University News

WIU Homecoming Welcomes Alumni; Modifies Parade Route

September 11, 2009

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MACOMB, IL - - Western Illinois University will welcome back alumni and friends Friday-Saturday, Oct. 16-17 for Homecoming 2009, "All Around the World."

Activities will begin Friday, Oct. 16 with an All-Alumni Social from 5-10 p.m. at the Alumni House on West Adams Street, across from Lake Ruth. Complimentary food and beverages will be provided.

Homecoming Day (Saturday, Oct. 17) activities will begin with the traditional Old Stompin' Ground Runaround 5K Run/2 Mile Walk. Register at the Alumni House from 7-7:45 a.m. for the
8 a.m. race start. Then it is back to the Alumni House for a complimentary continental breakfast at 9 a.m. before the Homecoming Parade begins at 10:30 a.m., one block south of the Macomb Square.

The parade has a revised route that will bring participants toward campus on Sherman Avenue this year, marching on the road directly toward Sherman Hall.

Directions for the parade follow: The parade departs from the corner of Washington Street and Lafayette Street heading north; it proceeds through the Square and exits onto Carroll Street where it turns west (left) until it intersects Sherman Avenue. It turns north on Sherman Avenue to Adams Street, where it turns west (left), passing the western half of Sherman Hall and the Alumni House. The parade ends in front of the Corbin-Olson residence halls. A parade map is attached.

Residence halls, Greek and other recognized student organizations, bands, community groups and many more organizations and businesses will participate in the Homecoming Parade. One of the parade highlights is Western Illinois' Leathernecks Marching Band, this year under the direction of Shawn Vondran.

From noon-3 p.m. head to "The Right Place," a large tent area directly west of Hanson Field, and enjoy an Alumni cookout including burgers, brats, hot dogs, chips, pasta salad, cupcakes, drinks and a cash bar. All of Western's academic colleges, as well as the University Libraries, the Board of Trustees Bachelor of Arts Degree Program (BOT/BA), the Center for International Studies, the Centennial Honors College, Student Services and Intercollegiate Athletics will have areas in the tent for alumni to visit.

Round out the Homecoming weekend with Fighting Leathernecks football vs. Missouri State. Kickoff is at 3:05 p.m. at Hanson Field.

"We are looking forward to greeting a lot of alumni as they come back to Western for the Oct. 16 social and at all of the events on Homecoming Day (Oct. 17)," said Amy Spelman, director of Alumni Programs.

"We also would like to extend a special thank you to Homecoming partners Norm '67 and Carmelita Teeter, recipients of Western's 2006 Honorary Doctorate Degree," Spelman added.

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