Bluffton University will celebrate Homecoming weekend Oct. 7 and 8.
 
A free picnic lunch will be available for alumni in an alumni tailgate tent at Emery Sears Athletic Complex from noon until 1:30 p.m., when the Homecoming game against Anderson will begin.

Tables will be designated for 1987 football alumni, cheerleaders, managers and coaching staff to celebrate 30 years since that team earned a spot in the playoffs. No reservations are required for the tent; game tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for youth at the gate. Admission is free for children ages 4 and under.
 
From noon to 2 p.m., a Kid Zone, also at Emery Sears Athletic Complex, will offer activities such as inflatables for children ages 5-10. Bluffton mascots J. Denny and Jenny Beaver will also be available for selfie photos. 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 be presented to Dr. Marvin H. Hall, a 1977 graduate who will receive the Professional Achievement Award, and Barbara Stettler, associate professor emerita of family and consumer sciences, who will receive the Faculty/Staff Service Award.
 
In addition, Dr. James Harder, president, will recognize donors for achieving milestones in giving to Bluffton last year.
 
Tickets for the banquet are $25 and may be reserved by Sept. 22 by contacting Julia Szabo in the alumni office at [email protected] or 419-358-3245.
 
Saturday’s events will also include:
 
• Art exhibit, “The Mirror of the Martyrs,” Grace Albrecht Gallery, Sauder Visual Arts Center, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., featuring eight of the original copper plates produced by Dutch artist Jan Luyken to illustrate the “Martyrs Mirror.” The exhibit allows visitors to learn about Mennonite religious heritage and its application to contemporary life. The exhibit will be on display in the gallery from Oct. 1 to Nov. 5.  
 
• Reception for “The Mirror of the Martyrs” exhibit, 10 a.m. to noon, enjoy refreshments and meet Bluffton art faculty.
 
• Baseball alumni game, 10 a.m., Emery Sears Athletic Complex
 
• Ultimate Frisbee, 4 p.m., Musselman Library Green
 
Homecoming weekend will conclude Sunday, Oct. 8, with a free 2:30 p.m. concert by Bluffton’s Concert Band in Yoder Recital Hall.
 

Photos: Students, alumni and fans cheer on the Bluffton University Beavers during Homecoming 2016. Bluffton will celebrate Homecoming weekend Oct. 7-8, 2017, with the Beavers taking the field against Anderson University at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday.