As we get in the full swing of the 2025-2026 academic year, one of the greatest opportunities we have to welcome our SAU community is our homecoming week, Autumn at the Arbor. With alumni returning to campus and current students and faculty working and enjoying our various events, we’re in for another fantastic homecoming celebration.

Below are some details about every event offered this week.

Monday, September 29th

Homecoming Scavenger Hunt - Students get ready for a campus wide search for three golden SAU coins for a chance to win some major prizes. This is happening all week or until the last coin is found!

Homecoming Chapel - Join us in person or via Livestream for a special Homecoming Chapel with alumni-led worship and a message from SAU alum Jacob Atem '08, CEO & Co-Founder of Southern Sudan Health Care Organization. 10 AM at The Arbor Church.

Leadership Speaker Series: Greg Clugston '88 - Take the opportunity to hear Greg speak on his experience as a White House correspondent and Special Events News Anchor for the Salem Radio Network. 11:30 AM in the Ralph Carey Forum.

 

Wednesday, October 1st

SAU Serves - Students and faculty join together to give back to the community in Spring Arbor and Jackson through service projects. 8 AM in Spring Arbor and Jackson.

41st Annual Arbor Games - Our annual field day where students team up and enjoy an afternoon of games, friendly competition, and fun. 2 PM at Decan Field.

Men’s Soccer Game - The varsity men’s team will be facing off against Huntington College. 7 PM at the Cougar Soccer Complex.

 

Friday, October 3rd

Alumni Awards Dinner - Join us as we honor and celebrate our 2025 Alumni Award Recipients. 6 PM in the Kresge Student Center.

Alumni Baseball Game - Come out for a great night under the lights as our current SAU baseball team takes on alumni players. 7 PM at the Burbridge Field.

Cougar Madness - Cougar Madness is for our students, employees and young alums. At this high energy event, we highlight our men’s and women’s basketball teams, play fun games, win prizes, and pass out Cougar Madness t-shirts. 10 PM at the MAC.

 

Saturday, October 4th (Homecoming Day)

Donut Dash 5K - Whether you are a walker or runner, this is always a Homecoming favorite as you make your way around SAU’s campus. Most importantly, there will be donuts at every mile mark.​ All proceeds go to support SAU Track and Cross Country and SOAR Jackson. 9:30 AM at the MAC.

E.P. Hart Brunch - Kick-off Homecoming at our E.P. Hart Brunch. Enjoy a brief time of worship, fellowship over a delicious brunch, remarks from a current SAU student and a presidential address from Dr. Brent Ellis. 9:30 AM in the Kresge Student Center.

Women’s Basketball Blue vs. Gold Scrimmage - Enjoy some friendly competition as the women’s basketball team has an intersquad scrimmage. 10AM at the MAC.

Admissions Tour - SAU families are invited to join the Admissions team for a special campus tour. This tour is designed especially for siblings, friends, and guests who are curious about Spring Arbor University and what life as an SAU student could look like for them. Come explore campus, hear about the student experience, and see for yourself what makes SAU feel like home. 10:30 AM at White Library.

Softball Alumni Game - Come watch as SAU Softball alumni take the field and play our current SAU Cougar Softball team. 11 AM at the Softball Field.

President Meet & Greet - Join us for a time to connect and fellowship with SAU's Presidential Couple, Dr. Brent and Christy Ellis. 11:30 AM at the Oak Tree.

Fall Festival - Come experience fall fun at our Homecoming Fall Festival. Enjoy pumpkin painting, donuts, cider, inflatables, games and wagon rides. Shop local at our vendor fair while enjoying food trucks and music. 11:30 AM at the Oak Tree.

Choir and Ministry Group Reunion - You are invited to a special come-and-go reunion for all Spring Arbor University choir and ministry group alumni during this year's Homecoming. 12 PM in the White Auditorium.

Men’s Basketball Alumni Game - Come watch as SAU Men’s Basketball alumni take the court and play our current SAU Cougar Men’s Basketball team. 12 PM in the MAC.

50th Class Reunion (1975) - Reconnect with fellow classmates over a complementary lunch. 12 PM in the Kresge Student Center.

Pro-Am Tennis Tournament - Come watch our SAU tennis players team up with alumni and amateurs for a fun competition. 11 AM at the Jones Tennis Complex.

Homecoming Rally - Join us for fun before our Homecoming Soccer Game as we gear up to cheer on our SAU Cougars! 2 PM at the Cougar Soccer Complex.

Homecoming Soccer Game - Cheer on our women’s soccer team for our homecoming game against Taylor University. 3PM at the Cougar Soccer Complex.

Homecoming Hoedown-Students, grab your flannels and boots (if you have them) and head out to the Plaza for some line-dancing fun as we close out homecoming. 8 PM in the Plaza.

 

Parking is available in the MAC parking lot, and overflow will be held on the President’s lawn. You can find the campus map here.

We hope you’re able to join us this week to engage in community, enjoy our festivities, and celebrate Spring Arbor University!