McKendree Homecoming Weekend Slated for Oct. 20-22
(LEBANON, Ill., October 9, 2023) - McKendree University invites its alumni to come back to campus for their traditional Homecoming Weekend, which will take place from Friday, Oct. 20 through Sunday, Oct. 22.
Register at www.mckendree.edu/homecoming for any or all of the following activities:
Friday, Oct. 20
Class of 1973 Golden Anniversary Reunion, 5 p.m. Members of the classes of 1973, 1972, 1971 and 1970 are invited to attend the golden
anniversary reunion at Stevenson House. Signature drinks and hors d’oeuvres will be
served.
All Alumni Reunion, 6:30 p.m. McKendree invites all alumni, parents and friends to the Hett Lobby for a special reception and to reconnect with fellow alumni while enjoying hors d’oeuvres. This event is free of charge and a cash bar and complimentary hors d’oeuvres courtesy of the Alumni Association will be available. Business attire is encouraged.
Tenth Anniversary Celebration (Class of 2013 era), 7 p.m. Members of the classes of 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 are invited to attend a special 10-year anniversary celebration at Brewers Bar and Grill in downtown Lebanon.
The Fabulous Thunderbirds, 7:30 p.m. Legendary musical group the Fabulous Thunderbirds will bring their iconic sound, style and showmanship to the Hett stage for a night that will bring back old memories and create new ones. To purchase tickets, please contact the Hett Box office at (618) 537-6863 or visit thehett.com.
Saturday, Oct. 21
Sunrise Yoga, 7:30 a.m. Alumni, students, parents and friends are invited to attend an energized Sunrise Yoga
session at the Bearcat statue on campus. Participants are encouraged to bring their
own yoga mat. In the event of inclement weather, the event will take place in the
Hett lobby.
Alumni Welcome and Homecoming Party, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Alumni are invited to visit main campus to reconnect with former classmates, friends, faculty and staff at this complimentary homecoming party. Food trucks, a bubble bus, kids’ activities, a coloring contest and more will be provided. Ames Dining Hall will also be open for lunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Alumni are encouraged to check in at the welcome tent at the Inspiration Statue in front of the Hett to receive special swag while supplies last. To receive a tailgating space, please call (618) 537-6585.
Homecoming Football Game, 1 p.m. Cheer on the Bearcats as they take on the Missouri S&T Miners at the homecoming football game at Leemon Field. Tickets are $10 for adults while children under 10 are free. Tickets may be purchased at the door or by calling (618) 537-6585.
Campus History Tours, 1:30 p.m. Alumni are invited to take part in campus history tours, hosted by McKendree’s History Club. The tours are complimentary and will begin at the Bearcat statue.
Speech and Debate Reunion, 2 to 4 p.m. Speech and debate alumni are welcome back to campus for a reunion in celebration of Joe Blasdel’s 20th anniversary of coaching at McKendree. The event will take place at 615 Belleville St. in Lebanon.
Alumni Awards Dinner, 6 p.m. All alumni, parents and friends are invited to the Annual Awards Dinner at the Hyatt Regency St. Louis at the Arch to celebrate the accomplishments of this year’s alumni awardees. A welcome reception begins at 6 p.m. and dinner will be served at 7 p.m. Tickets are $50 per person and are required in advance.
Sunday, Oct. 22
Choir Alumni Reunion, 8:30 a.m. Choir alumni are invited to reconnect and participate in the annual homecoming memorial
chapel service in the Circuit Riders room at Bothwell Chapel. Join fellow alumni vocalists
and current choir students for a rehearsal at 9 a.m. and chapel service at 10 a.m.
Homecoming Memorial Chapel Service, 10 a.m. McKendree Chaplain the Reverend Dr. Beverly Wilkes-Null will lead alumni, students, faculty, staff and friends in worship. Deceased alumni of the past year will be honored during the service. The Reverend Dr. Donald C. Wagner ’84 will give the sermon.
Bearcat Brunch, 11 a.m. Finish homecoming weekend with a flourish by enjoying a delicious Bearcat brunch at Ames Dining Hall, courtesy of the McKendree University Alumni Association. Brunch is $9.
For more information about this year’s homecoming, please contact the Office at Alumni Relations at alumni@mckendree.edu, call (618) 537-6826, or visit the university’s homecoming webpage.
-McK-
