CHAMPAIGN, Ill. The University of Illinois will mark its 91st annual Homecoming with a weeklong celebration Oct. 14 through Oct. 21.
The weeks activities will include a parade and pep rally as well as a free movie on the Quad. In addition, colleges across campus will host pre-game luncheons and tent parties to welcome alumni. This years slogan is "Make Some illiNOISE!"
An exhibition featuring memorabilia from past Homecomings is on view in the display case near the northeast corner of the Illini Unions first floor. Also, a virtual photo display is available online at http://www.uiaa.org/urbana/hcgallery.htm.
For a complete schedule of activities, visit the Homecoming Web site at http://www.uiuc.edu/homecoming/index.html or call Shi-Ching Liang at the Student Alumni Association, (217) 333-9827.
Event highlights:
Oct. 14 (Sunday)
Quad Cinema: The free movie "Top Gun" will be shown at 8 p.m. in front of Foellinger Auditorium on the Quad.
Oct. 16 (Tuesday)
Lunch on the Quad: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; north end of the Quad; free for UI residence hall students with ID card; $5.60 for others.
Homecoming Kickoff: Noon to 1 p.m., Anniversary Plaza (south side of Illini Union).
Oct. 18 (Thursday)
Homecoming Block Party: 7-11 p.m., Washington Park, between Daniel and Chalmers streets in Champaign.
Oct. 19 (Friday)
College of Education Illini Comeback Guest Reception: 10-11 a.m., Third Floor Lounge, Education Building. Event honors Henry Givens, president of Harris-Stowe State College.
Homecoming Parade: 6 p.m. Starts at Sixth Street and Gregory Drive.
Pep Rally: 7 p.m. The Quad.
Homecoming Variety Show: 9 p.m. Foellinger Auditorium. Student performers vie for a chance to win cash prizes in dance, vocal and band categories. Tickets available in advance at Illini Union Ticket Central or at the door. Cost: $5.
Oct. 20 (Saturday)
Illinois vs. Wisconsin Football: Kickoff at 11:10 a.m., Memorial Stadium.
IUB African-American Homecoming Comedy Show: 4 p.m.; doors open at 3 p.m. Foellinger Auditorium. Cost: $7 in advance at Illini Union Ticket Central or $8 at the door if available (two tickets per I-card).
IUB African-American Homecoming Dance "One Moment In Time": 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Illini Rooms A, B, C of the Illini Union. Cost: $8 in advance at Illini Union Ticket Central or $10 at the door if available (two tickets per I-card).
Oct. 21 (Sunday)
5K Homecoming Race: On-site registration at 9:45 a.m.; race starts at 10:30 a.m. Illini Meadows near Lincoln Avenue in Urbana. To benefit Crisis Nursery of Champaign. Cost: $10 prior to day of race; $12 day of race. Contact: Student Alumni Association, (217) 333-9827 or (800) 355-2586. Register online at http://www.uiaa.org/urbana/5krace.htm.
Marching Illini Concert: 3 p.m., Assembly Hall, Cost: $4.50 $7.
Four distinguished alumni will return to campus as participants in Homecoming weekend. The Illini Comeback guests will meet with students from their colleges, participate in the parade and pep rally, attend the football game, and be guests at gatherings hosted by Chancellor Nancy Cantor and President James J. Stukel.
The guests:
Daniel J. Balz, communications, bachelors 1968; masters 1972
A national political correspondent for The Washington Post, Balz has been the papers lead political reporter in the past three presidential campaigns. He has assisted in covering major stories such as the impeachment of President Clinton, the death of Princess Diana, the Gulf War and peace talks in Northern Ireland and as an editor has helped oversee coverage of the explosion of the space shuttle Challenger and the Iran-Contra scandal. A frequent guest commentator on television news shows, he was part of the Posts team that reported and wrote "Deadlock: The Inside Story of Americas Closest Election," a narrative of the Florida recount. Balz is a former editor-in-chief of The Daily Illini.
Henry Givens Jr., education, masters 1961
President of Harris-Stowe State College in St. Louis, Givens is the first African American to serve as Missouris assistant commissioner of education and principal of Americas first magnet school prototype. He has dedicated 40 years to the advancement of minority students. He is the recipient of more than 100 local, state and national awards, including Missouris Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Distinguished Leadership Award.
Edward L. McMillan, agricultural, consumer and environmental sciences, bachelors 1969
He is the retired president and CEO of Purina Mills Inc., the largest U.S. manufacturer and distributor of animal nutrition products and chairman of the board for AEI Environmental Inc. McMillan continues to be a prominent leader in the animal nutrition industry and has received several distinguished industry honors. He is the
vice-chairman of the UI Alumni Association Board of Directors, has served as director the UI Foundation and has been a member of the Board of Managers of the UI Research Park LLC. McMillan received the 1995 Award of Merit from the College of ACES Alumni Association.
Sheldon B. Rubin, liberal arts and sciences, 1964; veterinary medicine, 1966; doctorate 1968.
He is the director, chief of staff and owner of Blum Animal Hospital Ltd. in Chicago. Listed as one of Chicagos top veterinarians by Town & Country magazine, Rubin organized and was president of Chicagos first emergency clinic for after-hours pet care and has served as past president of the 800-member Chicago Veterinary Medical Association. He has been active in national, state and local veterinary medical groups and has written six books on dog and cat care. He has served on the UI Alumni Association Board of Directors and is a past president of the UI Veterinary Alumni Association. Rubin is a veterinary consultant for print and broadcast media and is the veterinarian for dogs owned by television talk show host Oprah Winfrey.
