As summer winds down and the excitement of a new academic year begins, there’s an unmistakable energy at the University of Illinois Springfield. It’s that time of year again—homecoming! Whether you’re a proud graduate, a loyal fan of the Prairie Stars or a member of the Springfield community, I’m excited to invite you to celebrate our shared history and create new memories during the 2024 homecoming festivities Sept. 22-29. This year’s lineup is packed with exciting activities that cater to all interests, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
Come back to class for a day
We’re starting the festivities with an enriching experience for our lifelong learners. On Sept. 27, the UIS Alumni SAGE Society will host “Back to Class for a Day.” This event offers a unique opportunity to step back into the classroom and engage with some of UIS’ brightest minds.
From exploring the historical impact of “The First Migrants: How Black Homesteaders Heralded America’s Great Migration” to delving into modern challenges with “Cyber Threat Brief: Online Threat Actors and the Cyber Ecosystem,” there’s a class to spark everyone’s curiosity. You can also engage in discussions about “The Evolution of Freedom of Speech and Expression,” or have a stellar conversation about “Asteroids, Comets and Meteors.” For more information and to register, visit uis.edu/homecoming.
Get moving with the Prairie Stars 5K
For those who love to stay active, we have the ninth annual Prairie Stars 5K on Sept. 28. Whether you’re an avid runner or prefer a leisurely walk, this event is a wonderful way to experience the beauty of our campus while getting some exercise. The course is flat, making it ideal for participants of all fitness levels. The race kicks off at 8:30 a.m. outside of TRAC. Registration information is available at uis.edu/event/prairie-stars-5k.
Cheer on the Prairie Stars
No homecoming would be complete without cheering on our Prairie Stars! On Sept. 27, we have an exciting lineup of games at Kiwanis Stadium and TRAC. Our women’s soccer team will face Southwest Baptist University at 5 p.m., followed by the men’s soccer team at 7:30 p.m. Meanwhile, our volleyball team will play Missouri S&T at 6 p.m. in TRAC. Show your Prairie Stars pride and support our student-athletes!
Celebrate with fireworks and a bonfire
Following the excitement of soccer, stay for the bonfire and fireworks! Immediately following the men’s soccer game on Sept. 27, the night sky will light up into a thousand particles of light and sound, adding a touch of magic to the evening, and ensuring you leave with a heart full of Prairie Stars pride.
Celebrate the arts
The Performing Arts Center will present “The Lifespan of a Fact,” a critically acclaimed 2018 Broadway play. This fast-paced story explodes with blistering comedy and timely relevance, as facts become blurry when they’re twisted into fiction in the high-stakes world of publishing. The play will run Sept. 26-29 in the Studio Theatre. Tickets can be purchased at uispac.com/events.
The Visual Arts Gallery will host an opening reception at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 26 to kick off the exhibition of “Continuum” featuring the work of artist Laura Anderson. Inspired by the natural world, Anderson works in a variety of media, including digital design. Layers of texture and color reveal themselves as dreamy environments that remind one of looking down a microscope into the hidden depths of plant cells and other natural wonders. More information is available at uis.edu/visual-arts/visual-arts-gallery.
Legacy ignited
Homecoming at UIS is more than just a weekend – it’s a celebration of our community, our history and the bright future ahead. Whether you’re returning to campus for the first time in many years or you’re a regular attendee, we can’t wait to welcome you back. There’s something truly special about being together, sharing camaraderie and cheering on our current students as they continue to build the legacy of UIS.
So mark your calendars, invite your friends and join us for a homecoming weekend you won’t forget. I look forward to seeing you there.
Charles J. Schrage is the associate vice chancellor for alumni engagement at the University of Illinois Springfield. More information is available at uis.edu/homecoming.
