so stop by to see just what exactly you can expect in the future.

Tuesday

All are invited to wear green and bling on Tuesday so that we can make the NMC hallways look like a walking, talking Emerald City. Then, On Tuesday night, get into the spirit of the season by dropping by the NMC campfire at Vala’s Pumpkin Patch. We’ll be supplying the hotdogs and s’mores, so all you have to do is pay for Vala’s admission, which, by the way, also means you get to participate in all the other fun stuff Vala’s has to offer.

Day-of walk-ins are welcome, as well as registering in advance.

Wednesday

On Wednesday, be sure to log in to Facebook and take part in our photo party using #NMCisWicked. Take your own photos and then spot the Wizard of Oz-themed items around campus. And did we mention: prizes will be awarded?

Thursday

Thursday begins with the NMC community invited to wear pink in support of Breast Cancer Awareness. And it’s the event Thursday afternoon that has people really excited: the all-college Homecoming Convocation.

Everyone at Nebraska Methodist College is encouraged to attend this first-of-its-kind event, which features guest speakers, a look back at the 125-year history of the college and, most importantly, a glimpse into what awaits our campus in the future.

After convocation, stick around, because Ox 'N' Bull BBQ and Chicago Dawg House food trucks will be in the parking lot offering dinner to all attendees.

Oh, and one more thing: it’s free. Just be sure to drop by the Clark Center or download your meal voucher.

Everyone can stick around to enjoy some music as well as participate in a dodgeball tournament. Registration for the tourney is open until Tuesday, so sign up today. Individuals, small groups and whole teams are all welcome to participate.

Friday

Friday kicks off with a Continuing Education course offered by our college’s leadership, and everyone on campus that day is invited to wear NMC gear and grab some cupcakes in the lobby.

Saturday

Homecoming concludes on Saturday, with the NMC community invited to the Omaha Children’s Museum, where the Nebraska Methodist College-sponsored Super Powers exhibit has made its debut. Admission is free to NMC students, faculty, alumni, staff and immediate family members of all of the above.

That night, St. John Vianney church is the site of the Alumni Reunion Dinner. Students can volunteer their time for this event in a number of ways. Any help counts (did we mention our 125-hour service challenge?).

We hope you have a blast this Homecoming week, because we certainly had a blast planning it. We’ll see you around campus!