News

The public is invited to join IC students and alumni to learn more about the mysterious side of Illinois College during Haunted Hilltop on Thursday, October 11, from 7 p.m to 8:30 p.m. in Sibert Theatre in McGaw Fine Arts Center. Campus and community members will share research and findings related to the past of Illinois College and Jacksonville. Discover different ways to interpret and apply historical and archival resources in a celebration of Homecoming Week and National Archives Month. 

The Illinois College Alumni Association Board of Directors will host the Alumni Wine and Cheese Reception on Friday, October 12, in the Alumni House from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. with complimentary hors d'oeuvres and beverages and live entertainment provided by Jeff Newman. 

Saturday, October 13, begins with an invitation for alumni football players to attend Breakfast with the Blueboys in Cummings Dining Hall, hosted by Conrad Noll III ’65 and Bobby Noll ’02. 

At 10 a.m., the annual Homecoming Parade begins in downtown Jacksonville and continues on a route to the Homecoming Celebration Tent. This year’s parade will be led by grand marshals, David ’72 and Ellen Rammelkamp Miller ’72, of Keller, Texas.

David and Ellen met at Illinois College and continue to share a strong connection to their alma mater. As a student, David was an active member of Phi Alpha and served as president of the literary society during his senior year. He earned a degree in psychology and recalls being inspired by the late Dr. Richard Rogal. After earning his doctorate in experimental psychology, David worked for the FDA, Eastman Kodak and most recently for IBM. 

Ellen grew up a block away from Illinois College and has many childhood memories of “climbing the birch trees on summer days, going in the basement of Tanner, going in the back doors of Crampton and playing baseball on the field where McGaw now stands.”  Many of her family members also attended IC and remain involved with the College, including the youngest of the couple’s four children, Eric “Shad” Miller ’07.  Ellen met several influential people during her time as an IC student and was involved in several student organizations including the Rambler newspaper. She credits her IC education and her experience in the Peace Corp as preparing her for a successful 20-year career as a community college professor in New York and Texas. Ellen currently serves on the Illinois College Board of Trustees.

The Millers are actively involved in IC’s Dallas area alumni association and are charter members of the Illinois College Society, IC’s premier annual giving circle. David and Ellen said that their many connections to IC allow them to now “support the college that has meant so much to our family.” 

To register to be in the Homecoming parade, visit www.ic.edu/HomecomingParade or contact Kirsten Henderson, event and project manager, with questions at 217.245.3259 or kirsten.henderson@ic.edu. 

Following the parade, the Donor Recognition Lunch will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Homecoming Celebration Tent. All Illinois College donors are invited to enjoy a complimentary lunch and be treated to music, refreshments and a Bloody Mary bar.

The Khalaf Al Habtoor Archives will hold an open house from 1 - 3 p.m. Guests will have the opportunity to go behind the scenes and tour IC’s state-of-the-art facilities located in Schewe Library. The archives are home to many historical collections including documents, photographs, artifacts, oral histories and more. 

Illinois College alumni will have the opportunity to relive some of their favorite memories from their days at IC by competing individually or as part of a relay in the Alumni Swim Meet at 10:30 a.m. in the Coultas Natatorium in Bruner Fitness and Recreation Center. Alumni members of the choir can attend the Alumni Choir Rehearsal from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 pm. in the Choir Room of McGaw Fine Arts Center, where they will rehearse "The Star Spangled Banner" with music faculty in preparation for a performance just prior to kickoff at the football game. 

In athletics, the Illinois College Cross Country Invitational begins at 11:30 a.m. in Nichols Park, and Blueboys Football faces Monmouth College at 1 p.m. During the football game, a variety of family-friendly, free activities will be available in the Homecoming Celebration Tent until 3:30 p.m.  A face painter, photo booth and a balloon artist are among the festive offerings provided by the Illinois College Alumni Association. Reunions for the classes of 1988, 1993, 1998, 2003, 2008 and 2013 are planned from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the True Blue Lounge. 

Following the football game, a post-game Party for All will be held from 4-7 p.m. in the Homecoming Celebration Tent. Live entertainment will be provided by "Deep Lunar Blue" featuring Illinois College alumni J.J. Moffat '93 and Jay Bohn '92. Beer, wine and food will be available for purchase immediately following the football game. Literary societies will be hosting their traditional cozies and huddles at various locations on campus from 4 -6 p.m. 

President Barbara A. Farley will host reunions for the Classes of 1973, 1978 and 1983 from 7-9 p.m. in Barnes House. Hearty hors d'oeuvres, refreshments and musical entertainment will set the stage for an intimate gathering. The Class of 1968 is celebrating their 50th reunion with a dinner at the Jacksonville Country Club. A social hour is planned at 5 p.m. followed by dinner at 6 p.m.

For a complete listing of homecoming week event information, visit www.ic.edu/Homecoming2018. Reservations can be made online at www.ic.edu/eventreservations. Should you have any questions, call 217.245.3046 or email rsvp@ic.edu.