Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing
Western Illinois University will celebrate Homecoming 2024 Friday-Saturday, Oct. 11-12 on the Macomb campus with a look back at WIU’s 125-year history.
This year’s theme is “125 Years of Purple and Gold.” Events will kick off on Thursday, Oct. 3 with the annual Celebrating Town and Gown event, followed by Paint the Paws on Tuesday, Oct. 8. Students, alumni, faculty and staff are invited to take part in painting more than 200 paws along University Drive and Western Avenue to welcome alumni back to campus. For those interested in participating, visit bit.ly/4es9ZHZ. Student events will continue throughout the week.
Homecoming weekend will include an All-Alumni Social; All-Greek Reunion Featuring the `80s; the 25, 40, 50-Year Reunions; an Old Stompin’ Ground Runaround 5k Run/1.5-mile Walk; the Homecoming Parade; an Alumni Cookout – all capped off by Leatherneck Football vs. UT Martin at Hanson Field.
Additionally, alumni can take advantage of the Spencer Student Recreation Center with a homecoming special $4 day pass. It will be open from 6 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
A summary of the 2024 Homecoming events:
Monday, Oct. 7,
5-7 p.m. – Rocky’s Battleships, Campus Rec Pool
Tuesday, Oct. 8
1-3 p.m. – Paint the Paws, Western Hall
Wednesday, Oct. 9
1-5 p.m. – Paint the Town, Downtown Macomb Square
Thursday, Oct. 10
11 a.m.-1 p.m. – Rocky Dog Hunt, Campus-wide
6 p.m. – WIU Spirit Game: Women’s Volleyball vs. Eastern Illinois
Friday, Oct. 11
Reunion registration and check-in begins at the Alumni House and continues throughout the weekend.
2 p.m. – Campus Tour starting at the Admissions Office in Sherman Hall
5-9 p.m. All-Alumni Social, Alumni House (Complimentary food, beer, wine and soda; cash bar available)
Saturday, Oct. 12
7-7:45 a.m. Old Stompin’ Ground Runaround Registration, Alumni House
8 a.m. Old Stompin’ Ground Runaround: 5K Run/1.5 mile walk
8:30 a.m. Reunion Recognition Brunch & Social, Alumni House
9:30 a.m. All-Alumni Breakfast, Alumni House (Complimentary coffee and donuts)
10:30 a.m. Homecoming Parade
12-3 p.m. Alumni Cookout at “The Right Place” tent – in Q LOT (Menu: Hot dogs and hamburgers, veggie burgers, potato chips, bottled water, canned soda and coffee.) A cash bar will be available (pay with cash or credit).
3 p.m. Leathernecks Football Game vs. UT Martin – Hanson Field
For more information about WIU Homecoming activities or to register, visit wiu.edu/alumni/homecoming. For more information on student organization-sponsored events, visit, wiu.edu/uubhomecoming. Students can sign up to participate in events HERE.
