Homecoming & Family Weekend Schedule

October 3 - 6, 2024 Schedule of Events

Thursday, October 3, 2024

1 - 3 PM — RSO Window Painting
Memorial Center, The Commons/Turfler Room
Student organizations can showcase their creativity and school spirit! Each RSO will have the opportunity to paint a window, highlighting their organization and incorporating this year's theme: TGOE (Titan Green Over Everything).

3 - 4 PM — Alumni Panel of Professional Sales & Supply Chain Management
Hansen Student Center, Center Court
Industry leaders of professional sales and supply chain management share their professional experiences in this interactive experience.

6:30 PM — Benefactor Dinner
Memorial Center, Young Main Lounge
Many of our students rely on the generous donations of alumni to get the most out of their education. This exclusive dinner provides an opportunity for students to interact with and thank their benefactors in a personal setting.

7:30 PM —The Outsider by Paul Slade Smith
Jerome Mirza Theatre at McPherson Hall
SoTA season production featuring current students in all roles. Directed by Melanie Keller (SoTA alum). Ticket available at SoTA Box Office.

Friday, October 4, 2024

All Day — Sigma Kappa Pledge Class Gatherings
Sigma Kappa House
Make your own plans to get together with sisters from your pledge class and/or years at the chapter house.

All Day — Sigma Alpha Iota Hangout at the House
Sigma Alpha Iota House (307 E Chestnut St, Bloomington, IL 61701)
Come to the Sigma Alpha Iota house for a tour, meet current members, and celebrate with generations of SAI members.

9 - 12 PM — AABD Meeting
Memorial Center, Vinyard Room
The Alumni Association Board of Directors is the representative body of the IWU Alumni Association. IWU alumni are members of the Association and are invited to attend.

9 - 10 AM — Class of 1974 50th Reunion Campus Tours
Campus - Meet at the Minor Myers, jr. Welcome Center
Members of the Class of 1974, join us for golf cart tours of campus as we explore locations both familiar and new. These tours have been created specifically for your class to highlight classic IWU sights such as the Hedding Bell and Memorial Gym, as well as exciting additions like State Farm Hall. Please meet at the Minor Myers, jr. Welcome Center.

11:30 AM - 1 PM — Heritage Fellows Luncheon
Memorial Center, Joslin Atrium
Heritage Fellows' vital support ensures our current and future students have the necessary tools to be successful far into the future. This lunch will serve to update and inspire our Heritage Fellows, along with expressing our deep gratitude.

11:30 AM - 3 PM — Escape Room Simulation
Stevenson Hall, Room 003
Join us for our annual simulation escape room! Students, families, alumni, and faculty/staff are invited to participate. Time slots are still available, so please reach out directly to Amanda Kemp (akemp@iwu.edu) to secure your spot today!

12 - 5 PM — HC/FW Headquarters
Hansen Student Center, Foyer
Let us know you’re back on campus and find out more about Homecoming & Family Weekend events. Stop in for a cup of coffee or bottle of water, request a name tag, pick up your milestone class reunion or parent ribbon, and receive a special gift if you are a member of the 50th reunion class.

12 - 1:30 PM — Innovators and Entrepreneurs Panel and Lunch
Hansen Student Center, Center Court
Join us as we honor IWU's Entrepreneur of the Year, Steve Dudash '99. Listen to innovation and entrepreneurship leaders from various industries share stories and lessons learned through their ventures, as well as how they leveraged their IWU education, experience, and professional networks to build and manage their companies.

1 - 3 PM — Engaged Learning Expo
Ames Library, Center for Engaged Learning
Across all academic disciplines, IWU Titans make important contributions to the community through research, creative achievements, and service learning. This poster presentation showcases work by our summer scholars and researchers including our Robert S. and Nell B. Eckley Scholars and Artists, our Mark Israel Summer Research Scholar in Economics, Criley Student Researchers in Biology, and the Digital Humanities Fellows.

2 - 4 — PM Vocal Masterclass Presented by Natalie Cummings'10
Presser Hall, Westbrook Auditorium
Please join us in learning from alumni Natalie Cummings'10, an accomplished American Soprano, as she presents a masterclass.

3 - 5 PM — MY LIFE WITH WILL: An Afternoon with Will Shakespeare and James Sutorius '67
Jerome Mirza Theatre at McPherson Hall
Enjoy a breezy and nostalgic stroll down memory lane as James Sutorius ’67 chronicles his lifelong love affair with the Bard of Avon, a bond that first took shape at IWU’s McPherson Hall. Return to a time 50 years ago when Dick and Liz rocked movie screens, Christopher Plummer trod the boards, and the Dugout was the place to go after a show. In a half-century acting career highlighted by roles on television and film, Sutorius always has returned to Shakespeare for sustenance. Now, for one performance only, he will return to McPherson, where his career began, for an afternoon of great fun for the entire family.

3:30 - 4:30 PM — Council for Women Reception
Ames Library Terrace
Council for IWU Women will gather to network and hear updates on upcoming events and programs.

3:30 - 4:30 PM — School of Business Reception
State Farm Hall, 3rd Floor Lobby
SoBE alumni, students, families and friends are invited to the 3rd Floor of State Farm Hall for light appetizers and refreshments to network.

3:30 - 4:30 PM — School of Nursing & Health Sciences Ceremony & Social
Hansen Student Center, Center Court
All alumni, students, families and supporters of the School of Nursing & Health Sciences are invited to attend this Homecoming & Family Weekend ceremony and reception.

4 - 5 PM — Taking Wing: An Alumni Poetry Reading
Beckman Auditorium
Celebrate recent publications by four alumni poets! Cathy Gilbert, Emily Kingery, Tate Lewis-Carroll, and Dan Smart will read from their work and engage in conversation about writing after IWU. Books will be available for purchase after the event. Light refreshments provided. This event is free and open to all.

4:30 - 5 PM — Stevenson Tour
Stevenson Hall
Check out the latest technology in Stevenson Hall, including the state of the art Simulation Lab.

5 - 6 PM — President's Welcome Reception
Memorial Center, Joslin Atrium
All Titan community members are invited to this event to kick off Homecoming & Family Weekend!

6 - 8 PM — Best of Illinois Wesleyan: Alumni Awards Ceremony
Memorial Center, Young Main Lounge
Join the Alumni Association Board of Directors for a reception honoring our distinguished roster of 2024 Alumni Award winners, the new Golden Titans from the Class of 1974, and others from the Titan community. Dessert bites, beer, and wine will be served. Program begins at 6:15pm.

6 PM — Alumni Softball Game
Shirk Center, Softball Field
Softball alumni of all class years, dust off your glove and join us on the field for a competitive game of alumni vs. the current roster.

6 - 8 PM — TGOE Fest & CAB Pizza Taste
Hansen Student Center, Center Court
Gather with friends, family, and students in the Hansen Student Center for an evening of fun, activities, student recognition, and celebrating our Titan Pride! This event showcases Titan talent and brings in pizza from several local chains in the Bloomington/Normal area. Students and families are welcome to try a sample from each participating restaurant and vote for their favorite!

7 PM — Women's CCIW Volleyball Match vs. Millikin
Shirk Center, Court
Pack the Shirk! It will be a "green out" as we try to break the attendance record for the Shirk Center of approximately 2,200. Cheer on the team and help us make history.

7 PM Women's Lacrosse Alumni Game
Shirk Center, Tucci
Lacrosse alumni of all class years, join us on the field for a competitive game of alumni vs. the current roster.

7 PM — Class of 1984 40th Reunion Get-Together
Pour Bros Craft Taproom
Join us for an informal gathering for the Class of '84 at one of Bloomington's favorite new spots, Pour Bros! Celebrate Downtown Bloomington while catching up with old friends. Guests will be responsible for their own food and drink.

7:30 - 9:30 PM PAC Social at DESTIHL Brewery & Beer Hall
Destihl Beer Hall 1200 Greenbriar Dr, Normal, IL
Come to Destihl's Beer Hall to kick off Homecoming and Family Week with food and friends!

7:30 PM — School of Music Symphony Orchestra Concert (Nostalgia)
Holy Trinity Church
As we - alumni, current students, and community members - reflect on our time at Illinois Wesleyan University, memories flood our minds and bring up feelings of nostalgia. Our major work, Fauré's magnificent and contemplative Requiem, will feature IWU voice faculty, Dr. Ingrid Kammin, Director of Large Instrumental Ensembles, Logan Campbell, and students from the Symphony Orchestra and Concert Choir. We are also thrilled to welcome and feature our new Director of Choral Ensembles, Dr. Cody Parrott. This concert will highlight forms of nostalgia as we bring music to life in celebration of memory.

8:00 PM — Class of 1974 50th Reunion Meet-and-Greet
Barrel House
Stop by the Barrel House for this informal get together celebrating the Class of 1974! Attendees will be responsible for their own food and drink.

Saturday, October 5, 2024

8 AM -12 PM — HC/FW Headquarters
Hansen Student Center, Foyer
Let us know you’re back on campus and find out more about Homecoming & Family Weekend events. Stop in for a cup of coffee or bottle of water, request a name tag, pick up your milestone class reunion or parent ribbon, and receive a special gift if you are a member of the 50th reunion class.

9 -10 AM — Fraternity & Sorority Life Open Houses
Fraternity & Sorority Life Houses
Enjoy visiting your chapter home, seeing current & alumni members of your fraternity/sorority, & learning more about the successes of the chapter today!

Acacia: Tommy's, Hansen Student Center
Sigma Chi: Turfler Room, Memorial Center
Sigma Pi: Vinyard Room, Memorial Center
Delta Sigma Theta: Cartwright Room, Memorial Center
AOII: Henning Room, Memorial Center.

9 -10 AM — Parent & Family Welcome Breakfast
Memorial Center, Joslin Atrium
Kick off Homecoming & Family Weekend with a warm and welcoming start at our Parent & Family Welcome Breakfast! Join us for a delicious breakfast spread, meet fellow families, and connect with university staff.

9 - 11 AM — Escape Room Simulation
Stevenson Hall, Room 003
Join us for our annual simulation escape room! Students, families, alumni, and faculty/staff are invited to participate. Time slots are still available, so please reach out directly to Amanda Kemp (akemp@iwu.edu) to secure your spot today!

9 -11 AM — Alpha Gamma Delta Alumnae & Actives Open House
Alpha Gamma Delta House
Come to the Alpha Gamma Delta house for a tour, meet current members, and celebrate 110 years with generations of Alpha Gamma Delta sisters. Guests are welcome to attend; light breakfast items and beverages will be served. A group picture will be taken on the front porch at 10:30 am.

9 - 11 AM — Sigma Kappa Alumnae & Actives Open House
Sigma Kappa House
Come to the Sigma Kappa house for a tour, meet current members, and celebrate with generations of Sigma Kappa sisters. Guests are welcome to attend; light breakfast items and beverages will be served. A group picture will be taken on the outdoor patio at 10:30 am. Raffle tickets will be available for several prizes/baskets. All proceeds will go toward the chapter philanthropy and the winners will be announced at the tailgate.

9:30 AM - 1 PM — Homecoming Museum
Memorial Center, Nell Eckley Lounge
Learn more about the rich history of Illinois Wesleyan and check out IWU memorabilia, including a program for the university's first homecoming just acquired this spring.

9:30 AM - 2:30 PM — 1850 Market and Family Fun
Eckley Quad
Enjoy a day of joy and laughter as families gather on Eckley Quad with a wide array of activities including face painters, inflatables, balloon artists and more. The IWU Pep Band is performing from 9:45-11 a.m. and the West Macqueen Street Band featuring alumnus Rick Simkins'79 will rock out on the Quad from 11:30-2:30. The 1850 Market features small businesses, local shops, food trucks, and makers with goods to purchase!

10 - 11 AM — First Year Student Experience Panel
Memorial Center, Joslin Atrium
This informative event will feature student leaders and Student Affairs staff who will provide valuable insights into the first-year experience. They will discuss common challenges, available resources, and strategies for success as new students transition to college life. Parents and families are encouraged to attend, ask questions, and learn how to support their students during this pivotal time.

10 AM Swim & Dive Alumni Meet
Shirk Center, Fort Natatorium
Swim and Dive alumni of all class years, join us at the pool for an Alumni Meet!

10:30 AM - 12 PM — International Alumni Network (IAN) Reception
Center for Liberal Arts, 3rd Floor
The International Alumni Network (IAN) invites you to meet and mingle with them and current International students. Enjoy light appetizers and camaraderie!

11 AM - 1 PM — IWU Brew Debut at Tommy's
Hansen Student Center, Tommy's
Join the School of Business and Economics outside Tommy's for the debut of IWU Brew an IWU-themed beer created by Destihl. There will be games, a charity raffle, and free Beer Nuts. Faculty and staff will be there to meet alumni, family, and friends.

11 AM - 1 PM — Titan Tailgate
Shirk Center, Parking Lot
Join alumni, family, and friends to celebrate before the Titans take on WashU.

11 AM - 1 PM — Posse Tailgate
Shirk Center, Parking Lot
All current and former members of the Posse Student Program are invited to gather together.

11AM - 1 PM — Sigma Kappa Alumnae Tailgate
Shirk Center, Parking Lot
Join us for an afternoon of nostalgia, laughter, and community as we celebrate 150 years of Sigma Kappa! Catch up with your sisters, while we cheer on the Titans at the football game! When you arrive, look for the lavender and maroon balloons. We will have a catered lunch buffet by Bloomington’s own Annie’s Eats! Guests are welcome to attend. At 1:00 p.m., we will take a group picture and announce the raffle winners.

11AM - 1 PM — Alpha TKE TailGreat™
Shirk Center, Parking Lot
The #80sand20sAlphaTKEs, led by Fraters John Lust ’77, Kevin Lust ’84, and AJ Lust ’22, will be hosting an Alpha TKE TailGreat™ to celebrate the 125th Anniversary of the Founding of Tau Kappa Epsilon at Illinois Wesleyan University.

11AM - 1 PM — 110 Years of Alpha Gamma Delta
Shirk Center, Parking Lot
Let’s gather and cheer for 110 years of Alpha Gamma Delta and IWU together. Look for the red, buff, & green balloons!

11AM - 1 PM — Soccer Reunion Tailgate
Parking Lot
Members of the 1994 inaugural women's team will be recognized during halftime of the football game that day. All Titan soccer alumni are welcome to join the Titan Soccer Tailgate to celebrate 30 years of women's soccer at IWU.

11AM - 1 PM — Class of 1984 40th Reunion Tailgate
Shirk Center, Parking Lot
Members of the Class of 1984 are welcome to join this special designated tailgate spot prior to the big football game! Be sure to bring food and drink to share. Contact Amy Crumbaugh at acrumba1@iwu.edu for more information.

11AM - 1 PM — School of Educational Studies
Shirk Center, Parking Lot
Alumni, family, and friends of Illinois Wesleyan are welcome to join this special designated tailgate spot prior to the big football game!

11AM - 1 PM — FIJI Tailgate
Shirk Center, Parking Lot
Alumni, family, and friends of FIJI are welcome to join this special designated tailgate spot prior to the big football game!

11AM - 1 PM — Women’s Volleyball Tailgate
Shirk Center, Parking Lot
Alumni, family, and friends of Women's Volleyball are welcome to join this special designated tailgate spot prior to the big football game!

11AM - 1 PM — Women’s Basketball Tailgate
Shirk Center, Parking Lot
Alumni, family, and friends of Women's Basketball are welcome to join this special designated tailgate spot prior to the big football game!

11AM - 1 PM — Wrestling Tailgate
Shirk Center, Parking Lot
Alumni, family, and friends of Wrestling are welcome to join this special designated tailgate spot prior to the big football game!

11AM - 1 PM — Women's Lacrosse Tailgate
Shirk Center, Parking Lot
Alumni, family, and friends of Women's Lacrosse are welcome to join this special designated tailgate spot prior to the big football game!

11AM - 1 PM — Softball Tailgate
Shirk Center, Parking Lot
Alumni, family, and friends of Softball are welcome to join this special designated tailgate spot prior to the big football game!

11AM - 1 PM — Track & Field Tailgate
Shirk Center, Parking Lot
Alumni, family, and friends of Track & Field are welcome to join this special designated tailgate spot prior to the big football game!

11AM - 1 PM — Men's Volleyball Tailgate
Shirk Center, Parking Lot
Alumni, family, and friends of Men's Volleyball are welcome to join this special designated tailgate spot prior to the big football game!

11AM - 1 PM — Men's Basketball Tailgate
Shirk Center, Parking Lot
Alumni, family, and friends of Men's Basketball are welcome to join this special designated tailgate spot prior to the big football game!

11AM - 1 PM — College of Fine Arts Tailgate
Shirk Center, Parking Lot
Alumni, family, and friends of the College of Fine Arts are welcome to join this special designated tailgate spot prior to the big football game!

11AM - 1 PM — Kappa Delta Tailgate
Shirk Center, Parking Lot
Alums and current members are welcome to hang out and reminisce on our days in Kappa Delta at IWU and then watch the football game. Bring food and drink to share!

11AM - 1 PM — School of Nursing and Health Sciences Tailgate
Shirk Center, Parking Lot
Alumni, family, and friends of Illinois Wesleyan are welcome to join this special designated tailgate spot prior to the big football game!

1 - 2 PM — First Five Years
Jerome Mirza Theatre at McPherson Hall
Open to current SoTA Students, Faculty and staff. Alumni in their fifth year post graduation are invited to talk with current students about what they have been doing. How is life on the other side? What do they know now? What are they carrying forward from their time at IWU?

1 - 3 PM — IWU MakerGirl Academy Workshop
Memorial Center, Idea Center
The IWU MakerGirl Academy, sponsored by The Petrick Idea Center, is a program led by IWU students aimed at closing the gender gap in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math). In this two-hour workshop, children aged 7 to 10 will explore the uses of 3D printing, learn CAD design, discover famous women in STEM, collaborate with peers, and ultimately create a personalized 3D print that we will later mail to them.

1 - 3 PM — Men's Soccer vs. Carthage
Neis Field
Cheer on the Men's Soccer team as they host Carthage.

1 - 4 PM — IWU Football vs. WashU
Shirk Center, Tucci Stadium
Cheer on your Titans as they play host to WashU.

2 - 4 PM — SoTA Alumni Reception
Melba Lab Theatre
Open to all SoTA alumni, faculty staff and current SoTA Seniors. Gather and connect.

3 - 4:30 PM — Office of Diversity and Inclusion Open House
Hansen Student Center, ODI
Reminisce at the Multicultural Center (MC House), open for visiting, and then join the Office of Diversity and Inclusion for refreshments in their space on the second floor of the Hansen Student Center.

3:30 PM — Women's Soccer vs. Carthage
Neis Field
Cheer on the Women's Soccer team as they take on Carthage.

4:00 PM — School of Music Alumni Recital
Presser Hall, Westbrook Auditorium
Join us for a captivating evening of musical excellence at the School of Music Alumni Recital! This special event features a talented IWU alum showcasing their diverse talents and passion for music.

4:30 - 6:30 PM — Golden Titan Dinner
Memorial Center, Turfler Room
Our Golden Titans are any alumni who graduated before 1974. All of our Golden Titans and their guests are welcome to this special dinner to honor you being a Titan for over 50 years.

4:30 PM — Men's Tennis Alumni Match
Evergreen Racquet Club
Men's Tennis alumni of all class years, join us on the court for a competitive game of alumni vs. the current roster.

5:00 PM — School of Music Reception
Presser Hall, Westbrook Auditorium
All Titan alumni, students, families, and supporters of the School of Music are invited to this special gathering directly following the alumni recital.

6 - 8 PM — Tommy's Trivia
Hansen Student Center, Tommy’s
Join us for a thrilling night of trivia, hosted by Twin City Trivia, where you can put your knowledge to the test! Gather your family & friends, form a team, and prepare for a fun-filled evening of brain-teasing questions, laughter, and friendly competition.

6 - 9 PM — Club Tommy
Hansen Student Center, Hansen Center Court
All are invited to join fellow Titans for an evening of music, dancing, and fun with Jazz Band! We will recognize our reunion years of 2019, 2009, 1994, 1989, and 1979.

6 - 9 PM — Class of 1974 50th Reunion Cocktail Social
Memorial Center, Joslin Atrium & Young Main Lounge
Your 50th Class Reunion only happens once so let's make it one to remember! Class of 1974, join us for a cocktail social in Joslin Atrium at 6 PM, with remarks and a special remembrance at 6:45 PM, followed by a class photo at 7 PM.

6 - 9 PM — Sigma Kappa 150th Social
Shake It Up
Come celebrate 150 years of Sigma Kappa with sisters near and far. Join us at Shake it Up in Downtown Bloomington (105 W. Front Street) for small talk, lite bites and a cash bar.

6 - 9 PM — Class of 1984 40th Reunion
Baxters American Grille
Reunite with friends and classmates for your milestone reunion! Members of the Class of 1984 are welcome to reconnect over drinks and food at Baxters American Grille.

6 - 9 PM — Class of 1999 25th Reunion
Harmony Korean BBQ
Party like it's 1999! Join the Class of 1999 as they reunite at one of Bloomington-Normal's favorite new eateries, Harmony Korean BBQ.

6 - 9 PM — Class of 2004 20th Reunion
Biaggi's Ristorante Italiano
Relive your college days and celebrate with familiar faces from the Class of 2004 with drinks and appetizers at Biaggi's Ristorante Italiano!

7 - 9 PM — Class of 2014 10th Reunion
Elroy's
It's never too early to celebrate your IWU reunion! Class of 2014, this event is for you. Join us at Elroy's to connect with classmates over drinks and appetizers.

7 - 9 PM — Sigma Alpha Iota's 100th Anniversary Musicale
Evelyn Chapel
Experience an unforgettable evening celebrating a century of musical excellence, friendships, and service. Enjoy captivating performances showcasing our members' talent past and present, from classical to contemporary.

9:00 PM — Alumni of Color Collective Social
Jazz UpFront
Reconnect and celebrate diversity at the Alumni Color Collective Social! This vibrant event brings together alumni of color for an evening of networking, cultural exchange, and community building.

Sunday, October 6, 2024

9 - 9:45 AM — Interfaith Service
Welcome Center, Alumni Auditorium
Whether you come from a particular faith background or simply seek a space of contemplation and connection, all are welcome to gather and celebrate the diverse tapestry of faiths within our community.

9 - 10 AM — Sigma Alpha Iota & Phi Mu Alpha Breakfast
Evelyn Chapel, Fellowship Hall
Join us for a delightful lite breakfast in celebration of the centennial anniversaries of Sigma Alpha Iota and Phi Mu Alpha! Enjoy a variety of breakfast treats and beverages as we commemorate this significant milestone. The event will take place just before the collegiate choir performance, adding an extra touch of harmony to our morning festivities.

10:00 AM — Chapel Service with Collegiate Choir Performance
Evelyn Chapel
Ordained minister and Dean of Students for Inclusion and Advocacy, Prince Robertson, will lead a campus service with a performance by the University Collegiate Choir. Evelyn Chapel is celebrating their 40th anniversary this year!

11:30 - 1:30 PM — Pride Brunch
Hansen Student Center, Center Court
The Pride Alumni Community invites you to their annual Homecoming brunch. Come hear about the future of PAC and have an opportunity to connect with your fellow alumni.

1:00 PM — School of Music Faculty Recital
Presser Hall, Westbrook Auditorium
Cap off your Homecoming & Family Weekend with the musical stylings of our talented SoM faculty.

2:00 PM —The Outsider by Paul Slade Smith
Jerome Mirza Theatre at McPherson Hall
SoTA season production featuring current students in all roles. Directed by Melanie Keller (SoTA alum). Ticket available at SoTA Box Office.