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Planners say ISU homecoming gained momentum from 150th celebration
By Michele Steinbacher
msteinbacher@pantagraph.com
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NORMAL -- Illinois State University’s homecoming planners say the momentum gained from last year’s sesquicentennial celebration is spilling over into 2008.

“The 150th added attention” and brought more off-campus participants to homecoming events this week, said Chuck Scott, ISU facilities director and a member of the homecoming committee. “We thought it might be more difficult to keep the community engaged this year (without that added fanfare), but that hasn’t been the case.”

Instead, he described the hoopla surrounding the 150th anniversary of the university’s founding as more of a door opening to an expanded relationship between the campus and the wider community. He said more local participation in a number of homecoming events proves that point.

Around town, for example, the Redbird Walk — a collection of local businesses offering discounts and other offers during the week — has grown from about 10 participating proprietors to nearly 50, said Jamie Sennett, a homecoming organizer.

Scott said about 25 of those businesses will take part in window decorating for Redbird spirit during homecoming week.

And the five-kilometer run has more than 200 registered participants, a record, said Stenett.

Though ISU now is in its 151st year, this actually marks the 88th homecoming for campus.

The Saturday morning parade always is a highlight, offering floats, marching bands and family-friendly groups taking part. Scott said Reggie Redbird faces have been painted on the street along the parade route to get the town “fired up” for the event.

But the campus will be abuzz all week with activity leading up to Saturday, he said.

“People think homecoming is just a parade and a football game. But it’s so much more than that,” Scott said.

The week, with the theme “Fire it Up,” begins today with a blood drive to help Bloomington-based American Red Cross of the Heartland.

It will reach its climax with a football game against Missouri State University, scheduled to start at 2 p.m. Saturday.

The days between will offer student activities and alumni reunions, various Redbird-themed events, a Friday night pep rally and bonfire, the 5K run, the parade, tailgating prior to the game and an evening soiree to officially unveil ISU’s new alumni center at 1101 N. Main St. 

New this year will be a walking tour of business district renovations near campus. Scott — who also is a Normal councilman, and Nora Dukowitz, Normal’s uptown marketing manager, will lead the group, starting at 4 p.m. outside Hovey Hall’s School Street entrance.

For a complete listing of activities and events, along with registration and ticket information for selected events, click the homecoming link at www.IllinoisState.edu. 



ISU homecoming



Homecoming activities are planned throughout the week at Illinois State University. The main events will be this weekend. To see a complete list of the week’s events follow the homecoming link at www.illinoisstate.edu

Friday

-- Homecoming lunch, noon to 2 p.m., Bone Student Center Brown Ballroom. Advance registration required.

-- Homecoming information and ticket pickup, noon to 7 p.m., Bone Student Center Circus Room.

-- Reception for Alexander Hamilton traveling exhibit, 6 to 8 p.m., Milner Library. 

-- Hoopfest, a showcase of ISU basketball teams, 7 p.m., Horton Field House. 

-- Bonfire, pep rally and fireworks, 8:15 p.m., near Redbird Arena. 

Saturday

-- Town & Gown 5K run, 7 a.m., corner of College and University.   

-- Homecoming hospitality, 7:30 to 11:30 a.m., Bone Student Center. 

-- Parade, 9:30 a.m., steps off at College and University.

-- Pre-game tailgating, 11 a.m., near Hancock Stadium in parking lots, and Family Fun Fest, across the street at the ISU Outdoor program office.

-- Football Game against Missouri State Bears, 2 p.m., Hancock Stadium. 

-- Alumni Center Unveiling, 7 to 10 p.m., 1101 N. Main St., Normal. Advance registration required.

Sunday

-- Women’s soccer against Indiana State Sycamores, 1 p.m., Adelaide Street Soccer Field.

SOURCE: ISU media relations

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