UIS to celebrate its 20th annual homecoming weekend

The University of Illinois Springfield invites students, faculty, staff, alumni and the local community to celebrate our 20th annual Homecoming Weekend on October 7 & 8. Highlights include the Homecoming Parade (Friday, Oct. 7 at 4:30 p.m.) followed by UIS Men’s and Women’s Soccer vs. Drury University. A free fireworks show will follow the game. To view a full list of Homecoming activities, visit www.uis.edu/homecoming/.

UIS Homecoming Parade 

WHAT: The parade is an annual tradition of Homecoming at UIS. Come out and enjoy the festivities, the UIS band and much more!

WHEN: Friday, October 7, 2016, at 4:30 p.m.

WHERE: UIS Campus – The parade will start in parking lot C-north and end in parking lot F near The Recreation and Athletics Center (TRAC). The best place to view the parade is along Eliza Farnham Drive, near Founders Residence Hall.

DETAILS: Community members are encouraged to attend to watch the parade, enjoy, and learn more about the many student organizations, athletics teams and campus departments that participate in the parade.

UIS Prairie Stars Men’s and Women’s Soccer 

WHAT: The NCAA Division II men’s and women’s soccer teams will play Drury University during the annual homecoming game.

WHEN: Friday, October 7, 2016, – The women’s game begins at 5 p.m., followed by the men’s game at 7:30 p.m.

WHERE: Kiwanis Stadium at UIS

DETAILS: Admission to the games is $6 for adults and children are $3. UIS students, faculty and staff are free with a valid iCard. Following the men’s soccer game, there will be a free fireworks display.

UIS Prairie Stars Volleyball

WHAT: The NCAA Division II women’s volleyball team will play St. Joseph’s College on Friday and the University of Indianapolis on Saturday in two homecoming appearances.

WHEN: Friday, October 7, 2016, at 7 p.m.
            Saturday, October 8, 2016, at 2 p.m.

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

DETAILS: Admission to the games is $6 for adults and children are $3. UIS students, faculty and staff are free with a valid iCard.

Prairie Stars Athletics Hall of Fame Induction 

WHAT: UIS Athletics will induct its third class into the Prairie Stars Athletic Hall of Fame during a formal ceremony on campus.

WHEN: Saturday, October 8, 2016, reception at 6 p.m., ceremony at 7 p.m.

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

DETAILS: The 2016 class includes the 1993 men's soccer National Championship team, George Lidster (men's soccer), Audra (Roach) Wyant (volleyball), Manny Velasco (men's tennis), and Bob and Vickie Spencer (Friends of Prairie Stars).

Guests must preregister for the reception in TRAC. For $25, guests can enjoy beer & wine along with hors d'oeuvres. Child 10 and under are free. To register, contact Paul Kabbes at pkabb2@uis.edu or 217/206-8547.

UIS Homecoming Weekend activities announced

The University of Illinois Springfield invites you to celebrate our 19th annual Homecoming Weekend on October 16 & 17, 2015. The following is a partial list of events. To view a full list of Homecoming activities, visit www.uis.edu/homecoming/.

UIS Homecoming Parade 

WHAT: The parade is an annual tradition of Homecoming at UIS. Come out and enjoy the festivities, the UIS band and much more!

WHEN: Friday, October 16, 2015 at 4:30 p.m.

WHERE: UIS Campus – The parade will start in parking lot C-north and end in parking lot F near The Recreation and Athletics Center (TRAC). The best place to view the parade is along Eliza Farnham Drive, near Founders Residence Hall.

DETAILS: Community members are encouraged to attend to watch the parade, enjoy, and learn more about the many student organizations, athletics teams and campus departments that participate in the parade.

UIS Prairie Stars Men’s and Women’s Soccer 

WHAT: The NCAA Division II men’s and women’s soccer teams will play Maryville during the annual homecoming game.

WHEN: Friday, October 16, 2015 – The women’s game begins at 5 p.m., followed by the men’s game at 7:30 p.m.

WHERE: Kiwanis Stadium at UIS

DETAILS: Admission to the games is $6 for adults and children are $3. UIS students, faculty and staff are free with a valid iCard. Following the men’s soccer game, there will be a free fireworks display.

Prairie Stars Athletics Hall of Fame Induction 

WHAT: UIS Athletics will induct its second class into the Prairie Stars Athletic Hall of Fame during a formal ceremony on campus.

WHEN: Saturday, October 17, 2015 (Reception at 5:30 p.m., formal ceremony at 7:00 p.m.)

WHERE: The Recreation and Athletic Center (TRAC) at UIS DETAILS: The 2015 class includes Dorothy Walsh Ripka, women's tennis (1995-1997); Naomi & Bob Lynn, Friend of the Prairie Stars; Dominic Giacomini, tennis coach (1991-2006); Rick Wiegand, soccer (1978-1979); and the 1988 NAIA National Champion Men's Soccer Team.

Guests must preregister for the reception in TRAC. For $25, guests can enjoy beer & wine along with hors d'oeuvres. Child 15 and under are free. To register, contact Paul Kabbes at pkabb2@uis.edu or 217/206-8547.

UIS celebrates 18th annual Homecoming Weekend

The University of Illinois Springfield invites the local community to celebrate our 18th annual Homecoming Weekend on October 10 & 11. The theme of Homecoming 2014 is “Paint the Cornfield Blue”. The following is a partial list of events. To view a full list of Homecoming activities, visit www.uis.edu/homecoming/.

UIS Homecoming Parade

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

WHEN: Friday, October 10, 2014 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. The best place to view the parade is along Eliza Farnham Drive, near Founders Residence Hall.

DETAILS: Community members are encouraged to attend to watch the parade, enjoy, and learn more about the many student organizations, athletics teams, campus departments, businesses, & nonprofits that participate in the parade.

UIS Homecoming BBQ 

WHAT: The UIS Student Activities Committee (SAC) will host its annual BBQ following the parade. This will coincide with the soccer games.

WHEN: Friday, October 10, 2014 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. There is a cost for non-students. UIS students are free with a valid iCard.

UIS Prairie Stars Men’s and Women’s Soccer 

WHAT: The NCAA Division II men’s and women’s soccer teams will play Rockhurst during the annual homecoming game.

WHEN: Friday, October 10, 2014 – The women’s game begins at 5 p.m., followed by the men’s game at 7:30 p.m.

WHERE: Kiwanis Stadium at UIS

DETAILS: Admission to the games is $8 for adults and children are $3. UIS students, faculty and staff are free with a valid iCard. Following the men’s soccer game, there will be a free fireworks display.

UIS Prairie Stars Volleyball

WHAT: The UIS Prairie Stars Volleyball team will play Bellarmine.

WHEN: Friday, October 10, 2014 at 7 p.m.

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

DETAILS: Admission to the games is $6 for adults and $3 for children. UIS students, faculty and staff are free with a valid iCard.

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

WHAT: Students will face off against Alumni/Faculty/Staff in a basketball game designed to foster teamwork.

WHEN: Saturday, October 11, 2014 at 1 p.m.

WHERE: Student Life Building Gymnasium at UIS

DETAILS: Admission is free

UIS Prairie Stars Volleyball 

WHAT: The UIS Prairie Stars Volleyball team will play Southern Indiana.

WHEN: Saturday, October 11, 2014 at 3 p.m.

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

DETAILS: Admission to the games is $6 for adults and children are $3. UIS students, faculty and staff are free with a valid iCard.

Prairie Stars Athletics Hall of Fame Induction 

WHAT: The first class will be inducted into the new Prairie Stars Athletics Hall of Fame.

WHEN: Saturday, October 11, 2014 (Reception at 6:30 p.m., formal ceremony at 7:30 p.m.)

WHERE: Public Affairs Center at UIS

DETAILS: Celebrate with us as we induct Aydin Gonulsen (coach & administrator), Elias Shehadi (soccer, 1976-1979), Carla (Jimenez) Mills (tennis, 1998-2000), Harold Christofilakos (friend of the Prairie Stars) and the 1986 National Champion Men's Soccer Team to the Hall of Fame.

Guests must preregister for the reception in the Food Emporium in PAC. For $25, guests can enjoy beer & wine along with hors d'oeuvres from 6:30-7:30 p.m. along with light refreshments during intermission of the ceremony. Please register at www.UISPrairieStars.com/HallofFame by October 3.

The ceremony is free and open to the public on a first-come, first-serve basis.

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.

Mashed Potato Sculpting a tradition at UIS Homecoming

UIS students rolled up their sleeves and got messy during one of the first events celebrating Homecoming 2010.

Mashed Potato Sculpting is a tradition that was started 3 years ago by Assistant Director of Student Life Beth Hoag. Students used food coloring, glitter, wiggly eyes and much more to pull off their creations.

“At first I was a little apprehensive. I was like touching these wouldn’t be fun, but its actually not that bad. It’s kind of just like a giant ball of play doh,” said Emily Newcomb, a sophomore at UIS.

It takes 25 pounds of mashed potatoes to pull off the sculpting and students added flour to make them “extra stiff”.

“It’s just messy and you’re not really use to sculpting with food,” said Randy Knuppel, a senior accounting & business major.

The spud creations were judged based on creativity and students got extra points for basing their creation on the Homecoming theme “Where Stars are Born”. The winner of the contest was rewarded with a $50 gift card.

For a full list of Homecoming events visit the Student Life website

UIS hosts 40th anniversary Homecoming events and Family Weekend

The University of Illinois Springfield will be holding its 40th anniversary Homecoming activities during the week of October 4 through 9. UIS Family Weekend will also coincide with the events on October 8 through 10. The theme of Homecoming Week 2010 is “Where Stars Are Born”.

The schedule of events for the week is as follows:

Monday, October 4
- Homecoming Pep Rally at 9:30 p.m. at The Recreation and Athletic Center (TRAC). First 200 students with ID through the door will get a free homecoming T-shirt. Arrive early because they go fast!

Tuesday, October 5
- Lunchtime Games: Mashed Potato Sculpting from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the PAC Food Emporium Patio (Rain location: PAC Concourse).
- UIS Women’s Volleyball vs. Robert Morris at 7 p.m. at the TRAC.
- Make Your Own Spirit Wear at 9:30 p.m. in the Food Emporium. Paints, poster board, and blank T-shirts will be provided.

Wednesday, October 6
- Wacky Wednesday: Football Punt from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the UIS Quad.
- Neo-Futurists performance at 9:30 p.m. in Brookens Auditorium, located on the lower level of Brookens Library. The Neo-Futurists are a collective of wildly productive writer/director/performers who create theater that is a fusion of sport, poetry, and living newspaper.

Thursday, October 7
- Lunchtime Games will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the PAC Main Concourse.
- Homecoming Happy Hour from 5 at 7 p.m. at Floyd’s Thirst Parlor located at 210 South 5th Street, Springfield.
- Lincoln Legacy Lecture Series: “Lincoln and Race” from 7 to 9 p.m. in Brookens Auditorium, located on the lower level of Brookens Library.
- UIS Women’s Volleyball vs. Quincy at 7 p.m. at TRAC.
- Homecoming Dance at 9:30 p.m. in the SLB Gym. Dance the night away for Homecoming. Dress is semi-formal.

Friday, October 8
- Brookens Library Book Sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. under the Brookens Overhang.
- Prairie Star Volunteer Service Event from 1 to 4 p.m.
- UIS Women’s Soccer vs. St. Joseph at 5 p.m. at Kiwanis Stadium.
- Pack the Field (Student Cookout) at 6:30 p.m. on the east side of Kiwanis Stadium.
- UIS Men’s Soccer Game vs. St. Joseph at 7:30 p.m. at Kiwanis Stadium. A fireworks display will be held immediately following the game.

Saturday, October 9
- 5K Run/Walk starting at 9 a.m. at TRAC. Cost is $10 until 9/24; $15 after.
- Tech Tools and Gadgets at 10:30 a.m. in UHB 2027. Presented by Kara McElwrath, join us as we explore first-hand the vast array of technologies available at UIS. Learn how we are leveraging technology to help students succeed at UIS!
- “Through the Decades” Luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Sangamon Auditorium Lobby.
- Strawbridge-Shepherd House Tour from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. located on Shepherd Road (between UIS & Lincoln Land).
- Solar Telescope Showcase from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. on the UIS Quad.
- UIS Homecoming Parade & Pet Parade at 5 p.m. on the UIS Campus.
- UIS Homecoming BBQ & Lawn Party from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on the South Quad. Come join us after the Homecoming Parade for free food, drinks, and fun. Don't forget to bring your I-card!
- UIS Students vs. UIS Alumni/Faculty/Staff BB Game at 7 p.m. at TRAC.

For more information, contact Cynthia Thompson, director of UIS Student Life at 217/206-6665 or visit www.uis.edu/homecoming.