Bluffton University will celebrate “The Power of Purple” during Homecoming weekend Oct. 10 and 11.

A focal point of the day on Saturday, Oct. 10, will be Alumni Field at Salzman Stadium, where installation of artificial turf and upgrading/resurfacing of the track and field event areas were recently completed.

A free picnic lunch will be available for alumni in an Alumni Tailgate Tent at the field from noon until 1:30 p.m., when the Homecoming game against Rose-Hulman will begin. No reservations are required for the tent; game tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for students at the gate. Admission is free for children ages 4 and under.

From noon to 2 p.m., a Kid Zone at Emery Sears Athletic Complex will offer activities such as inflatables and arts and crafts for children ages 5-10. Photos with Bluffton mascots J. Denny and Jenny Beaver will also be available. Adult supervision will be provided.

Saturday’s activities will conclude with the President’s Banquet, honoring milestones of achievement, service and giving. A reception will begin at 5:30 p.m. in Burcky Gym, followed by the banquet at 6:30 p.m. in Founders Hall.

Alumni awards will go to Charles Stapleton, a 1978 graduate who will receive the Professional Achievement Award, and Marcia Gallant, retired administrative assistant in Marbeck Center and this year’s recipient of the Faculty/Staff Service Award. In addition, university President James Harder will recognize 72 donors for achieving milestones in giving to Bluffton last year.

Tickets for the banquet are $25 and may be reserved by Sept. 25 by contacting Amy Byers in the alumni office at [email protected] or 419-358-3456.

Saturday’s events will also include:

• Open house at The Lion and Lamb Peace Arts Center, Riley Court, 9:30-10:30 a.m. The Lion and Lamb houses a collection of art and books, including its recently published “Swords to Plowshares: The Creation of John P. Klassen’s Mennonite Central Committee Medallion.”

• Reception for Goshen, Ind., artists Justin and Brooke Rothshank, 10 a.m. to noon, Grace Albrecht Gallery, Sauder Visual Arts Center. “Instruments of Peace,” an exhibit of miniaturist paintings and decal ceramics by the Rothshanks, will be on display in the gallery from Oct. 7-30. Gallery hours on Saturday are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Baseball alumni game, 9:30 a.m., Emery Sears Athletic Complex

• Ultimate Frisbee, 4 p.m., Musselman Library Green

Homecoming weekend will conclude Sunday, Oct. 11, with a free, 2:30 p.m. concert by Camerata Singers, the University Chorale and the Concert Band in Yoder Recital Hall.