Homecoming 2026 Schedule of Events
Thursday, October 8- Saturday, October 10, 2026
RSVP for Homecoming today!
Thursday, October 8
Student Follies Talent Show :: 8 p.m. :: Rammelkamp Chapel
This Homecoming Week mainstay features talented Illinois College students competing in song, dance, comedy, and more. Alumni are welcome and encouraged to attend, feel nostalgic and cheer on current IC students!
Friday, October 9
Spirit Day :: On Fridays We Wear Blue
Near or far, show your IC spirit by wearing True Blue or IC spirit wear. Show your Illinois College pride by sharing photos with the hashtag #ICHoco2026
Visit the IC Store :: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. :: Caine Student Center
Come visit the IC Store and shop for your IC spirit wear.
Alumni Association Board of Directors Meeting :: 3 p.m.
The Alumni Association Board of Directors will hold their fall meeting. The Alumni Association works to support the College, to strengthen the connections between members and their alma mater, and to foster a spirit of fellowship and goodwill among members.
50th Class Reunion for the Class of 1976 :: 5 to 7 p.m. :: Jacksonville Country Club
Members of the Class of 1976 are invited to celebrate this significant milestone at the Jacksonville Country Club. Complimentary dinner and refreshments will be served. A class photo will be taken at 6 p.m.
Athletics Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony :: 5:30 p.m. :: Bruner Fitness and Recreation Center, Sherman Gymnasium
Illinois College will welcome nine new members into the hall of fame: Addie Ahlemeyer ’00, Stanley Bracken ’80, Caleb Cox ’14, Robert Jenkins ’65, Larry Olliges ’80, Ricky Padilla ’11, Jackie Reilly ’19, Justin Six ’01 and Shig Yasunaga ’93. Tickets to the event are $35 each and available for purchase here.
Alumni Wine and Cheese Reception :: 7 to 9 p.m. :: Twisted Tree Music Hall (1061 Morton Avenue)
Join Illinois College alumni and friends for a reception hosted by the Alumni Association Board of Directors at Twisted Tree Music Hall. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres will be served and drinks will be available for purchase. Live music will be provided by Jeff Newman.
Saturday, October 10
Breakfast with the Blueboys :: 8 to 9 a.m. :: Cummings Dining Hall, Caine Student Center
Alumni football players share a pre-game meal with the football team, hosted by Conrad Noll III ’65 and Bobby Noll ’02. Following breakfast, Head Football Coach Ray DeFrisco invites all football alumni to join the Blueboys on Green Athletic Field to walk the field and pose for a group photo.
Golf with IC Alumni :: 9 to 11 a.m. :: K’s Creek Golf Club
Swing by K’s Creek Golf Club and join other IC alumni including K’s Creek owners, John ’07 and Rachel Smith Rohn ’07, for a morning of golf. There is no formal outing or shotgun start - to make your tee time, call the clubhouse at 217.602.0533.
Lady Blues Tennis vs. Cornell College :: 9 a.m. :: Bellatti Tennis Complex | Livestream link coming soon!
Illinois College Homecoming Parade :: 10 a.m.
Details coming soon!
Illinois College Society Parade Seating :: 10 a.m. :: Lincoln Hall Parking Lot
Illinois College Society members are invited to watch the Homecoming parade from special seating at the Lincoln Hall Parking Lot as a thank you for being philanthropic leaders who support student success. Complimentary grab-and-go breakfast items and coffee will be available. Learn more about the Illinois College Society HERE.
Alumni Swim Meet :: 11 a.m. :: Coultas Natatorium, Bruner Fitness and Recreation Center
Former Illinois College swimmers are invited to participate in the Alumni Swim Meet. Warm ups will begin at 9:30 a.m. with the meet beginning at 10 a.m. Call swimming coach Chris Sykes at 217.245.3343 or email christopher.sykes@ic.edu for more information.
Visit the IC Store :: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. :: Caine Student Center
Come visit the IC Store and shop for your IC spirit wear.
Alumni Choir Rehearsal :: 10:45 a.m. :: Rammelkamp Chapel
Warm up those vocal cords! Illinois College choir alumni are invited to rehearse “The Star Spangled Banner” with music faculty and then perform the piece prior to the kickoff of the football game at 12 p.m.
Homecoming Celebration Luncheon :: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. :: Homecoming Celebration Tent
Join Illinois College alumni for a complimentary luncheon hosted by the Alumni Association Board of Directors. Beer, wine and hard seltzers will be available for purchase. Because of donors like you, Illinois College students have access to life-changing opportunities. The homecoming lunch and festivities are one way we say thank you - your generosity ensures that every student has the chance to experience all that an IC education offers. If the Hilltop shaped your story, consider making a difference for a student with a gift today at ic.edu/give.
Blueboys Football vs. Grinnell College :: 12 p.m. :: Green Athletic Field, England Stadium
Live stream link coming soon!
Illinois College Varsity Club Viewing Areas :: 12 p.m.
All Varsity Club members are invited to cheer on the Blueboys from several semi-private viewing areas. Complimentary snacks and refreshments will be available. Join now and support all student-athletes and varsity sports for the 2026-2027 season!
- True Blue Lounge (tent north of Green Athletic Field)
- Bruner Classroom 3140 (2nd Floor)
Tent Party and Family Activities :: 12 to 3 p.m. :: Homecoming Celebration Tent
Alumni and their families can enjoy face painting, inflatables and other fun activities free of charge. Beer and hard seltzers will be available for purchase. This event is hosted by the Alumni Association.
Reunions for the classes of 1996, 2001, 2006, 2011, 2016 and 2021 :: 1 to 3 p.m. :: True Blue Lounge, tent north of Green Athletic Field
Classmates from these reunion years are invited to meet and reconnect in a special lounge area under a private tent, complete with complimentary appetizers and refreshments. Official class reunion photos for these classes will be taken at the following times:
- Class of 1996, 1:20 p.m.
- Class of 2001, 1:25 p.m.
- Class of 2006, 1:30 p.m.
- Class of 2011, 1:35 p.m.
- Class of 2016, 1:40 p.m.
- Class of 2021, 1:45 p.m.
Reunions for the classes of 1991, 1986, 1981, 1976, 1971, 1966 and 1961 :: 3 to 4:30 p.m. :: Barnes House
Heavy hors d’oeuvres and refreshments will set the stage for an intimate gathering with friends and family hosted by President Barbara A. Farley. Official class reunion photos for these classes will be taken at the following times:
- Class of 1961, 3:15 p.m.
- Class of 1966, 3:20 p.m.
- Class of 1971, 3:25 p.m.
- Class of 1976, 3:30 p.m.
- Class of 1981, 3:35 p.m.
- Class of 1986, 3:40 p.m.
- Class of 1991, 3:45 p.m.
Lady Blues Tennis vs. Grinnell College :: 3 p.m. :: Bellatti Tennis Complex
Live stream link coming soon!
Blueboys Soccer vs. Knox College :: 4:30 p.m. :: Green Athletic Field, England Stadium
Live stream link coming soon!
Lady Blues Soccer vs. Knox College :: 7 p.m. ::Green Athletic Field, England Stadium
Live stream link coming soon!
Literary Society Cozies and Huddles :: Various Times and Locations *Please note these times and locations are subject to change.
A literary society tradition continues at Homecoming when alumni pay a visit to their respective halls or rooms:
- Sigma Phi Epsilon :: TBD | Smith House
- Chi Beta ::TBD | Smith House
- Gamma Delta :: TBD | Smith House
- Sigma Pi :: TBD | Beecher Hall, Second Floor
- Phi Alpha :: TBD | Beecher Hall, Main Floor
- Gamma Nu :: TBD | Nuer Hall, Lower Baxter
- Pi Pi Rho :: Immediately following the football game | Rhoer Hall, 1005 Edgehill Road
- Alpha Phi Omega ::TBD | 1010 Edgehill Road, Front Lawn
- Mu Phi Epsilon :: TBD | Rammelkamp Chapel, Basement
Visit these other alumni owned businesses while you're in town:
- Bahan’s - Rob Vidakovich ’74
- Future Champions Sports Complex - Kristin Van Aken Jamison ’99
- Green Haven Co. - Carissa Hewitt ’20
- Jax Yoga - Wendy Bergschneider Smith ’06
- K’s Creek Golf Course/Legends Event Center & The Plaza- John ’07 and Rachel Smith Rohn ’07
- KJB’s - Kelly Brockhouse ’99
Decisions about inclement weather will be made on an event-by-event basis. Announcements of changes or cancellations will be made on Illinois College's social media channels.