SPRINGFIELD, Ohio – Save the dates of Oct. 22-24 for one of the biggest celebrations ever produced by the Wittenberg University Office of Alumni Relations. Get ready for “The Big Shebang,” a combination of Homecoming and Reunion weekends.

After holding focus groups and surveying a diverse group of alumni, organizers found that a majority of those polled preferred a combined event held each fall. Since 2000, Wittenberg has celebrated individual reunions, but with the first-ever

“The Big Shebang,” more all-inclusive programming will now be available for everyone, including alumni, faculty, staff and students.

The 10 th , 25 th , and 50 th class year reunions will still continue to celebrate these milestone anniversaries with their classes, while the 5 th , 15 th , 20 th , 30 th and 40 th will be clustered with the classes that graduated before and after their year. More information about cluster reunions can be found on the Alumni Web site.

“We think the excitement and atmosphere of Homecoming at Wittenberg will be nostalgic for alumni celebrating reunions of their undergraduate years,” said Pat Richmond Benne '68, director of alumni relations.

Festivities planned for “The Big Shebang” include classes taught by Wittenberg professors, a special alumni award ceremony and the dedication of Alumni Way, formerly Woodlawn Avenue.

Also, the annual Homecoming parade and football game will recognize all those participating in class reunions. Other featured events include an all-campus picnic, Tiger tailgate, varsity soccer and rugby games, a student-sponsored carnival for families and children, and live entertainment on Friday evening .

“We had fun naming the weekend as ‘The Big Shebang' because we hope it will encourage the entire community, not just the alumni and students, to become involved in the celebration,” said Michael Wesbecher '04, assistant director of alumni relations.

More than 26,000 Wittenberg alumni live around the world. Active alumni chapters currently exist in Springfield, Columbus, Cleveland, Washington, D.C., Colorado, Chicago and New York. Each chapter hosts events and opportunities for networking throughout the year. To learn more about Alumni Association chapter participation visit this Web site.

For more information or to become involved in the planning of “The Big Shebang,” contact the Office of Alumni Relations at (937) 327-7414.