Galleries

Run For A Cause 5K Run & Walk

The Run For A Cause 5K Run & Walk was held at Island Park in Mount Pleasant, on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. Half the profits went to ‘Dalis to the Rescue’ and the other half to ‘RISE Advocacy’. ‘Dalis to the Rescue’ aids rescued animals, and ‘RISE Advocacy’ helps empower survivors of domestic abuse.  

Field Hockey vs. Mercyhurst

Central Michigan field hockey defeated Mercyhurst 4-0, earning their first victory of the season at Cristy Freese Field, Friday, Sept. 5, 2025. Sophomore forward Carolena Ryon led the Chippewas with two goals and one assist against Mercyhurst. Central Michigan will play Mercyhurst again on Sunday at 1 p.m.

Welcome Back Ice Cream Social

The Central Michigan University President's Office hosts a Welcome Back Ice Cream Social inviting all faculty and staff to enjoy ice cream in the Powers Ballroom, Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025. The event originally to be held outside on Warriner Mall but due to inclement weather was moved inside. President and First Lady MacKinnon were the first to arrive to greet everyone as they walked through the doors of the ballroom.

First Day of Classes

Central Michigan University students return to campus for the first day of the school year on Monday, August 25, 2025. Students were out riding bikes, talking to each other, studying and playing yard games to kick off the school year. 

Central Welcome Breakfast

Central Michigan University students socialized, took photos and grabbed school supplies during the Central Welcome Breakfast at the Bovee University Center on Monday, Aug. 25, 2025. Students could register online and get a free first day breakfast and even take a polaroid picture on an inflatable Central Michigan University chair to remember their first day. 


"This is the first day of class, so this will help students get off on the right foot, celebrating students being back but also welcoming new students to campus in a way that's memorable," Assistant Director of Student Activities Noah Burks said.

Fall Mainstage 2025

Franklin Street was covered with registered student organizations, Greek life, club sports, local businesses and campus departments during Central Michigan University’s MainStage on Sunday, Aug. 24, 2025. The annual event marks the start of the semester by connecting students with campus and community opportunities. MainStage had tables for over 300 RSOs. 

Leadership Safari 2025

The Central Michigan University Sarah R. Opperman Leadership Institute hosted its annual Leadership Safari to welcome new CMU students Tuesday, Aug. 19, to Thursday, Aug. 20, at various locations across campus. Two highlighted events were the Leadership Safari Challenge Course on Wednesday, Aug. 20, in the Indoor Athletic Complex and the Leadership Safari Traditions on Thursday, Aug. 21, in Kelly/Shorts Stadium. 

Battle of the Local Vocals

The Morey Foundation hosted the Battle of the Local Vocals at the Island Park Arts Pavilion Wednesday, August 13, 2025. Ten artists performed live in front of an audience to win the top prize of $5000. Audience members could vote for one artist they wanted to win, and that was added to the judges' votes on the winners. 75 people were gathered in May and narrowed down to the top 10 through various rounds of judging. 


“The talent is beautiful and I say that sincerely,” Emcee Erik Spindler said. “On behalf of the Morey Foundation, I can say we’re pretty dang proud.” 

CMU Summer Campus

Central Michigan University's campus has come alive as students returned to classes this week. However, summer in Mount Pleasant was empty and still, allowing the campus' green landscapes to shine. Here's what students have missed during their time away.

AMA District 14 Hare Scramble

An AMA District 14 Hare Scramble took place at the Polka Dots Motorcycle Club in Midland, on Sunday, August 3, 2025. The event featured a variety of categories, including 50cc, mini/youth, team racing, Adult C and Adult A/B classes. The District 14 Hare Scramble series is comprised of nine off-road terrain races. The next race is scheduled for August 24, at the Muskegon Motorcycle Club, in Grant, Michigan.

MyMichigan Home Care Butterflies in the Park

MyMichigan Home Care Bereavement Support Services hosted the Butterflies in the Park event at the Woodland Hospice House Sunday, August 3, 2025. This event included a brief commemoration presentation with musical selections and a live butterfly release to remember or honor loved ones. Butterflies were also released in Clare and Midland.  

Isabella County Fair Demolition Derby

The Demolition Derby, sponsored by 95.3 CFX and Walmart, was held as part of the Isabella County Family and Farm Fair Grandstand Events Friday, July 25, 2025. Demolition drivers competed in several events including powerwheels, youth class, figure eight and more.  

Isabella County Youth and Farm Fair

The Isabella County Youth and Farm Fair was held Saturday, July 19, to Sunday, July 27, at the Isabella County Fairgrounds. The fair included a midway, 4-H still exhibit, animal showings and more every day, with Grandstand events occurring on specific days. Monday and Tuesday were the Super Kicker Rodeo, Wednesday was the Hometown Showdown, Friday was the Demolition Derby and Saturday was the WMPullers Super Stock Tractors, Pickup and Semi Pull.  

Isabella County Super Kicker Rodeo

The Isabella County Super Kicker Rodeo kicked off its festivities at the Isabella County Fairgrounds in Mount Pleasant on Monday, July 21, 2025. The Isabella County Super Kicker Rodeo is a two-day event that spans Monday, July 21, to Tuesday, July 22. The Rodeo has various competitions including bull riding, bareback bronc riding, team roping and barrel racing. 

Isabella County Fair Set-Up

Volunteers and Isabella County Fair employees work to set up the Exhibit Barn for the Isabella County Fair at the Isabella County Fairgrounds, Thursday, July 17, 2025. 4-H is a leadership program that offers youths the chance to explore different topics and interests, from humane animal husbandry and exhibition to arts and food preservation. The fair begins Monday, July 21 and ends Sunday, July 27.  

Grandparents U Session Five and Farewell Celebration

Alumni Relations hosts Grandparents U Session Five and the Farewell Celebration at Central Michigan University, Thursday, June 26, 2025. 


Session Five included activities such as playing with the CMU Women's Basketball Team, watching dogs practice various skills, learning American Sign Language and getting headshots taken while learning how to do interviews. 


The farewell celebration included a raffle for grandparents and their grandchildren to win various prizes, as well as a survey on how to better the experience for years to come. Participants even got the chance to vote on next year's theme.


Grandparents U: Outer Space: To CMU & Beyond took place Tuesday, June 24 - Thursday, June 26, on campus and included various activities and sessions grandparents and their grandchildren, ages 8-12, could attend. 


Registration included housing, meals, five learning sessions, evening activities, a signature T-shirt and an entrance into the closing raffle to win prizes. 


"It’s amazing to see families exploring campus, trying new things side by side, and just having fun," Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement and lead planner for GPU Hannah Martin said. "The fact that we’ve been doing this for 18 years really shows how special it is. Every year brings new faces, new laughs, and a whole lot of heart." 


Martin said this is her second year being involved with Grandparents U, and the first time she has taken on being the lead of planning. She said it has been an awarding experience.


"It’s always amazing to see both new and returning faces, and no matter how many times someone has been here, I hope they walk away feeling even more connected to this campus," she said. "At the end of the day, it’s about more than just the fun activities—it’s about building memories and a lasting bond with this incredible place."  

'No Kings' Michigan Protests

Thousands of Michigan residents attended protests in Grand Rapids, Charlevoix, Muskegon, Ferndale, Petoskey, and more than 50 other Michigan cities for No Kings protests, Saturday, June 14. No Kings was a nationwide day of defiance against President Donald Trump and his administration. It took place on Flag Day and Trump's 79th birthday, and was set against the background of the president’s military parade through the heart of Washington, D.C.


Protests across Michigan brought out a range of diverse voices from different communities, demanding respect for personal rights. Songs, stories, speeches and chants blended into a powerful call for change. 


‘It’s a protest not just against Trump but a protest against the Republican Congress that bows to him and does anything he wants to do,‘ Grand Rapids protestor Joel Hyde said. 

Special Olympics State Summer Games

The Special Olympics Michigan State Summer Games were held at Central Michigan University Thursday, May 29, to Sunday, May 31, 2025. This marks the 51st in-person games at CMU. This year's games featured nearly 4,000 athletes who participated in various sporting events and health and wellness screenings. 

Special Olympics State Summer Games Opening Ceremony

The 2025 Special Olympics State Summer Games Opening Ceremony was held at Central Michigan University in Kelly/Shorts Stadium, Thursday, May 29, 2025. Athletes from all over Michigan come to compete in various sports including mini javelin throw, gymnastics, horseshoes and many more. 

2025 Mount Pleasant Memorial Day

The American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) put on Memorial Day 2025 Events to honor those who have lost their lives while serving in the US Military, on Monday, May 26, 2025. Events included a parade through downtown, the main Memorial Day Ceremony held in Island Park at the War Memorials, more ceremonies held at Riverside Cemetery, Calvary Cemetery and Memorial Gardens Cemetery and finally lunch and refreshments at the VFW.