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Alumni and friends will descend on the Western Illinois University campus, joining current students, October 3-12 to celebrate Homecoming 2013: "The Rocky Games: Western Is United." More info. at wiu.edu/alumni/homecoming.php.
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WIU Homecoming Events Scheduled Oct. 3-12

September 25, 2013

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MACOMB, IL – Alumni and friends will descend on the Western Illinois University campus, joining current students, October 3-12 to celebrate Homecoming 2013: "The Rocky Games: Western Is United."

Homecoming 2013 officially kicks off at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 3 with the annual Celebrating Town & Gown event. Everyone is invited to celebrate what President Jack Thomas and Macomb Mayor Mike Inman have accomplished over the past year for the WIU and Macomb communities. The Honorary Alumni and Town & Gown awards will also be presented.

In addition, Rocky on Parade will be unveiled at this year's event. Join the sponsors in viewing the 14 Rocky sculptures as they are unveiled for the first time. Following Homecoming, the sculptures will be displayed at various locations throughout campus and the City of Macomb.

Also on Thursday evening, Oct. 3, students may meet with the candidates for Homecoming king and queen. Voting for the candidates, through STARS or at Homecoming Committee tables located in the Union Concourse, will be available through Wednesday, Oct. 9.

At 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4, Western students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends can meet on the front lawn of Western Hall to Paint the Paws along University Drive and Western Avenue. Beginning at 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 5 student groups will Paint the Town for Spirit Day. Sunday, Oct. 6 Rocky's Boat Regatta begins at noon in Everly Park, followed by Dec the Campus.

At 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 8 the Variety Show in Western Hall will begin with host comedian Jay Black. Wednesday, Oct. 9 is the Purple and Gold Extravaganza throughout campus, and at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 10, the annual Yell Like Hell cheer competition, during which the Homecoming royalty will be named, will be held in Western Hall.

From 5-9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 11, alumni and friends are invited to attend the All-Alumni Social at the Alumni House.

Leatherneck Pride will be shining at its brightest Saturday, Oct. 12. At 8 a.m., Homecoming game day kicks off with the "Old Stompin' Ground Runaround," a 5K run/1.5-mile walk ($15/person) beginning at the WIU Alumni House. The Homecoming parade begins at 10:30 a.m. starting in downtown Macomb and will wind back through the WIU campus.

Alumni Homecoming events Saturday, Oct. 12 also include a 9:30 a.m. complimentary breakfast at the Alumni House, as well as a pre-game cookout ($5/person), from noon-3 p.m., in "The Right Place" tent, located north of Hanson Field. Activities culminate with Saturday's 3 p.m. WIU Fighting Leathernecks football game ($15/ticket) against South Dakota State at Hanson Field.

For those graduating 25, 40, 50 or 60 years ago, weekend festivities are planned to celebrate classes of 1953, 1963, 1973 and 1988. A special Reunion Recognition Brunch and Social ($5/person) will be held at 8:30 a.m. Saturday (Oct. 12) at the Alumni House for reunion attendees.

For more information about WIU Homecoming, including reunion events and all student events, visit wiu.edu/alumni.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing