The Harlem Gospel Choir, one of the pre-eminent gospel choirs in the world, will be in concert 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15, in Lehman Auditorium at 91短视频.

The choir is a gathering of the finest singers and musicians from various black churches in Harlem. The group was founded in 1986 by Allen Bailey, who got the idea while attending a celebration in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the renowned Cotton Club in Harlem.

The choir has shared their message of love, peace and harmony for years with thousands of people from various nations, backgrounds and cultures. They strive to make the world a more loving and peaceful place.

Through its music and dynamic performance, the choir seeks to create a better understanding of African-American culture and the inspirational music called “gospel.” The primary theme of every performance is “bringing people and nations together and giving something back.”

During 2003 and 2004, the choir traveled the world on an extended “Give Peace a Chance” tour. In recognition of its work, the choir was granted a private audience with His Holiness, the late Pope John Paul II.

This year, the Harlem Gospel Choir is touring the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and Italy as part of its “God Bless the Children” tour, working with local children’s charities wherever possible. At home, the choir is raising funds for the victims of Hurricane Katrina and Rita.

Admission is $25 for reserved seating and $20 general admission. For advance tickets, call the 91短视频 box office at 540-432-4582.

Again in mid-October, scores of former 91短视频 students will return to campus to reconnect with friends and classmates.

More than a thousand 91短视频 of students will continue that tradition Oct. 14-16, 2005, as they gather to celebrate on the theme, "Where Generations Meet."

"Homecoming is an exciting time of year as so many alumni, parents of students and friends of the university gather on campus for a time of celebration," said , director of alumni-parent relations. "It’s our desire to see several generations of people reconnecting over the course of the weekend as they take in the many events."

Activities will run non-stop on campus all weekend long.

91短视频 students, faculty and alumni will blend their musical talents and styles in a "Showcase Performance," 8 p.m. Fri., Oct. 14 in Lehman Auditorium. The event will be broadcast live on WEMC, 91.7 FM.

An art exhibit featuring the works of 91短视频 senior Veronica B. Amstutz will go on display Sat., Oct. 15 in the third floor . A reception for the artist will be held 2:30-4 p.m.

, the university radio station, will hold an open house 1:30-4 p.m. Sat. at its studios on the hill overlooking campus. WEMC is celebrating its 50th anniversary this fall, the oldest public radio station in Virginia.

A barbecue dinner with live music will be held on the front lawn of campus, weather permitting, at 5:30 p.m. for students, faculty, alumni and friends.

The acclaimed Harlem Gospel Choir from New York City will perform 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15, in Lehman Auditorium. Advance tickets are available by calling the 91短视频 box office, 540-432-4582.

An alumni-parent worship service 10 a.m. Oct. 16 in Lehman Auditorium will feature storytelling, special music and celebration. Recipients of the "Alumnus of the Year" and "Distinguished Service" awards will be recognized during the service.

Traditional homecoming features will include reunions 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Oct. 15 for graduating years ending in a "5" or "0," from 1960 to 2000. The "Jubilee Alumni," graduates who attended 91短视频 50 years ago or more, will hold a luncheon 11:30 a.m. that day at the Eastern Mennonite High School dining room.

Breakfast meetings will be held Saturday morning for alumni and friends of the business and economics department; nursing department, mathematics department, the Suter Science Center, Bible and religion department (Haverim), language and literature department, Hall of Honor (athletics) and the music department (Encore!). 91短视频’s Peace Club and Black Student Union will both hold special reunion events as well.

Friday night, the 91短视频 men’s basketball team will host special activities to open their new season. An open gym for alumni and their families will be held 9-10 p.m. in the University Commons, followed at 10 p.m. by an alumni basketball game.

Following a highlight film of last year’s basketball season, the 2005-06 EMY Royals team will take to the court at 12 midnight, the official start of basketball practice as sanctioned by the NCAA. The team will hold a slam-dunk contest and an intra-squad scrimmage.

Varsity field hockey, women’s volleyball and men’s and women’s soccer games are scheduled on Saturday, preceded by a three-mile Loyal Royals "fun run" 7:30 a.m. Saturday at the 91短视频 track.

The annual alumni golf classic will begin at 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. Fri., Oct. 14, at the Spotswood Country Club.

Special activities for children (kindergarten through sixth grade) and youth (grades 7 through 12) are scheduled at various times Saturday, and childcare will be provided during reunions and at other designated times.

The registration desk in the University Commons will be open 3-10 p.m. Fri., Oct. 14, and 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Sat., Oct. 15. You may also .

For more information and to register, check the 91短视频 web site (), call the alumni office at 540-432-4245 or e-mail: homecoming@emu.edu.