EIU’s beloved mascot, Billy Panther, will be spreading Panther Pride throughout the EIU Homecoming Pre-Week with special visits to Charleston area grade schools. Students’ creativity will also shine with a Homecoming coloring contest, proudly displayed in the MLK Jr. Union!

Get ready for the ultimate Homecoming adventure with the Homecoming Panther Pursuit Scavenger Hunt! This isn't just any scavenger hunt — it's a fun and interactive challenge that brings together EIU alumni and students for a celebration like no other!

Here's the deal: you'll get a list of local hotspots, from favorite restaurants to must-see landmarks. Your mission? Visit as many of these places as possible, snap a creative photo at each spot, and show off your Panther pride!

To join in, just post your photos on social media with the hashtag #PantherPursuit and either #EIUAlum or #EIUStudent. Each post counts as an entry for some amazing prizes – we've got exclusive goodies for both alumni and students. Plus, it’s the perfect way to make new memories or relive the best ones.

So, round up your friends, grab your cameras, and hit the town! Let's show everyone what it means to be a proud Panther and make this Homecoming unforgettable!

Get ready to deck the halls, walls, doors, and windows for EIU Homecoming Week 2024! EIU departments, offices, residence halls, and registered student organizations are invited to show off their Panther pride in spirited decorating competitions. Compete for exciting prizes, awards, and ultimate bragging rights. Let’s see who can showcase their EIU spirit the best!

Dates & Deadlines:

- Friday, Sept. 13: Application due  
- Friday, Sept. 27: Decorations on Display
- Monday, Sept. 30: Real Panthers Decorate Blue Judging

EIU Panthers are saddling up for service during Homecoming Week by partnering with the EIU Campus Food Pantry to tackle food insecurity and hunger among students. The EIU Campus Food Pantry supports students by providing essential food items, and the entire EIU community is encouraged to give back through monetary donations, volunteering, or donating non-perishable food items. Join us in making a difference—sign up for a volunteer slot below.

The EIU Alumni Services invites the class of 1974 back to campus to celebrate their 50th Anniversary in conjunction with EIU Homecoming.  

The all-you-can-eat Rotary Pancake Breakfast is one of the most endearing Homecoming traditions during EIU Homecoming Week. Charleston Rotarians will serve sunrise pancakes and drinks during the Homecoming parade to welcome EIU alumni, students, faculty, staff and Charleston residents prior to the start of the EIU Homecoming Run and parade events. Sponsored by the Charleston Rotary Club, the proceeds benefit local charities. Tickets: Adults - $6, Children 11 and under - $3.

The EIU Homecoming Parade is an annual tradition that historically consists of around 100 campus/community parade entries. Highlights include the Parade Grand Marshall, decorated cars, bands, banners and floats.

Cheer on your EIU Panthers towards victory over the SEMO Redhawks! For more ticket information visit the Panther Athletics website.