Alumni Village unites generations of Chippewas
The music of a past generation and the laughter of old classmates filled the air of the Alumni Village.
The Alumni Village was a free homecoming event all weekend near the Rose ponds that was open to alumni and students.
Spirited displays of CMU pride varied from younger alumni, with young children dressed head-to-toe in maroon and gold, to older couples with Chippewa apparel linking arms. Alumni swarmed to several tents sponsored by all the academic colleges and other Registered Student Organizations.
New Era senior Casey Ten Brink was there representing the College of Science and Technology. She said she comes to the village every year for the free food and atmosphere.
"Everyone is inviting and willing to socialize," Brink said. "There are more generations here than the student tailgate. It's more low key and calm."
One tent specifically was designated for alumni who had graduated 50 years ago.
James Wynes, who graduated with his undergraduate degree in 1962 and stayed to earn his master's degree in 1965, said has come back to campus with his wife, Mary Ellen more than 25 times.
Wynes said many things have changed since his days as a student. When he first came to CMU, there was less than 5,000 students. He said he remembers back to when the university was named Central Michigan College.
His old residence hall Barnard, and Mary Ellen's, Tate, has since been demolished. Wynes said he enjoys being around the older part of campus.
Michael and Jamie Radjewski, both graduated in 2007 and met during in the first weeks of school in their freshmen year, while the two were living in Wheeler Hall. They have since come back to the university many times.
"It feels like home," Jamie said. "The atmosphere is really awesome; it's great to see how the campus has changed since we graduated."
Michael Radjewski said that the changes to the campus are positive. As an alumnus of the College of Education & Human Services, he said he is amazed of the new EHS building.
"I think they have done great job with starting the college of medicine, and the academic level has increased just in the past five years," Jamie Radjewski said. "It brings a sense of pride to see how well the university is doing."
