Schedule of Events

2024 Homecoming and Family Weekend Schedule of Events

We've organized exciting activities all weekend long so you can (re)connect with your Big Blue. You'll also have plenty of free time to visit with MU friends, meet new ones and explore campus. Have questions? Call the Alumni & Development Office at 217.424.6383!

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Alumni event

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Family/Community event

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Student event

  • Big Blue HQ   

    NOON-7:00 PM

    Dr. Jan Devore Student Lobby, University Commons, Millikin Campus

    Check in at Homecoming Headquarters!

     

    Men's Baseball Golf Outing  

    1:00 PM

    Red Tail Run Golf Course, 520 W. Grove Rd., Decatur 

    Support Men's Baseball and play in the golf outing! For details and to register, visit ! 

     

    Legacy of the Lamp  

    3:00-5:00 PM

    Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1360 W Main St, Decatur 

    Legacy of the Lamp is a nursing tradition to celebrate Sophomore students moving into their Junior semester. An hour-long reception for students, families and faculty is followed by a ceremony where we hear from our School of Nursing Alumnus of the Year and nursing students are presented with the Nightingale Lamp.

     

    Tabor School of Business  
    Career Networking Event with Decatur Chamber of Commerce

    3:30-5:00 PM

    Oberhelman Center for Leadership Performance (OCLP), University Commons, MU Campus

    In conjunction with the Decatur Chamber of Commerce, this event will be a networking opportunity for Tabor students and Millikin Alumni to connect with companies in the Greater Decatur area. Appetizers and drinks provided.

     

    Alumni Art Show & Exhibition  

    4:00-6:00 PM

    Perkinson Gallery, Kirkland Fine Arts Center, MU Campus

    Millikin University School of Art & Creative Media’s alumni art show represents some of our finest artists. Our alumni make us proud every day with fantastic works of art created during their time at Millikin and after, as they continue to represent our University in their professional activities. Join us for a celebration of art and creative media. Free and open to the public. 

     

    Class of 1974 Welcome reception  

    4:30-6:30 PM

    James Millikin Homestead, 125 N. Pine Street, Decatur, IL 62522

    Reconnect with fellow alumni from the Class of 1974 at a private reception held at the James Millikin Homestead. Casual attire, appetizers and refreshments served. RSVPs encouraged.

     

    Alumni Awards Dinner  

    5:30-7:30 PM

    Bob and Debi Johnston Banquet Rooms, University Commons, MU Campus

    Join us in honoring the 2024 Alumni Award Recipients and the contributions they have made to Millikin! $25/per person. Reservations required. 

     

    The Umoja Welcome Reception & Cocktails  

    7:00 - 9:00 PM

    Alumni & Development Center, MU Campus

    In the spirit of togetherness, join Black Alumni of Millikin (BAM) in an Umoja Welcome Reception to celebrate their 35th Reunion. 

     

    Millikin Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band l Concert: Reflections  

    7:30 PM

    Kirkland Fine Arts Center, MU Campus

    You’re sure to hear some of your favorite pieces for band and jazz band as we begin the season with a bang. Alumni who play an instrument are invited to join us at 6 p.m. for rehearsal to be ready to perform in the concert at 7:30 p.m.
     

     

    TKE Alumni Association Meeting  

    TKE House, 1225 W Main St., MU Campus

    7:30 PM

    Private event for TKE alumni.
     

     

    SAE Bonfire and Fireworks Watching, Chapter House, followed by visit to the Winery  

    8:30 - 10:00 PM

    Join alumni of Sigma Alpha Epsilon for a bonfire, front-row view of Homecoming fireworks, and after-hours social at the Winery.  

     

    Homecoming Fireworks, MU Campus  

    9:00 PM 

    Watch from the Workman Family Baseball Field.

    Black Alumni of Millikin (BAM) Social with Black Student Union (BSU)  

    10:00 PM to 1:00 AM

    Center for Theatre and Dance, The Mary V. Linder '49 and Ralph A. Linder '49 Veranda, MU Campus

    A late evening social with Black Student Union student members, BSU alumni/ae, and all Black Alumni of Millikin featuring music and light refreshments. 

  • BAM Breakfast & Business Meeting  

    8:00 AM- 9:30 PM
    ADM-Scovill, Room 209, MU Campus

    Black alumni/ae of Millikin are invited to gather for a breakfast business meeting to discuss plans for the future. Group photo and optional campus tour to follow at 9:45 a.m.

     

    Big Blue HQ  

    9:00 AM- 4:00 PM
    Dr. Jan Devore Student Lobby, University Commons, MU Campus

    Check in at Homecoming Headquarters!

     

    Alumni Swim Meet  

    9:00 AM

    Decatur Family YMCA, 220 W McKinley Ave A, Decatur 

    Team intrasquad meet, with races available to alumni & friends of Millikin Swimming. For more info, contact Head Swimming Coach/Assistant Triathlon Coach Ed Pacey at epacey@millikin.edu or call 217.425.6676 (office) or 217.493.6694 (cell).

     

    Men's Basketball Open Gym  

    9:00 AM - 10:30 AM

    Griswold Physical Education Center, MU Campus


    MU Alumni Advisory Board Meeting  

    9:00 - 10:30 AM

    Alumni & Development Center, MU Campus

    In-person Alumni Board meeting


    BAM Group Photo and Campus Tour  

    9:45 -11:00 AM

    ADM-Scovill exterior, University Commons, MU Campus (rain location is University Commons lobby)

    Join fellow Black Alumni of Millikin (BAM) for a group photo at ADM-Scovill Hall after the morning business meeting (rain location: UC Lobby). Following the photo, small group tours led by current MU students will be offered. Visit your favorite spaces on campus and learn about the new and exciting changes underway!


    View the Big Blue: Campus Tours

    10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

    University Commons, MU Campus 

    Kickstart your Homecoming weekend with a tour of Millikin University campus! Visit your favorite campus spaces and learn about new state-of-the-art facilities, like the Center for Theatre and Dance, the Health Sciences complex, and the Campbell Family Nursing Simulation Center.

    Alumni Art Exhibition on View  

    10:30 AM to 1:00 PM

    Perkinson Gallery, Kirkland Fine Arts Center, MU Campus

    Did you miss the Friday Alumni Art Show reception? Stop by to view the professional work of our alumni during our open gallery hours.


    Baseball Championship Ring Ceremony (10:30 - 11:00 AM) followed by  
    Baseball Alumni Game (11:00 AM to 1:00 PM)

    10:30 AM to 1:00 PM

    Workman Family Baseball Field, MU Campus

    Help celebrate the Big Blue Baseball team's conference championship, which is followed by a rousing alumni baseball game. For details and to RSVP , reach out to Brandon Townsend at btownsend@millikin.edu.

     

    50-Year Club Brunch  

    10:30 AM-12:30 PM

    Bob and Debi Johnston Banquet Rooms, University Commons, MU Campus

    All alumni celebrating their 50th class reunion or greater are invited to this complimentary lunch, where we will welcome the class of 1974 to our ranks. 

     

    Homecoming Brunch  

    10:30 AM-1:00 PM

    University Commons Cafeteria, MU Campus

    Enjoy all-you-care-to-eat dining featuring a made-to-order exhibition station as well as tasty deli, grill, salad bar, brick oven pizza, desserts and comfort foods. Healthy alternatives and vegetarian options available. $12 per person. 

     

    MU Greek Life Open Houses and Tailgates  

    10:30 AM-12:30 PM

    Greek Houses and Frank M. Lindsay Field, MU Campus (specifics below)

    Please join Millikin University Greek organizations for Open House tours and Lindsay Field Tailgates! 

    Open Houses: Alpha Chi Omega, Delta Delta Delta, Pi Beta Phi, Tau Kappa Epsilon, Sigma Alpha Epsilon
    Tailgates: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Sigma Alpha Epsilon. Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority

     

    Black Student Union Tailgate  

    11:00 AM-12:30 PM

    Frank M. Lindsay Field, MU Campus

     

    Jazz on the Quad  

    11:00 AM-1:00 PM

    Dr. Roger J. Miller Quad, MU Campus

    The Homecoming tradition of outdoor performances featuring School of Music 
    ensembles continues. Bring a lawn chair to the Quad and enjoy a front row seat.

    BluBop, Jazz II & Electric Guitar Ensemble 
    BluBop | 11-11:30 a.m. 
    Jazz II | 11:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. 
    Electric Guitar Ensemble | 12:30 p.m.-1 p.m 

     

    Men's Basketball Tailgate  

    11:00 AM to 1:00 PM

    Frank M. Lindsay Field, MU Campus

     

    TKE BBQ/Tailgate  

    NOON-3:00 PM

    TKE House Patio, 1225 W Main St., MU Campus

    Tailgate sponsored by Millikin TKE Alumni Association. All Millikin TKE alumni invited for complimentary bratwursts, hot dogs, beans, sauerkraut, chips and water. 

     

    Millikin University Alumni Association Tailgate  

    12:00 PM - 4:00 PM

    Frank M. Lindsay Field, MU Campus

    Join us for the MU Alumni Association Board Tailgate to reconnect, make new memories and snap photos to capture the spirit of Big Blue pride! We'll be serving up classic tailgate favorites on a first-come, first-served basis. Plus, learn more about the Alumni Board and how you can get involved in continuing the legacy of our amazing community.

     

    Big Blue Football Game vs. Augustana  

    1:00 PM GAME START

    Frank M. Lindsay Field, MU Campus

    Cheer on Big Blue football. Tickets available at gate on game day: $6/adult, $4/senior citizens. Tailgating spots must be reserved in advance through athletics@millikin.edu.

     

    Athletic Hall of Fame (AHOF) Tent at Football  

    1:00 PM

    Frank M. Lindsay Field, MU Campus

     

    SAE BBQ and Alumni Meeting, Chapter House  

    1:30 - 3:00 PM

    SAE alumni are invited to join SAE for a BBQ on Saturday afternoon, followed by an Alumni Meeting at the Chapter House. All SAE alumni are welcome!! RSVP separately for SAE events at

     

    Millikin Choirs Alumni Concert  

    3:00-4:00 PM CONCERT
    1:00 PM REHEARSAL

    Central Christian Church, 650 W. William St., Decatur

    Friends return from far and wide to join the Alumni Choir in concert with СĢ¹½ÊÓƵ own University Choir for an afternoon of music and connection Free and open to the public.

    A 1 p.m. choir rehearsal is required.

     

    Faculty & Alumni Jazz Jam Session  

    4:00-6:00 PM

    Decatur Brew Works, 102 E. William St., Decatur, IL 62523

    Alumni are invited to join Millikin School of Music faculty in an afternoon jam session at Decatur Brew Works. Free and open to the public.

     

    Alumni Association Board Happy Hour  

    4:00-7:00 PM

    The Winery, 1093 W. Main St, Decatur 

    Join fellow alumni after the football game for Happy Hour at The Winery!

     

    Music Education Mixer  

    5:00 - 6:30 PM

    Kaeuper Hall/ Perkinson Music Center, MU Campus

    Join us for an evening of music, folk-dance and activities fun for the whole family!  Current Music Education students & Music Ed Alumni are encouraged to bring their families to this Millikin Music Education Open House Event.

     

    Class of 1974 Reunion Dinner  

    5:30 PM

    Decatur Club, 158 W. Prairie Ave., Decatur, IL 62523

    The Class of 1974 celebrates its 50th reunion! Reservations required.

     

    TKE Alumni Dinner  

    6:00 - 11:00 PM

    Decatur Conference Center and Hotel

    Dinner for all TKE Alumni. This is a closed event for TKE only.

     

    "Big Blue: On Broadway" Homecoming Cabaret  

    6:00 PM

    Center for Theatre and Dance, The Mary V. Linder '49 and Ralph A. Linder '49 Veranda, MU Campus

    Highlighting members of the School of Theatre and Dance (SOTAD) Class of 2025, the cabaret will feature songs from Broadway musicals on which Millikin alumni have worked. This program is partially supported by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Illinois Arts Council, and the Decatur Area Arts Council.Rain location: Center for Theatre & Dance, Room 300.

     

    IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING HOMECOMING CABARET (see above)

    Sip & Sing with the School of Theatre and Dance (SOTAD Alumni open mic)  

    7:30 - 9:30 PM

    Hegeler Lobby at the Center for Theatre and Dance, MU Campus

    Join us for the annual Homecoming Sip and Sing, held in the Hegeler Lobby of the Center for Theatre and Dance. Bring your books and sing a cut or full song of your choosing … accompanist provided! And don’t worry – there will be plenty of sheet music available to use if you forget your own. We can’t wait to welcome our alumni into the Center for Theatre & Dance! Grab a drink (cash bar will be available), grab the microphone and join the celebration!

     

    Greek Step Showcase  

    7:30 PM

    Kirkland Fine Arts Center, MU Campus

    Join the organizations of the Multicultural Greek Council for their annual Homecoming Step Showcase!

  • Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Luncheon  

    11:00 AM to 1:00 PM

    Bob and Debi Johnston Banquet Rooms, University Commons, MU Campus

    We are thrilled to celebrate the Millikin 2024 Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees for their contributions to Millikin Athletics. $25/per person. Reservations required.

     

    Open House at Historic Millikin Home

    2:00 - 4:00 PM

    James Millikin Homestead, 125 N. Pine Street, Decatur, IL 62522

    Stop by the James Millikin Homestead for a look back on the history of the Millikin family and how the University came to be.