Just weeks after the start of classes, Eastern Michigan University has leaned into an early homecoming, with signs and table tents declaring the theme "Paint It Green" across campus.
Held in October for at least the past seven years, this year's homecoming game is set to take place on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, at Rynearson Stadium. Kickoff is at 3:30 p.m., with the Eagles facing off against the University of Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns.
This year's homecoming halftime performance will be an "all-Michigan composer show" spotlighting Michigan's musical heritage, featuring EMU alumni Drew De Four and Colleen "Kin" Curran, a husband-and-wife team who have garnered international acclaim as a piano-rock duo.
De Four and Curran met as first-year students at Eastern. Since then, they have delivered more than 2,000 live performances across North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Their interactive shows have entertained audiences on cruise ships in the Mediterranean and at music festivals in Dublin. They have also collaborated on albums with other musicians, including Brad Phillips (Patti LuPone and Jeff Daniels); Phredley Brown, the music director for American Idol; Bruno Mars; and Theo Katzman of the band Vulfpeck.
“Returning to EMU, the place where both our education and our relationship began, is such an honor,” De Four said in the announcement of the show. “We are optimists and try to look at every idea, person, and situation with the most charitable, patient, and kind perspective. This is, in our experience, the healthiest and happiest way to live, and we hope our performance spreads a bit of this attitude to the crowd – especially anyone who needs a lift.”
Nick Smith, an associate professor at EMU who serves as associate director of bands and director of the EMU Marching Band, is excited that this duo will be joining the halftime show.
“It’s special to have our own artists right down the road, who met on our campus, and because of their education went on to do great things,” Smith said.
De Four and Curran are not the only halftime show attraction; the EMU Marching Band will also perform music from several Michigan-grown artists, including "Ole Time Rock & Roll" by Bob Seger and "Think/Respect" by Aretha Franklin, in addition to "Some Kind of Wonderful" by Grand Funk Railroad, "Let’s Stay Together" by Al Green, and "Like a Prayer" by Madonna.
"I wanted to find a way to celebrate alumni while also creating a halftime experience that felt more like a Friday night out with your best friends, something that relates to everyone," Smith said in a university announcement on the show. "After talking with Drew and Kin, I learned they lived close and would deliver the exact experience that was in my mind."
Campus-wide homecoming activities begin Monday, Sept. 15, and spirit tables selling homecoming gear will appear even earlier.
From spirit tables to door decorating contests and a picnic, students, staff, faculty and fans have many opportunities to get into the homecoming spirit.
EMU's "Paint It Green" homecoming logo.
Anyone seeking to collect EMU homecoming gear can check out the spirit tables on campus. The table operating Sept. 9 will be in the Student Center lobby from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The same table will be operating again from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 11.
Beginning Sep. 15, spirit tables will be open at The Commons from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., with another in The Eateries from 5-6:30 p.m.
On Wednesday, Sept. 17, students can get free Eastern gear in the Student Center lobby between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. To receive a T-shirt, students can swap an used shirt from a different school or donate an item to Swoop's Pantry. While supplies last, participants will also have the chance to stuff their own eagle plushy.
University staff can participate in the homecoming fun through the campus Office Decorating Contest. Beginning Monday, Sept. 8, staff departments can decorate the entirety of their front office or just its main door. The decorating teams have until 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 16 to put the finishing touches on their designs. Judging for the contest begins at 11 a.m., and the winning office will be announced at 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19, on EMU social channels and the EMU Today web pages.
Those looking to align their musical interests with their homecoming spirit can check out the Kickoff Picnic from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 17 on the Student Center patio, the Sept. 17 Trap Karaoke event from 8 to 10 p.m. in the Student Center Ballroom, or the Step Show, which is scheduled from 7 to 10 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18, in Pease Auditorium.
Many events scheduled for homecoming week also offer free food. Those with a sweet tooth might want to visit the Student Center lobby from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sept. 17 for the Eagle Bundtini Giveaway. Those desiring a traditional game day experience can also participate in tailgating starting at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, on the front lawn of Rynearson Stadium.
