Schedule of Events

Big Blue HQ

12:00 PM - 7:00 PM 
University Commons, Jan Devore Student Lobby - 1st floor

Start your Homecoming Weekend at Big Blue Headquarters in University Commons! Pick up your name badge, grab exclusive MU swag, and get all the info you need for the weekend's events!

Legacy of the Lamp  

3:00 PM - 5:00 PM 
Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1360 W. Main St.

Legacy of the Lamp is a nursing tradition to celebrate the Sophomore students moving into their Junior semester. A reception will begin at 3 p.m. for students, families, and faculty, followed by a ceremony starting at 4 p.m. where we hear from our 2026 Alumnus of the Year and students are presented with the Nightingale Lamp.

Alumni Awards Dinner  

5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
University Commons, Johnston Banquet Rooms

Join us in honoring the 2026 Alumni Award Recipients and all of the contributions they have made to Millikin! $25/per person. Reservations Required.

TKE Alumni Association Meeting, followed by Social

7:00 PM 
TKE House

Closed Meeting and Private Event

Big Blue HQ  

9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
University Commons, Jan Devore Student Lobby - 1st floor

Start your Homecoming Weekend at Big Blue Headquarters in University Commons! Pick up your name badge, grab exclusive MU swag, and get all the info you need for the weekend's events!

Black Alumni of Millikin (BAM): Step on the Quad  

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
J Roger Miller Quad 

BAM's Health Initiative - Come workout before the tailgate! Join us as we move our bodies to music with a mix of zumba and step.

Black Alumni of Millikin (BAM): Check In  

9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
University Commons, Jan Devore Student Lobby - 1st floor

Black Alumni of Millikin - make sure to check in at our table when you grab your name badge at Homecoming Headquarters!

PARTAZE! Photo Booth  

10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
University Commons, Oberhelman Center for Leadership Performance (OCLP) - 1st floor

Capture your Homecoming moments at the PARTAZE! Photo Booth. Grab your friends (or snap a solo shot), strike your best pose, and walk away with instant photo prints to remember Homecoming! Hosted by MU alum Chazaray Carson ’13, MBA ’15, this interactive experience is the perfect way to create fun, lasting memories!

Paraprofessional Student Leader Reunion: Mix & Mingle  

10:00 AM 
University Commons, Oberhelman Center for Leadership Performance (OCLP) - 1st floor

Calling all former student leaders in paraprofessional roles! Mix and mingle, trade stories, and visit with Student Affairs staff. All former Resident Assistants (RA), Residential Academic Peer Mentors (RAPM), Orientation Leaders (OL), First Year Experience Mentors (FYEM, FYEM-LO), Student Experience Ambassadors (SEA), EDGE Mentors, and Wellness Peer Advocates (WPA)

A Historical Tour of Millikin University  

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM 
Tour will start at Shilling Hall sidewalk on W. Main Street; in the case of inclement weather, this will be moved to an indoor presentation in a classroom in University Commons

Enjoy a stroll with the University Archivist through Millikin’s past on a guided historic tour of the central campus highlighting the origins of landmark buildings and the people and events that shaped the University’s identity.

"Watercolor Wonders Exhibition" Brunch

10:00 AM - 1:00 PM  
Perkinson Gallery in Kirkland Fine Arts Center

Watercolor is celebrated as a unique and deeply expressive art medium, cherished for its luminous transparency, fluidity, and capacity for spontaneity. This carefully curated exhibition features artwork from the Millikin University Permanent collection and various private collections. Be sure to stop by and view the exhibition while you are on campus.

MU Greek Life Open Houses and Tailgates  

10:00 AM - 2:00 PM times vary per house 
Greek Houses (open houses) & Frank M Lindsay Field (tailgates)

Join Millikin University Greek organizations for Open Houses and Tailgates! 

Open Houses: 

Alpha Chi Omega Open House 10am-2pm Contact: axoupsilonalumnae@gmail.com  

Delta Delta Delta Open House 10am-12pm 

Tailgates: 

Alpha Tau Omega Tailgate starting at 11 a.m.

Jazz Combo & Electric Guitar Ensemble  

11:00 AM - 12:15 PM 
CTD Patio / J Roger Miller Quad

The Homecoming tradition of outdoor performances featuring School of Music ensembles continues! Come relax and enjoy the music! 

11-11:30 a.m. - Jazz Combo 

11:45 a.m.-12: 15 p.m. - Electric Guitar Ensemble

All Alumni Birthday BBQ on the Quad  

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM 
J Roger Miller Quad / CTD Patio

Join us as we celebrate 125 years with a Birthday BBQ on the Quad! Gather with classmates, family, and friends for a complimentary lunch before the football game. Enjoy live music, activities for kids, and the chance to reconnect with fellow alumni and friends while celebrating this milestone anniversary. We can't wait to celebrate with you!

Men's Basketball Tailgate  

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM 
Frank M Lindsay Field 

Tailgate hosted by Men's Basketball

Men's & Women's Track & Field Tailgate  

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM 
Frank M Lindsay Field 

Tailgate hosted by Men's & Women's Track & Field

Women's Basketball Tailgate (Open Practice prior from 8:30-10 a.m.)  

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM 
Frank M Lindsay Field 

Tailgate hosted by Women's Basketball; Join us before Tailgating for Open Practice from 8:30-10 a.m.

Women's Flag Football Tailgate  

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM 
Frank M Lindsay Field 

Tailgate hosted by Women's Flag Football

Women's Volleyball Tailgate  

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM 
Frank M Lindsay Field 

Tailgate hosted by Women's Volleyball

Wrestling Tailgate (Open Practice prior from 8-10am at Wrestling facility)  

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM 
Frank M Lindsay Field 

Tailgate hosted by Millikin Wrestling; Join us before Tailgating for Open Practice from 8-10 a.m. at the Wrestling facility.

Black Alumni of Millikin (BAM) Tailgate   

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM 
Frank M Lindsay Field 

BAM-ish themed tailgate hosted by Black Alumni of Millikin

TKE Tailgate, sponsored by Millikin TKE Alumni Association  

12:00 PM - 3:30 PM 
TKE House 

Join us for a great time at our tailgate—food and drinks provided! The Millikin TKE Alumni Association is excited to invite all Kappa Sigma and Zeta Tau Alpha alumni to join the celebration. Come reconnect, reminisce, and enjoy the festivities with fellow alumni!

Millikin University Alumni Association Board Tailgate  

12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Frank M Lindsay Field 

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! Learn more about the Alumni Board and how you can get involved in continuing the legacy of our amazing community.

Tennis Alumni Match  

12:00 PM 
Fairview Park

Alumni Tennis Match

Football Game vs. Carroll University  

1:00 PM
Frank M Lindsay Field 

Cheer on Big Blue football. Tickets available at the gate on game day! Tailgating spots must be reserved in advance through Athletics department.

2026 Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees Tent and Field Recognition  

1:00 PM 
South End Zone Tent

Rehearsal for Millikin Choirs Alumni Concert  

1:00 PM-2:45 PM 
Central Christian Church, 650 W. William St.

Rehearsal for Millikin Choirs Alumni Concert. Please register for this event if you will be participating in the concert at 3 p.m.. Music will be available digitally ahead of the event and in hard copy upon arrival.

Millikin Choirs Alumni Concert, featuring University Choir and Alumni Choir  

3:00 PM - 4:30 PM 
Central Christian Church, 650 W. William St.

Alumni & Friends are invited to come back for an afternoon of music and community. Free and open to the public. If you are Alumni who plans to participate in the concert, join us for rehearsal from 1-2:45 p.m. Music will be available digitally ahead of the event and in hard copy upon arrival.

Alumni Association Board Happy Hour  

4:00 PM-6:00 PM 
The Winery, 1093 W. Main St.

Join fellow alumni after the football game for Happy Hour at The Winery! The first 125 drinks are compliments of the Alumni Association Board - get there early to receive your free drink ticket!

Music Education Open House  

4:00 PM - 6:00 PM 
Perkinson Music Center

Celebrate the legacy of the Music Education program at Millikin University — past, present, and future. Alumni, current students, families, and friends are invited to gather between the Alumni Choir Concert and Wind Ensemble Concert for an open house featuring children’s activities, folk dancing, and an Irish session. The newly established Distinguished Music Education Alumni Award will be presented at 5 p.m. Light refreshments will be served.

Faculty Jazz/Alumni Jazz Jam Session  

4:00 PM - 6:00 PM 
Lock Stock & Barrel (LSB), 129 S. Oakland St.

Alumni are invited to join Millikin School of Music faculty in an afternoon jam session at our favorite watering hole

Class of 1976 Reception  

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM 
University Commons, 3rd floor Lobby

Members of the Class of 1976 are invited to gather before the 50-Year Club Dinner for an evening of fellowship, memories, and celebration. Reconnect with classmates, enjoy refreshments, and join us for a special toast honoring your 50th reunion before continuing the celebration at the 50-Year Club Dinner.

50-Year Club Dinner  

5:00 PM - 7:00 PM 
University Commons, Johnston Banquet Rooms - 3rd floor

All alumni celebrating their 50th class reunion and greater are invited to this complimentary dinner. Join us as we proudly welcome the Class of 1976 into the 50-Year Club.

Softball Alumni Game  

6:00 PM 
Workman Family Softball Field

Alumni Game

Homecoming Cabaret: Forever Blue  

6:00 PM 
Albert Taylor Theatre

Millikin University’s School of Theatre and Dance proudly presents the third edition of its Homecoming Cabaret, directed by Millikin alumnus Jefferson Farber ’06 and music directed by alumna Beth Creighton ’01. Inspired by this year’s Homecoming theme, “Forever Blue,” and celebrating 125 years of Millikin University, this special evening honors the memories, milestones, and music that connect generations of Big Blue artists. In a year that also marks Beth’s 25th reunion and Jefferson’s 20th reunion, the cabaret will feature songs from musicals produced at Millikin during their years as students. Performed entirely by members of the senior class of 2027, the evening celebrates the enduring legacy of Millikin theatre: the shows we shared, the artists we became, the friends we made along the way, and the community that keeps calling us home.

Alumni Band  

6:00-6:45 PM Rehearsal; 7:30 PM Concert (along with Millikin Symphonic Wind Ensemble) 
Kirkland Fine Arts Center 

Dust off your instrument and join us on stage to perform as part of the annual Millikin Alumni Band. A quick rehearsal will begin at 6 p.m. to read through some band standards. Concert will start at 7:30 p.m. and will feature noted alum Steve Schepper ’76 as guest conductor.

Black Alumni of Millikin (BAM) Reception  

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM 
Alumni House 

In the spirit of togetherness, join Black Alumni of Millikin (BAM) & Friends for a reception where we will present the BAM Lifetime Achievement Award. Come to share stories and history of being a student on Millikin's campus. Small bites and cash bar available.

Millikin Symphonic Wind Ensemble I (MSWE I) with Alumni and Jazz Band I Concert  

7:30 PM 
Kirkland Fine Arts Center 

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.

Sip and Sing (SOTAD Alumni Open Mic)  

7:30 PM - 9:30 PM 
Hegeler Lobby at CTD and CTD Patio 

Join us for our annual SOTAD Sip and Sing! The Homecoming Sip and Sing starts at 7:30pm 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!