2023 Homecoming Schedule of Events
We've organized exciting activities all weekend long so you can (re)connect with your Big Blue. You'll also have plenty of free time to hang out with old friends, meet new ones and explore campus.
Friday, Sept. 29, 2023
NOON-9:00 PM
Big Blue HQ
Dr. Jan Devore Student Lobby, University Commons, Millikin Campus
Check in at Homecoming Headquarters!
NOON-1:00 PM
Back to Class
James Millikin Homestead
Alumni, family and friends, you're invited to join this taste of being back in the classroom again! Jim Wilkerson, Class of 1997, will take everyone "back to class" with his poetry and songs about Millikin. One free drink coupon for Millikin's Common Grounds given to each attendee.
3:00-5:00 PM
Legacy of the Lamp
Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1360 W Main St, Decatur
Legacy of the Lamp is a nursing tradition to celebrate the Sophomore students moving into their Junior semester. An hour-long reception for students, families and faculty will be held from 3:00-4:00 PM followed by a 4:00 PM ceremony where we hear from our Alumnus of the Year, Valerie Wright, MSN '09, and nursing students are presented with the Nightingale Lamp.
5:30-7:30 PM
Alumni Awards Dinner
Bob and Debi Johnston Banquet Rooms, University Commons, MU Campus
Join us in honoring the 2023 Alumni Award Recipients and all of the contributions they have made to Millikin! $25/per person. Reservations Required.
7:30-9:30 PM
Homecoming Kick-Off Concert
Millikin Quad
Free concert on the Quad! Structurally Sound isn't your typical cover band; they're a group of rocking architects and designers with a sensational brass section, bringing precision, irreverent fun and soul to parties. Our horn-infused sound adds vibrant layers to classic hits and modern chart-toppers alike. Feel the energy as these talented musicians and horns take the stage, captivating with fresh arrangements and energetic performances that'll keep you dancing all night! Among the band members are Jessica Whitlock '01, Andy Rauff '13 and Ryan Skidmore '24.
If good music makes you hungry, the Bistro To Go Food Truck from Richland Community College will be on the Quad from 7:30-9:30 with food available for purchase to serve your hunger pangs.
8:45-10:00 PM
Homecoming Happy Hour
Decatur Brew Works, 102 E William St, Decatur, IL 62523
Join fellow alumni downtown after the Homecoming Kick-Off Concert for casual refreshments and camaraderie. We look forward to catching up with you after the performance. Family and friends are welcome to attend. Featuring live music.
9:30 PM
Fireworks
Watch from Workman Family Baseball Field.
10:30 PM-1:00AM
Black Alumni / BSU Reunion
Join fellow alumni for a BSU reunion. DJ on site and light refreshments served.
Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023
9:00 AM- 4:00 PM
Big Blue HQ
Dr. Jan Devore Student Lobby, University Commons
Check in at Homecoming Headquarters!
9:00 AM-NOON
Alumni Swim Meet
Decatur Family YMCA, 220 W McKinley Ave A, Decatur IL
Team intrasquad meet, with races available to alumni & friends of Millikin Swimming. For more info, contact Head Swimming Coach/Assistant Triathlon Coach Ed Pacey at epacey@millikin.edu or call 217.425.6676 (office) or 217.493.6694 (cell).
9:30 AM-12:30 PM
Delta Sigma Phi Open House
Pilling Chapel, MU Campus
Millikin Delta Sig alumni, family and friends are invited to gather and reconnect in Pilling Chapel. Light refreshments provided.
10:00 AM- 12:00 PM
Writing Center/SWLC
SHILLING 211
Open house for The Writing Center/SWLC
10:00 AM-NOON
Pi Beta Phi Open House
235 N Fairview Ave, Decatur, IL 62522
Calling all IL ETA Alumnae- please join the current active members of Pi Beta Phi for house tours of the big white house on Fairview, as well as refreshments and snacks while reliving those good old college days as an active Pi Phi!
10 AM-12 PM Alpha Chi Open House
299 N Fairview Ave
Upsilon Alumni! Join us for an open house. There will be light refreshments, along with scrapbooks, composites, and other memories to be seen! Along with this, we will have lots of active members there to give house tours and welcome you back. Bring along the family to see where you lived during your college years.
10:30 AM-12:30 PM
All Reunion Lunch and Class Photos
Miller Quad Tent, MU Campus
Join us at the Reunion Tent for lunch while you catch up with classmates. Reunion photos for years ending in 3 and 8. Photos will begin at noon with the class of 1978 and end at 1:00 PM with the class of 2018. $10/per person for lunch. Pre-registration available or pay at the door.
10:30 AM-12:30 PM
50 Year Club Brunch
Bob and Debi Johnston Banquet Rooms, University Commons, MU Campus
Welcome to the 50 Year Club! All alumni celebrating their 50th class reunion or greater are invited to this complimentary lunch where we will welcome the class of 1973 to this special club.
10:30 AM-12:30 PM
James Millikin Homestead Open House
125 N Pine St, Decatur IL
Stop by the James Millikin Homestead for a look back on the history of the Millikin family and how the University came to be.
10:30 AM-1:00 PM
Alpha Phi Alpha Tailgate
Alpha Phi Alpha alums & family will celebrate Millikin's Homecoming activities together.
11:00 AM-1:00 PM
Homecoming with Tri Delta
111 Park Place, Decatur, IL
Calling all Tri Delta Alumni! Come join us for drinks and desserts at Tri Delta as we commemorate our Delta Epsilon chapter.
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Reception for Re:flect, an exhibition of abstract impressionist paintings by Lyle Salmi, Professor Emeritus of Art
Perkinson Gallery, Kirkland Fine Arts Center, MU Campus
Salmi grew up enjoying the bountiful lakes, streams and wilderness areas of northeastern Minnesota.
The lasting impression of this environment, along with his experiences living in the desert Southwest and visits
to coastal Maine, infuse his understanding of contemporary abstract painting to lay the foundation for these abstract impressions of light and form. Free and open to the public.
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Jazz on the Quad
Millikin Quad
The Homecoming tradition of outdoor performances featuring School of Music ensembles continues. Bring a
lawn chair to the Quad and enjoy a front row seat. Free and open to the public.
10:30 AM-12:30PM
Alumni Board Cookie Party
Cookie party will be on the Quad. All are welcome to enjoy cookies!
11:30 AM-1:00 PM
Alpha Kappa Alpha PretTI Girl Tailgate
Frank M. Lindsay Field, Millikin Campus
Tailgate hosted by the ladies of Tau Iota chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated. All are welcome, current and alumni of Tau Iota. Food and beverages will be provided.
1:00 PM
Zeta Tau Alpha Tailgate
Frank M. Lindsay Field, Millikin Campus
Zeta Tau Alpha alums & family will gather together & reunite, reminisce & enjoy Millikin's Homecoming activities together.
10:30 AM TAILGATING SPOTS OPEN
1:00 PM GAME START
Football Game and Tailgate
Frank M. Lindsay Field, MU Campus
Cheer on Big Blue football as they take on CCIW rival, Illinois Wesleyan. Tickets available at gate on game day: $6/adult, $4/senior citizens. Tailgating spots open at 10:30 AM; cost is $50 per spot and spots must be reserved in advance by contacting Pat Allgeier at pallgeier@millikin.edu or call Athletics at 217.424.6344
1:00 PM
Dechert and Butts Golf Classic
South Side Country Club
1650 Cottage Drive, Decatur IL
A two-day golf classic, one for men (Butts) and one for women (Dechert). Contact Millikin Golf Coach Sam Osborne for details at sosborne@millikin.edu or call 217.424.3948.
2:00-6:00 PM
TKE BBQ/Tailgate
TKE House, 1225 W Main St, Decatur, IL 62522
Tailgate sponsored by Millikin TKE Alumni Association. TKE alumni, family and friends invited for complimentary bratwursts, hot dogs, chips, and water.
3:00-4:00 PM CONCERT
1:00 PM REHEARSAL
Homecoming Choir Concert
Central Christian Church, 650 W. William St., Decatur
Alumni join current students in the University Choir in a celebration of community. Free and open to the public.
Alumni from all Millikin choirs join current students in song and fellowship! The University Choir presents its
first extended concert of the year, with the Alumni Choir completing the program.
A rehearsal will be held prior to the concert at 1:00 PM in the Church Sanctuary.
3:30-5:30 PM
Tabor Open House
ADM Scovill Hall, Lower Lobby, Millikin Campus
Stop by to visit with Tabor School of Business alumni, students and faculty/staff in our newly renovated gathering space. Light refreshments will be provided.
4:00-7:00 PM
Alumni Board Happy Hour
The Winery, 1093 W. Main St, Decatur
Join fellow alumni after the football game for Happy Hour at The Winery!
The Alumni Board will pay for your first drink! Come check out this popular Millikin hangout with the legendary Winery Burger and awesome Jukebox!
5:30 PM
Class of 1973 Reunion Dinner
Decatur Club, 158 W Prairie Ave., Decatur, IL 62523
The Class of 1973 celebrates its 50th reunion, organized by reunion chairs Paul Foster and Wendy Wiegers. Reservations required. $30 per person.
6:00 PM
Sigma Lambda Gamma Alumni Event
Rooms 138-140, University Commons, Millikin Campus
For details, email Quetzalli Soriano Guitron at qsorianoguitron@millikin.edu.
5:00-6:00 PM
Music Ed Mixer
Kaueper Hall
Join fellow music education majors with Professor Melissa Miller'02 for food and fellowship in Kaueper Hall.
7:30-10:00 PM
Sip & Sing with the School of Theatre and Dance
Hegeler Lobby at the Center for Theatre and Dance, MU Campus
Join us for our annual SOTAD Sip and Sing! Bring your books and sing a cut or full song of your choosing… accompanist provided! And, don’t worry – there will be plenty of sheet music available to use if you forget your own. We can’t wait to welcome our alumni into the Center for Theatre & Dance! Grab a drink (cash bar will be available), grab the microphone and join the celebration!
7:30 PM
Multicultural Greek Council Step Showcase
Kirkland Fine Arts Center, MU Campus
Join the organizations of the Multicultural Greek Council for their annual Homecoming Step Showcase!
Immediately following the Step Showcase, attendees are invited to enjoy food and refreshments at the Sky City Grill, corner of West Main Street and Oakland Avenue.
Sunday, October 1, 2023
10:30 AM-12:30 PM
Athletic Hall of Fame Induction and Brunch
Bob and Debi Johnston Banquet Rooms, University Commons, MU Campus
We are thrilled to celebrate the Millikin 2023 Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees for their contributions to Millikin Athletics. $25/per person. Reservations required.