“Homecoming is fun, just like in American movies. There’s this great atmosphere at soccer and volleyball games. It’s the beginning of the year and a great opportunity to meet new people and talk a break from homework. The bonfire was also fun, the fireworks were pretty cool, and it was a great way to end Homecoming!” – Camille Terré, graduate student.
The University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) celebrated its 2024 Homecoming Week from September 22-28 under the theme “Legacy Ignited”. Organized by UIS Athletics, the UIS Alumni Association, Student Affairs, the Student Activities Committee, and Student Life, the week-long celebration brought together students, alumni, faculty, and community members to honor the university’s legacy and showcase its vibrant spirit.
Alumni and Community Events
The week kicked off with the Homecoming Window Painting on September 24-25, where alumni and students teamed up to decorate the Student Union windows, continuing a cherished UIS tradition that fueled excitement for the upcoming events.
One highlight was “Back to Class for a Day” on Friday, September 27, sponsored by the UIS Alumni SAGE Society. Alumni had the opportunity to attend mini-classes covering topics like the Great Migration, cyber threats, and freedom of speech. A luncheon presentation focused on asteroids, comets, and meteors, followed by campus tours that included a visit to the newly opened observation deck at the UIS Observatory.
Due to inclement weather, the Pep Rally Block Party scheduled for Friday was rescheduled for Saturday, September 28, at 3 p.m. Despite the shift, the event brought the UIS community together outside TRAC to celebrate the homecoming spirit ahead of the weekend’s athletic events.
Friday evening’s athletic events were filled with excitement as the UIS women’s soccer team triumphed 3-1 over Southwest Baptist University, followed by the men’s soccer team’s hard-fought 1-0 victory. The women’s volleyball team added to the weekend’s buzz with a close 3-2 win against Missouri S&T.
Initially scheduled for Friday night, the Homecoming Bonfire and Fireworks were postponed to Monday, September 30, due to weather conditions, serving as a spectacular conclusion to the week’s festivities.
Saturday morning’s Prairie Stars 5K saw participants of all ages, including alumni, students, and their dogs, tackle a flat and scenic course through the UIS campus. The afternoon brought more athletic action as the women’s volleyball team faced Maryville University in a tight match, narrowly falling 2-3.
“Even though some events had to be rescheduled because of the weather, the energy never dipped. We were all excited to be a part of this, and I think that shows the strength of our school spirit and our connection to UIS.” – Anna Schurz, Senior.
Student Events
Students actively participated in various activities throughout the week, beginning with the Homecoming Window Painting on Tuesday and Wednesday, followed by the Student Activities Committee Flag Football Tournament on Thursday, September 26. The tournament brought out competitive spirit and teamwork among students as they prepared for the weekend’s events.
On Friday, students attended the thrilling athletic matches while on Saturday they joined the broader campus community at the rescheduled Pep Rally Block Party, followed by the exciting Glow Lounge and Roller-Skating Party at night. The week ended with the bonfire and fireworks on Monday night, providing students with a fun-filled conclusion to the homecoming festivities.
Sports Results
UIS Athletics was central to the homecoming celebrations, delivering standout performances. The women’s soccer team notched a 3-1 win against Southwest Baptist University on Friday, September 27, before falling 4-0 to Rockhurst University on Sunday. Meanwhile, the men’s soccer team secured a 1-0 victory on Friday and tied 2-2 on Sunday. In volleyball, the Prairie Stars edged out Missouri S&T 3-2 on Friday but narrowly lost 2-3 to Maryville University on Sunday.
Themed spirit days
Each day of Homecoming Week featured a unique theme to inspire school spirit. Monday, September 23, started with “PJ Day,” where the campus cozied up to their legacy by wearing pajamas. Tuesday’s “Jersey Day” (Legacy in Action) saw the UIS community sporting their favorite sports jerseys, while Wednesday’s “Ignite Awareness” (Wear Gold Day) honored Childhood Cancer Awareness Month by encouraging everyone to wear gold.
Thursday’s “Legacy of Leadership” (Rep Your Org Day) celebrated the diverse student and professional organizations at UIS, and Friday’s “School Spirit Day” saw the campus donning navy and white to ignite pride in the Prairie Stars family.
Other Highlights
Homecoming Week also featured cultural events, including performances of The Lifespan of a Fact at the UIS Performing Arts Center, exploring the tension between fact and fiction in publishing. Additionally, the UIS Visual Arts Gallery opened its new exhibit, Continuum by Laura Anderson, which runs from September 26 to October 17.
“The bonfire and fireworks were definitely my favorite part of homecoming. The atmosphere was so friendly, and everyone was just enjoying the moment together. The fireworks were awesome—it felt like a perfect way to close out the week. It’s such a unique event that I’ll always remember.” – Maren Wolf, graduate student.
Despite weather-related changes, UIS Homecoming 2024 was a resounding success. The UIS community came together to celebrate a week filled with spirited athletic performances, cultural showcases, and meaningful themed days. The rescheduled bonfire and fireworks provided a fiery and fitting conclusion to a celebration of UIS’s enduring legacy, uniting the Prairie Stars community in honoring its past, present, and future.
