Bluffton University has new events in store at the beginning, middle and end of its Homecoming celebration on Saturday, Oct. 4.

“New Beginnings” is the theme for Homecoming, which will kick off Saturday with the launch of a new book at The Lion and Lamb Peace Arts Center. From 9-10:30 a.m., visitors may stop by the center for a reception with Lisa Weaver and 2013 Bluffton alumna Amanda Huston, the author and illustrator, respectively, of “Swords to Plowshares,” a children’s book published by the center. Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing.

From 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., alumni and friends may gather under an “Alumni Tailgate Tent” at the Emery Sears Athletic Complex to learn about the new Alumni Field project. A complimentary lunch will also be available; email [email protected] to make reservations.

Fundraising has begun for the alumni-initiated project, which includes replacement of the Salzman Stadium grass field with FieldTurf, which would be lined for soccer as well as football; upgrading and resurfacing of the stadium track and field event areas; and installation of stadium lights.

At 1:30 p.m. at the stadium, the football Beavers will meet Hanover in the annual Homecoming game. Denny Dorrel, Bluffton’s new head coach, will coach for the first time against his alma mater, where he was also an assistant coach before coming to Bluffton this year. Available at the gate, tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for students and free for children ages 4 and under.

Wrapping up Saturday’s activities will be the President’s Banquet, honoring alumni and donors. A reception will begin at 5:15 p.m. in Burcky Gym, followed by the banquet at 6 p.m. in Founders Hall.

Alumni awards—which were previously presented at a separate ceremony—will go to two recipients. William Herr, a 1961 graduate, will receive the Lifetime Service Award, while 2006 alumna Bethny (Ricks) Brown will be honored with the Outstanding Young Alumni Award. In addition, university President James Harder will recognize 57 donors for milestones in giving to Bluffton last year.

Tickets for the banquet are $27 and may be reserved athttp://tickets.bluffton.edu through Sept. 26.

New mascot Jenny Beaver—who has joined J. Denny Beaver—will make appearances at Saturday’s events, which also include:

∙ Artist reception for Mark and Mike Kersey, 10 a.m. to noon, Grace Albrecht Gallery, Sauder Visual Arts Center. “A Brush with Fantasy: The Paintings of Mr. Atomic,” an exhibit of paintings by the Toledo-based artists and twin brothers, will be on display in the gallery from Sept. 29-Oct. 25. Gallery hours on Homecoming Saturday are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

∙ Discovery Day campus tours for high school students and their families, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Go to www.bluffton.edu/discovery/ to register.

∙ Baseball and softball alumni games, beginning at 9:30 a.m. and 10 a.m., respectively, Emery Sears Athletic Complex

∙ Volleyball alumni game, 10 a.m., Sommer Center

∙ Picnic for current and prospective students and their families, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Emery Sears Athletic Complex. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 3-10.

∙ Kid Zone, 1-3 p.m., Emery Sears Athletic Complex. Activities for children ages 5-10 will include a “bouncy house,” arts and crafts, football toss and a “bug train.”

∙ Ultimate Frisbee, 4 p.m., Musselman Library green

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