Alumni Events

2025 Homecoming

It’s time to come home, Panthers! From the roar of the crowd at O’Brien Field to the tradition-filled parade and lively alumni gatherings, this is your weekend to reconnect, celebrate, and make new memories.

Friday, October 10

1:30 p.m. – Napoleon Memorial Bench Ribbon Cutting
North Quad
Picture-perfect moment! Join notable alumni Jim & Brenda Edgar, Harry & Gladys Frost, and the Alumni Association as we unveil Napoleon’s bench—honoring EIU’s beloved campus dog.

4:00 p.m. – Library 75th Anniversary Dedication
Booth Library
Celebrating 75 years of knowledge and community. Join us as we honor Booth Library’s rich history and continued legacy as a cornerstone of learning, research, and Panther pride.

4:30 p.m. – Class of 1975 Reunion & Livingston C. Lord Pinning Ceremony
MLK Jr. University Union, University Ballroom
Fifty years, countless memories. Celebrate your Golden Reunion with fellow Class of ’75 members. Reconnect, reminisce, and join the Livingston C. Lord Society in honoring this milestone.

6:00 p.m. – University Awards Reception & Dinner
MLK Jr. University Union, Grand Ballroom
An evening of honor and inspiration. Recognize outstanding Panthers at the Alumni Awards, salute the Heritage Society, and celebrate the Burnham and Nancy Neal Outstanding Philanthropist Award recipients.
Registration Fee: $45

9:00 p.m. – Young Alumni Reunion
Ike’s Bar & Grill
Your Panther crew awaits! Kick off Homecoming weekend with a night out at this EIU tradition—perfect for catching up and making new memories.

Saturday, October 11

9:30 a.m. – Homecoming Parade
Starts at Lincoln Ave. and 7th St.
March into the weekend! Line the streets and cheer for floats, bands, and community groups in this can’t-miss Homecoming tradition.

11:00 a.m. – Homecoming Tailgate & Tent City
O’Brien Field
The party before the game. Grab a bite, catch up with friends, and swing by the Alumni Tent before kickoff.
(Tailgating squares available through Athletics)

2:00 p.m. – Homecoming Football Game
O’Brien Field
All paws in! Cheer on the Panthers as they face Gardner-Webb in the Homecoming Game. Let’s fill the stands with blue and show our Panther pride!
(Tickets available through Athletics)

Alumni Association Football Trip Raffle

Enter for a chance to win a trip for two to watch the Eastern Illinois University Panthers football team take on the Alabama Crimson Tide in Tuscaloosa. 

The winner will receive:

• Two tickets for the Welcome Reception on Friday, November 21, from 7:00 – 10:00 p.m. at Avenue Pub in downtown Tuscaloosa.
• Two tickets for the EIU Tailgate on Saturday, November 22, from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. on the University of Alabama Quad
• Two tickets in the EIU section at Bryant-Denny Stadium at Tuscaloosa on November 22 at 1:00 pm.
• Two nights hotel accommodations from Friday, November 21 through Sunday, November 23, at the Hampton Inn Tuscaloosa located next to Bryant-Denny Stadium. 
• Up to $500 travel reimbursement to help with travel costs to/from Tuscaloosa (can cover airfare, bus, train, or milage reimbursement for personal vehicle).

The drawing will be held on October 11 at the EIU Homecoming football game.

Proceeds benefit the programming of the Eastern Illinois University Alumni Association as well as the 1895 Scholarship.

Housing Legacy Courtyard

Leave your mark on campus. Alums who had memorable experiences on campus are taking the opportunity to buy a brick or paver as a permanent way to recognize those special times in the Memorial Courtyard located between Lawson and Andrews Hall.

• 4"x8" Imprinted brick: $100
• 16"x16" Imprinted paver: $250
• 16"x72" Bench Paver: $2,500

A representative from the EIU Alumni Services Office will reach out to you for your brick or paver message.