Events planned to celebrate occasion

The Southwestern Michigan College Board of Trustees announced details of the College’s upcoming 50th anniversary celebration, awarded service pins (see separate releases), accepted gifts and grants (see separate release) and conducted other business at its Aug. 18 meeting on the Dowagiac campus.

Saturday, Sept. 20, will be a day-long celebration of the 50th anniversary of the 1964 founding of Southwestern Michigan College.  The events shown below are all free and open to the public.  Community members, former students, prospective students, current students, employees both current and past….everyone (including children) are invited to attend.

According to Board of Trustees Chairman Dr. Fred L. Mathews, “Since its founding, SMC has provided affordable access to high-quality college education.  Our graduates have gone on to do great things.  We are excited to celebrate the cumulative successes of all of our former students, and to thank the community for 50 years of support. We hope you will join us.”

In addition to all of the free events listed below, there will be a “President’s Reception” honoring former trustees, presidents and foundation board members.  Tickets are required for this event and are $75 per person or $100 per couple, with proceeds going to fund scholarships.  To purchase a ticket, call Eileen Toney, Director of Development, at 269.782.1301.

For a complete up-to-the-minute listing of events, times, and locations, including alternate locations for inclement weather, download the SMC mobile app for your smartphone and select 50th Anniversary or go online to www.swmich.edu/50.

• Guest Check-in

8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. • In front of the Fred L. Mathews Library

Register to enter into a drawing for a Frigidaire Gallery 26 CU. Ft. Smudge Proof Stainless Steel Side-by-Side Refrigerator donated by Camdens Appliance.

• Prediction Run

8:30-11 a.m. • Student Activity Center in the Charles O. Zollar Building

Stop by the Student Activity Center to sign-in for the Prediction Run beginning at 8:30. Please plan on checking in at least 10-15 minutes prior to your predicted start time. An awards ceremony will follow the race at 11:30 a.m. at Coaches Corner near the Charles O. Zollar Building.

• Coaches Corner Reunion

9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. • Outside the Charles O. Zollar Building

Reminisce with past SMC coaches, athletes and extreme sports students.

• Student Service Center

10 a.m.-5 p.m. • David C. Briegel Building

The Student Service Center is open for business. Learn about our degrees and programs and get all your questions answered

• Bookstore

10 a.m.-5 p.m. • Bookstore 

Come browse SMC apparel or new 50th Anniversary clothing at the bookstore.

• Faculty Art Show

10 a.m.-5 p.m. • Art Gallery in the Dale A. Lyons Building

See new works by SMC’s talented fine arts faculty.

• Open House

11 a.m.-1 p.m. • David C. Briegel Building

Interested in becoming an SMC student? Stop by the Student Service Center and learn all about our academic programs, campus services and more. While you’re there, grab a complimentary sno-cone or some popcorn.

• Art Fair

11 a.m.-3 p.m. • In front of the David C. Briegel Building

Browse art displayed and for sale by SMC alumni. Alumni who wish to participate may register online  for this event.

• Pottery Wheel Demo

11 a.m.-3 p.m. • Near the Dale A. Lyons Building

Watch as an expert SMC instructor crafts a piece and learn about the ceramics-making process.

• School of Business and Advanced Technology Car Show

11 a.m.-3 p.m. • In front of the Jan and A.C. Kairis Building

Take a look at cars refinished by SMC students and vintage cars owned by community members, or preview new models for sale. Prizes will be awarded to the best in show. Have a vintage car? Sign up online to participate in the auto show.

• History Gallery

11 a.m.-5 p.m. • SMC History Gallery

The new SMC History Gallery is a must-stop for any visitor on campus. The wide assortment of items found in the History Gallery depicts the history of the college from its conception to current day happenings.

• Alumni Welcome Tent

11 a.m.-5 p.m. • Dale A. Lyons Building

Whether you took one class or finished your degree, we consider you a part of SMC! The first 250 SMC alumni to visit will receive a free gift. Bethel College and Ferris State University at SMC alumni are welcome too!

• Disc Golf

11 a.m.-5 p.m. • Student Activity Center in the Charles O. Zollar Building

Grab a friend and enjoy a game of disc golf around our beautiful campus.

• SMC Theatre

Noon-12:30 p.m. • Alumni Plaza Main Stage

Watch rising local stars perform an act of SMC’s upcoming children’s play.

 

A full list of events can be found on Southwestern Michigan College’s website, www.swmich.edu.

• Rock Climbing

Noon-3 p.m. • Student Activity Center in the Charles O. Zollar Building

Ever wanted to try rock climbing? Now’s your chance! Stop in and scale our 35-foot rock wall.

• Inflatables

Noon–4 p.m. • In front of the Foster W. Daugherty Building

Let your inner child come out on these fun inflatables brought to you by the Army National Guard.

• Ferris Wheel

Noon-9 p.m. • Dailey Road Parking Lot

Come take a turn on the Ferris wheel brought to you by SMC’s educational partner Ferris State University.

• Food Vendors

Noon–9 p.m. • Near the Foster W. Daugherty Building

Food from area vendors will be for sale throughout the day.

• Bounce House

Noon–9 p.m. • near the Foster W. Daugherty Building

Let kids get the wiggles out at the Bounce House!

• Criminal Justice Demonstrations

12:30-5 p.m. • Near the William P. D. O’Leary Building

See demonstrations by local law enforcement and the fire department. Learn how to escape a smoking building in a simulated smoke house or see a police dog in action.

• School of Nursing and Health Services Demonstration

12:30-5 p.m. • Nursing and Health Services Building

View demonstrations on a mannequin capable of simulating real-life medical emergencies.

• SMC Select Voices

12:45-1:15 p.m. • Alumni Plaza Main Stage

Hear the harmonious talent of SMC choir students in this special concert.

• Book Signing

1-4 p.m. • Fred L. Mathews Library

Dr. Fred L. Mathews, Chairman of the SMC Board of Trustees will be signing his book, which depicts the history of Southwestern Michigan College.  All net proceeds will go to fund scholarships at SMC.

• STEM Interactive Exhibit

1-4 p.m. • Foster W. Daugherty Building

Learn more about science, math, engineering and technology in this interactive experiment.

• Twister Mike Balloons

1-5 p.m. • Picnic Area in front of the Dale A. Lyons Building

Challenge Twister Mike to sculpt a balloon creation for you.

• Face Painting

1–5 p.m. • Picnic Area in front of the Dale A. Lyons Building

Face painters will turn your face into a masterpiece.

• Campus Tours

1-5 p.m. • Student Service Center in the David C. Briegel Building

Experience our beautiful campus buildings and grounds. Tours begin every half hour.

 

More events can be found on the college’s website, www.swmich.edu.

Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Tribal Dancers

1:30-2:30 p.m. • Alumni Plaza Main Stage

Local dancers from the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians perform traditional tribal dances.

 

Alumni Photo Booth

2-4 p.m. • Bookstore Building

Whether you have a group of two or ten, come get your photo taken with your fellow SMC alumni.

 

Student Housing Reunion

2-4 p.m. • The Backyard

Catch up with your old suitemates and reminisce about life in the dorms.

 

Local Marching Bands

2:30-3:30 p.m. • Near Steps in front of Fred L. Mathews Library

Bands from Cassopolis, Dowagiac, Marcellus, Niles and Edwardsburg march into the center of campus for your enjoyment.

 

Alumni Soccer Game

3-4 p.m. • Soccer Field

Former intramural soccer players reunite in a game of soccer.

 

Alumni Flag Football Game

3-4 p.m. • Football Field

Intramural flag football players relive the glory days in a game of flag football.

 

SMC Bands

3:30-4:15 p.m. • Alumni Plaza Main Stage

Listen as music from the SMC Brass Band fills the Plaza.

 

Dagorhir

4-5 p.m. • Next to the David C. Briegel Building

Observe or join in on this medieval jousting role-play game — one of the latest fads on campus.

 

Sky Diving Demonstration

4:45 p.m. and 6:40 p.m. • Softball Field

Watch as skydivers from Plymouth Sky Sports  join SMC President Dr. David Mathews to descend on the SMC campus.

 

Garcia & Scott Concert

5 p.m. and 7 p.m. • Steps of the Fred L. Mathews Library

Country music artists Garcia & Scott perform live twice on the steps of the Fred L. Mathews Library.

 

Withers Choo Choo Train Rides

5-7 p.m. • Picnic Area in front of the Dale A. Lyons Building

Children of all ages can journey around campus on the train.

 

Paul Erdman Band

6-7 p.m. • Alumni Plaza Main Stage

Professional rockers from the Paul Erdman Band perform live on the plaza, brought to you by our educational partner Bethel College.

 

Arrival Concert

8-9 p.m. • Alumni Plaza Main Stage

Journey tribute band Arrival performs the legendary band’s greatest hits.

 

Fireworks

9 p.m. • Southeast Corner of Campus

Watch as fireworks light up the sky over the SMC campus.