Homecoming 2021

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But the impact has stretched even farther, thanks to the convenience and ease provided by the Central location. Both Littrell and Sherman noted that people from as much as two or three hours away had made the journey to Fayette to take advantage of the clinics. One such person was Liza Lafolette, who cited the simple process, short waiting period, and proximity to her family in Fayette as perks that made the eight hours of driving (back and forth from Kansas City on two occasions) worth it.

“In Kansas City it’s been really hard to know where and how

to sign up, and there are limited resources there,” she said. “But I got word that there were extras here. It was available, it was convenient, my job’s flexible, and as a bonus I get to come see my family for a few minutes on the way back.”

Lafolette, whose mother is CMU Board of Trustees member Janet Jacobs, ‘77, is just one of many who have expressed gratitude to Central and Fitzgibbon. Sherman says the clinics have been “wellreceived” by the community, and Littrell echoed the sentiment.

“The community response has been the most fulfilling part of this. There’s so much gratitude,” she said. “They have been thankful. For some people, this is the first time they walked out of their house in over a year.”

With the semester winding down and the state opening vaccine eligibility to all adults, CMU began encouraging students to receive their shots at the beginning of April. The administration hopes that the promise of no longer having to be tested or needing to quarantine when the fall semester starts will be enticing incentives for more students to get vaccinated over the summer break.

And, in the meantime, Central plans to keep holding vaccination clinics on campus as long as there is a demand by the community and a supply with Fitzgibbon.

“We’re very supportive of this effort, and we hope more people get the vaccine,” Sherman concluded.

Nikole Walker receives her vaccine shot.

“It’s really been a bright light for us after all the months we’ve been dealing with COVID in the hospital” New Central Hall of Honor Highlights Homecoming Plans

As if a 75th anniversary celebration for the members of Alpha Phi Gamma, the Mokers, and the members of Delta Pi Omega wasn’t enough, a prestigious new awards ceremony called the Central Hall of Honor will make its debut this fall. Entering the Hall of Honor will be considered the highest recognition bestowed upon alumni from CMU.

“We are beyond excited to introduce this new and very significant honor,” said Dr. Bill Sheehan Jr., ’84, vice president for advancement and alumni relations. “We’re pulling out all the stops to make this a memorable event.”

The Central Hall of Honor ceremony will be held Friday, October 29 on the fourth floor of the Inman Student Center. A bust of all honorees will be placed in the Central Hall of Honor Gallery on the lower level of the student center. The honorees will be recognized in the Homecoming Parade and at various events throughout the weekend.

Another large event being planned for Homecoming Weekend is the Alumni Awards luncheon. Due to the cancellation of Homecoming last year, there will be two years of Distinguished Alumni being recognized – nine awardees total. Admission is $20.

While there will be many more events as planning continues, following is a tentative list for your calendar: Friday, October 29 4:30 p.m. Hall of Sponsors presentation / Assembly Hall 5 p.m. Alumni Social / Stedman Plaza 6 p.m. Central Hall of Honor / Student Center

8 a.m. Alumni breakfast / Student Center 10 a.m. Parade 10:30 a.m. Lunch until 2 p.m. / Student Center 11 a.m. Class photos (various locations)

TBA Football vs. Missouri Valley

Saturday, October 30

Sunday, October 31 10:30 a.m. Church service / Linn Memorial 11:30 a.m. Alumni Awards brunch / 4th floor student center (Distinguished Alumni, 1854 Society, Heritage Society)