Eastern Michigan University President Susan Martin hosted her last Lunch by the Lake Campus Picnic Wednesday afternoon on the Student Center Patio.
This year the picnic was themed “Out of the Park” in promotion of the TRUEMU Day at Comerica Park, July 22.
“[I]t’s great because it’s a chance to really say farewell to President Martin and thank her for everything she’s done here [at EMU] with a big celebration, which we needed,” said Anjali Martin, student body vice president. “We needed to celebrate her for what she’s done.”
Martin said she is excited about the theme and thought this was the best picnic yet.
“I’m always happy to see people turn out in the summer,” Martin said. “It’s just great to have everybody here. I think it’s going really well. I haven’t tried the batting cage, but others seem to be having fun with it.”
In addition to testing their skills at the inflatable batting cage, the 288 picnic goers could meet Dave Rozema, 1984 World Series Champion Detroit Tigers pitcher.
“I think it’s great that you guys are doing an event like this,” Rozema said. “[It] brings people out, shows off a little of EMU and what they have to offer to students. And, I’ve never seen this, so I think it’s very cool and I think it’s going well.”
Rozema said he signed a letter of intent to play baseball at and attend EMU for four years in 1975. However, he went professional before he started at the university.
“I do miss the education,” Rozema said. “You never know when you’re going to need it. It think education is very important. But, sometimes you have to figure what’s best for you in life.”
EMU’s football and basketball cheer team and dance team helped at the event. They hosted games of trivia and oversaw the inflatable baseball cage.
“Everybody seems to have a great face on, so I think they’re having a lot of fun,” Tytiana Steele, member of the cheer team, said. “Especially [with] the food.”
Attendees ate a lunch of traditional baseball game foods, including hot dogs, popcorn and Cracker Jack.
For more information on or to buy tickets to the TRUEMU day at Comerica Park go to emich.edu/truemudays/.
