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Alumni, students, faculty, staff, families, and friends joined together on campus Oct. 2-4, 2026, for , an occasion made especially meaningful as the University celebrates .

Homecoming brought together the traditions, people, and experiences that have shaped �鶹Լ�� for generations. From alumni reunions and musical performances to championship celebrations, tailgates, and the annual Big Blue Football game, the weekend offered countless opportunities to reconnect with the University and the �鶹Լ�� community.

Celebrating �鶹Լ��’s Legacy

The festivities began on Friday with the opening of Homecoming Headquarters in the University Commons (perhaps better known as Big Blue HQ), giving alumni and guests a place to check in, grab �鶹Լ�� memorabilia, and acquaint themselves with the weekend’s schedule. 

One of Homecoming’s longstanding traditions followed that afternoon, as Nursing students participated in the annual Legacy of the Lamp ceremony. The tradition marks the transition of sophomore Nursing students into their junior year and includes the presentation of the Nightingale Lamp. This year’s ceremony also honored the 2026 Alumnus of the Year, Kristin Bloom Pritts ’02/MSN ’07.

Friday evening, the University recognized alumni and members of the �鶹Լ�� community whose accomplishments and dedication reflect the enduring connection between the University and its graduates. The honored Frederic Bockmann ’71 and Sue Duff Bockmann ’71 with the Alumnus of the Year Award, Robert “Bob” Givens ’66 with the Merit-Loyalty Award, Peggy Smith Luy ’75 with the Merit-Loyalty Award, Lora Boryszewski Vitek ’00 with the Merit Award, Keith “Lin” Stoner ’73 with the Loyalty Award, Ebony Guyton ’15 with the Young Alumnus Award, and Becky Nims with the Faculty/Staff Award.

On Sunday morning, the University held its annual Induction Ceremony, honoring past Big Blue Athletes and their accomplishments. This year’s class of inductees included Dr. Dennis Rademaker ’75, Men’s Swimming; Blaine Buente ’17, Men’s Golf; Anna Benvenuto Orlowski ’18, Women’s Soccer; Nicco Stepina ’18, Football; Brent Beals ’21, Baseball; the 1989 Football Team; and the 1990 Softball Team.

Honoring Black Alumni, History, and Heritage

(BAM) brought a strong sense of connection and celebration throughout the entirety of Homecoming. Saturday morning began with Step on the Quad, BAM’s health initiative featuring Zumba and step activities. Later that morning, BAM members and friends gathered for the BAM tailgate before the Homecoming game, then reconvened later that evening for a reception, during which Paul Branton ’95 was presented with BAM’s Lifetime Achievement Award. The group also recognized Dr. Karen Felton Broaders ’91/MBA ’27 for her support in helping them reach their first BAM Endowment milestone.

A particularly meaningful moment occurred with the , located outside the University Commons. A partnership between the Untold Stories Committee, the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation, and �鶹Լ��, the marker honors the experiences, contributions, and legacy of Black students and alumni who have helped shape the University since its founding in 1901. The ceremony brought together members of the �鶹Լ�� community, local historians, alumni, and families connected to the history represented on the marker. Trustee Emerita Dr. Jennifer Friday ’77, one of the individuals featured on the marker, spoke at the ceremony.

Big Blue Athletic Pride

Support of �鶹Լ�� Athletics continually serves as an important component of Homecoming. Saturday morning, Big Blue Baseball celebrated the team’s with a ring ceremony at Workman Baseball Field. Across campus and the community, athletic programs hosted tailgates, open practices, and alumni games, giving generations of Big Blue coaches, student-athletes, and fans a chance to reconnect.

The atmosphere continued to build throughout the afternoon as the �鶹Լ�� community gathered at Frank M. Lindsay Field for the Homecoming Football game against Carroll University. The Big Blue battled throughout the game, but Carroll came away with a 31-28 victory. Prior to the game, the 2026 Athletic Hall of Fame inductees were recognized on the field, and members of the 2026 Homecoming Court were introduced at halftime, with Lilly Meeker ’27 and Justin Mitchell ’27 selected as Homecoming Royalty by the �鶹Լ�� community.

A Weekend Filled With Fine Arts

Music and the performing arts were woven throughout the weekend, offering alumni the chance to not only return to campus, but to return to the places and creative communities that helped define their �鶹Լ�� experiences.

Saturday’s Jazz on the Quad continued its Homecoming tradition, performing for alumni, students, and friends gathered on campus. That afternoon, the �鶹Լ�� Choirs Alumni Concert brought University Choir and alumni singers together at Central Christian Church for an afternoon of music and fellowship, and during Saturday’s Music Education Open House in Perkinson Music Center, Milt Scott ’67 was presented with the School of Music’s newly established Distinguished Music Education Alumni Award. 

The School of Theatre & Dance (SOTAD) presented its Homecoming Cabaret, “Forever Blue,” directed by alumnus Jefferson Farber ’06, with music directed by Beth Mason Creighton ’01. Inspired by �鶹Լ��’s 125th anniversary, the performance celebrated the songs, productions, relationships, and memories that connect generations of Big Blue artists. SOTAD closed out the night with its annual Sip & Sing.

The School of Music participated in the celebration with the �鶹Լ�� Symphonic Wind Ensemble I, Alumni Band, and Jazz Band I concert in Kirkland Fine Arts Center. Alumni musicians joined current students for an evening that brought generations of performers together on stage.

The weekend also included a Faculty Jazz/Alumni Jazz jam session, a Sip & Paint event, and the exhibition in the Perkinson Gallery.

Reconnecting With �鶹Լ��

Homecoming weekend included a historic tour of campus, highlighting the buildings, people, and stories that have shaped �鶹Լ��’s identity. Alumni and friends also gathered for the All-Alumni 125th Birthday BBQ on the Quad, celebrating the University’s milestone anniversary with food, music, and other activities.

The Class of 1976 was welcomed into the University’s 50-Plus Club, joining alumni whose connection to the University has reached five decades or more. Class reunions, Greek gatherings, affinity group meetings, and activities by the also gave alumni from across generations opportunities to reconnect.

From the Quad to the field, from the stage to the Banquet Rooms, Homecoming offered the reminder that while �鶹Լ�� continues to grow and change, some things remain constant: the relationships formed, memories made, and enduring connections alumni carry.