Event Schedule

Tuesday, October 6

All day  |  Titans Giving Back: Virtual Day of Service 
The traditional ways we think of volunteering have been altered, but there are still numerous ways you can contribute your time and talent. Check out these recommendations on how you can get involved! 

12 - 1 p.m. CT |   Back to College Class -  Beyond the Border: The Law for Asylum Seekers
There are many misconceptions about asylum law in the United States. Robert M. Montgomery Outstanding Young Alumni Award Winner, Sara Ghadiri '11 will provide insight from her pro bono work with DACA and immigration laws on the border crisis, the misconceptions around who qualifies, what it means to get asylum, and what happens at the border when someone presents and asks for asylum. Watch the recording here.

6 - 7:30 p.m. CT |  Titan Talk -  Doing Well and Doing Good: Young Leaders Living Their Purpose in the Nonprofit World
These young professionals bring energy and passion to nonprofit organizations and learn what makes their work meaningful. Each panelist brings a unique perspective with insights on starting your own organization, bringing growth through partnerships with the community, and using creativity to move through challenges. Presented by Dan Weishar, founder and president of Weish4Ever; Ted Delicath '13, board of directors and member of strategic committee atWeish4Ever; Lauren Rock '13, Director, Individual Engagement at United Way of Greater Atlanta; and Kate Tombaugh '07, founder and executive director at Poco a Poco. Moderated by Bevin Choban ’10, Action Research Center Coordinator at Illinois Wesleyan University. Sponsored by the Young Alumni Council. Watch the recording here.

7:30 - 8:30 p.m. CT |  “Fire Up for the 50th” - Virtual Celebration for the Class of 1970
Members of the class of 1970 will celebrate virtually with 1960's Trivia, an update from President Nugent, a class toast and more! Watch the recording here.

Wednesday, October 7

All day  |   Tag Your Wesleyan Roommates Wednesday
An all day social media challenge, find your favorite picture of you and your roommate(s) from your time at IWU and use #IllinoisWesleyanHomecoming in your post for a chance to be featured on IWU's social media presence and earn IWU swag. 

12 - 1 p.m. CT |   The Annual School of Nursing Distinguished Alumni Award Ceremony and Presentation
This year's School of Nursing Distinguished Alumni Award winner is Ramona Cheek ’81, chief nursing officer, Mercy Health Fairfield Hospital. Join us as she presents, Female, Black, and Fat ...the Challenges and Joys of Navigating through Life with Labels and as we celebrate Ramona's achievements and commitment to assisting others. Watch the recording here.

7 - 8:30 p.m. CT  |  The Future of Titan Alumni of Color
The Office of Alumni Engagement will host The Minority Alumni Network (MAN) open forum to discuss the future for alumni of color at IWU. All alumni and students of color are invited to listen, participate, and provide feedback about how to coalesce alumni of color for greater impact in support of students and one another. Presented by Dr. Derrick Tillman-Kelly ’09, Director of the UIA Fellows Program and Network Engagement at University Innovation Alliance, and moderated by Rosetta Clay, Assistant Vice President of Engagement at Illinois Wesleyan. Watch the recording here.

Thursday, October 8

12 - 12:40 p.m. CT |   Firefly Family Theatre presents A Tiny Spark
Spark your imagination through interactive storytelling and music brought to us by Lauren (Romano) Erickson '09 and Nate Erickson '08, owners and creators of the children’s theatre company, Firefly Family Theatre. This event is perfect for the whole family, including Tiny Titans! Print, color, and assemble your own firefly finger puppet before the show. 

6 - 7:30 p.m. CT |  Titan Talk - From Rehearsal to Red Carpet: A Theatrical Conversation with Richard and Sharon Jenkins ’69
Emmy  winner & Oscar  nominee Richard Jenkins ’69 and celebrated choreographer Sharon Jenkins ’69 will discuss their careers in entertainment and the lasting influence of Illinois Wesleyan upon their lives. This event is presented in partnership with the School of Theatre Arts and moderated by Andy Kreiss ’86. Watch the recording here.

Friday, October 9

All day  |  TGOE Day
Titan Green Over Everything! Show your pride by wearing your Illinois Wesleyan gear or Titan green. Use the code FALL25 for 25% off at the IWU Bookstore for online only purchases through Friday, October 9, 2020. Snap a photo of your Titan green and share to social media using #IllinoisWesleyanHomecoming.

10 - 11 a.m. CT |  Back to College Class - Saving Children’s Lives: An Insider’s Look into the Work of a Pediatric Congenital Interventional Cardiologist
Dr. Todd Gudausky ’95 shares his journey from IWU to becoming one of only four pediatric congenital interventional cardiologists in his home state of Wisconsin. Dr. Gudausky will discuss how technological innovations and compassionate care strategies are utilized for his patients. He will also explore the disparities of healthcare under the current system, such as the private/public payor mix and the question of healthcare as a right or a service. Watch the recording here.

12 - 1 p.m. CT |  Titan Talk - Resilience, Relevance + Reinvention: Choral Music in the COVID Age
The Illinois Wesleyan University Collegiate Choir has established a long history of excellence through its on-campus performances, annual tours, and recordings. It is noted for its "exquisite discipline, enthusiastic singing, and total responsiveness." Each year during Homecoming, a highlight for the Titan community is the Collegiate Choir Alumni Choir’s participation in the Sunday chapel service. Join us as Dr. Ferguson discusses the challenges in choral music due to COVID-19, and how he has worked to instill a sense of resilience in current students amidst challenges of rehearsing and performing. Watch the recording here.

7 p.m. CT | Men's and Women's Tennis Scrimmage - Live Stream only event

Saturday, October 10

All day  |   Virtual 5K in honor of Captain Ryan A. Beaupre '95  
A race you can run/walk at your own pace, at any location outside or on a treadmill. Download your race bib and this Spotify playlist to help you get started! Use #RunForRyan and #IllinoisWesleyanHomecoming when posting your completed 5K on social media.

9:30 a.m. - 11 a.m. CT |  Alumni Association Board of Directors Meeting
The Alumni Association Board of Directors (AABD) is a group of alumni who serve as the liaisons between Illinois Wesleyan University and our alumni. The AABD also provides connections between alumni and current students. All alumni are welcome to attend.

3 - 4 p.m. CT |  School of Theatre Arts (SoTA) -  First Five Years Panel
Invited panelists from the SoTA Class of 2016 host this panel to speak to current SoTA majors about work experiences, life events, and tips for navigating the "real world" as they enter their fifth year after graduation. Registration is open to current students of the School of Theatre Arts and all SoTA alumni; there will be an opportunity for students to ask questions.  Watch the recording here.

5 p.m. CT |  Bites+Beverages - Best of Bloomington
Go behind the scenes of award-winning Epiphany Farms and Anju Above, located in historic downtown Bloomington. Follow along with the chef and mixologist as they teach you how to prepare sushi and craft cocktails. On October 10, 2020, order carry-out, dine-in, or delivery from Epiphany/Anju and mention IWU Homecoming to receive a free order of cookies (with minimum purchase of $10). Watch the recording here.

7 - 8 p.m.  |  Fall Big Show featuring Josh Peck - Sponsored by the Campus Activities Board (CAB)

Actor and social media sensation Josh Peck was born to entertain, hitting the stand-up comedy circuit at just eight years old. The former Nickelodeon teen star will be immediately recognizable to younger audiences, delivering candid and funny insight into "making it" as a child star and beyond. Using his social media channels as an example, he also talks about the artistic and career freedom that comes with bypassing traditional media gatekeepers and connecting with audiences directly online. 

7:30 p.m. CT  |  IWU Winds Performance
View the performance here at 7:30 p.m. CT.

Sunday, October 11

9 a.m. CT |  Sunday Brunch with "Saga Dave"
Start your day off right with a cooking demonstration featuring David “Saga Dave” Nicholson, former general manager, Sodexo Residential Dining at IWU. Sponsored by the Pride Alumni Community. Watch the recording here.

1 p.m. CT  |  School of Music Faculty Recital
View the recital here at 1 p.m. CT.