Homecoming and Family Weekend 2011 events

The University of Illinois Springfield is celebrating Homecoming and Family Weekend the week of October 10 through 15, 2011. The theme of Homecoming Week 2011 is “We Bleed Blue”. The following is a partial list of events. To view a full list of Homecoming activities, including athletic events, visit www.uis.edu/homecoming.

Mashed Potato Sculpting

WHAT: The UIS Office of Student Life will hold its ever popular Mashed Potato Sculpting contest. Students will use spuds to create displays based on the homecoming theme “We Bleed Blue”.

WHEN: Thursday, October 13, 2011 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

WHERE: Public Affairs Center, Food Emporium Patio (Rain location: PAC Concourse)

DETAILS: UIS Food Service prepares 25 pounds of “extra stiff” potatoes which students use for sculpting. Students decorate the mashed wonders with everything from food coloring to glitter. Volunteers judge each design on creativity and theme.

Lincoln Legacy Lecture Series: “Lincoln and the Civil War”

WHAT: “Lincoln and the Civil War” is the theme of the 9th Annual Lincoln Legacy Lecture at the University of Illinois Springfield.

WHEN: Thursday, October 13, 2011 at 7 p.m.

WHERE: Brookens Auditorium, located on the lower level of Brookens Library on the University of Illinois Springfield campus.

DETAILS: The speakers will be Michael Burlingame, Naomi B. Lynn Distinguished Chair in Lincoln Studies at UIS, and Lucas E. Morel, Lewis G. Term Professor of Politics at Washington and Lee University. Cullom Davis, Emeritus Professor of History, will serve as moderator. The event is free and open to the public; no reservation is required.

UIS Homecoming Parade

WHAT: The parade is an annual tradition of Homecoming at Illinois Springfield. We hope you come out to enjoy the festivities, the UIS band and much more!

WHEN: Friday, October 14, 2011 at 4:15 p.m.

WHERE: UIS Campus – The parade will start in parking lot C-north and end in parking lot G south of the University Hall Building.

DETAILS: Participation in the parade is open to student organizations, athletic teams, residence halls, campus departments, businesses and non-profit organizations. Great prizes are awarded to student organizations and community entries.

UIS Homecoming BBQ

WHAT: The UIS Student Activities Committee (SAC) will host its annual BBQ following the parade.

WHEN: Friday, October 14, 2011 from 4:45 to 7:15 p.m.

WHERE: South Quad near the University Hall Building

DETAILS: Come join us for food, drinks, and fun. Students don't forget to bring your I-card! The cost for non-students is $5.

Homecoming 5K Run/Walk

WHAT: The Department of Recreational Sports at UIS is hosting the 3rd annual Homecoming 5K Run/Walk. The race is open to all UIS students, faculty, staff and community members.

WHEN: Saturday, October 15, 2011 with registration beginning at 7:30 a.m. and the race starting at 9 a.m.

WHERE: The Recreation and Athletic Center (TRAC) at UIS

DETAILS: The cost to enter the 5K is $25 until Oct. 15 and $30 the day of the event. Registration forms can be found at the Rec Sports office in TRAC or can be downloaded from the Rec Sports website at www.uis.edu/recsports/.

“Through the Decades” Luncheon

WHAT: The UIS Office of Alumni Relations will host a “Though the Decades” Luncheon featuring alumni from the 1986 NAIA Men's Soccer National Championship team.

WHEN: Saturday, October 15, 2011 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

WHERE: Sangamon Auditorium Lobby, 2nd Floor Public Affairs Center

DETAILS: This year marks the 25th anniversary of the national championship victory. The luncheon program will feature team members and coaches of the era who will share stories and reminisce on Prairie Stars athletics and life at the University. Business casual attire is suggested. The cost is $10/person.

U-Help, I-Help Springfield Service Event

WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center and Office of Alumni Relations is hosting the annual Homecoming U-Help, I-Help Springfield Service Event.

WHEN: Saturday, October 15, 2011 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

WHERE: St. Joseph’s Home (3306 South 6th Street Road, Springfield)

DETAILS: Students will be volunteering to help serve residents lunch. They will also be spending time with the seniors and helping them get to different activities that will be going on at the home.

UIS Students vs. UIS Alumni/Faculty/Staff BB Game

WHAT: Students will face off against Alumni/Faculty/Staff in an annual tradition designed to foster teamwork.

WHEN: Saturday, October 15, 2011 at 7 p.m.

WHERE: The Recreation and Athletic Center (TRAC) at UIS

To view a full list of Homecoming activities visit www.uis.edu/homecoming.