The University of Illinois has had the longest-standing homecoming tradition in the nation. It spans from the University’s first Homecoming in 1910 to now, 113 years later in 2023.
Illinois has been credited with the first homecoming, a week dedicated to honoring and welcoming back alumni to their alma mater for a week of celebrations.
The plans began in the spring of 1910 on the steps of the University YMCA, where 28-year-old Walter Elmer “EK” Ebaw and 23-year-old Clarence Foss “Dab” Williams, both seniors, sat discussing their upcoming graduation.
At the University Archives, it is rumored that while sitting on the steps, one said to the other, “I’d like to do something really big for the old school before I leave.”
The senior duo then came up with a plan to pitch to the University a way to honor alumni. Before the idea of Homecoming Week, alumni were invited back to the University during the week of graduation commencement.
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The students wanted to change the event to a longer time span, such as a week during the academic calendar where current students would have the opportunity to build relationships with alumni.
The idea began on March 13, 1960, and was brought to the University’s panel for approval from George Schoefall’s committee.
The committee went back and forth for about a month, discussing the rationale behind adding this University-wide event to the scholastic calendar.
Finally, on April 12, 1910, Schoeffel’s committee agreed, stating, “It is the belief of your petitioner that the setting aside of such a day as a holiday would allow alumni and students to come into closer touch with each other, and that a true conception of the real greatness of the University that would result would create a more active and sincere loyalty to the University.”
Various committees and organizations immediately came together to begin preparation for Illinois’ first Homecoming. They raised money by selling cardboard homecoming tags, subscriptions and various merchandise, such as orange and blue “Loyalty Hats” to create a sea of the University’s colors.
By raising money, creating events and decorating the entire campus with orange and blue bunting banners hanging from University buildings, the first Homecoming debuted Friday, Oct. 14, 1910.
At the first Homecoming on the afternoon of Oct. 14, three events were scheduled. The first was a match between the Illinois baseball team, known as the Illinois 1000 Percent Team because of its perfect record in 1910 versus the Alumni All Stars, a squad made up of former Illini.
At the first Homecoming, the annual pushball contest pitting the sophomore class against the freshmen class was created.
Even in 1910, the football game had been the main focus of the Homecoming events. Kickoff began at 2:30 p.m. on Oct. 15, when Illinois played their then-rivals, the University of Chicago. The game resulted in the Illini defeating Chicago with a score of 3-0.
One of the largest traditions is the Homecoming Court, which also dates back to the first Homecoming. The court consists of 20 student leaders in senior standing who are selected based on their outstanding academic achievements, their leadership on campus and their community involvement.
Baylor University had an event in 1909 welcoming alumni back for a “Home-coming,” which some argue to be the first homecoming — however, Baylor University did not continue this tradition in following years.
Therefore, Illinois has been accredited with the first week-long homecoming celebration and the longest-running tradition since declaring it would be an annual event in 1911.
The University has celebrated Homecoming annually since 1910, only ever missing one year in 1918 due to an influenza outbreak.
As many students may know, the homecoming tradition is still honored and anticipated by the University. This year’s celebration will take place Oct. 21, where the Fighting Illini will take on the University of Wisconsin Badgers in the Homecoming football game.
Although the game is the main focal point of Homecoming, there are many events sponsored by the University and other organizations throughout the week.
Homecoming Celebration at the Illini Union
Join students, faculty and alumni at the Illini Union in room 103 from 2-4 p.m. on Oct. 20 for a time of socialization and recollection of years past. Available will be Illini-themed merchandise, historical items, Block I cookies, a cocoa station, walking tours of the Illini Union and more. Members of student organizations, cultural houses and Greek life will be present to connect with other students or staff. Register for the event on the Illinois website under 2023 homecoming events.
Homecoming Parade
One of the closing events of the weekend is the University’s 2023 Homecoming Parade. It will take place Oct. 20 at 6:30 p.m. and will feature various student organizations, the 2023 Homecoming Court, The Marching Illini and other groups.
Certain portions of Gregory Drive, First Street and Fourth Street will be closed.
The parade begins at Kirby and Fourth and travels around the stadium to end at Kirby and First.
Pep Rally
Following the Homecoming Parade, Grange Grove will host the 2023 Pep Rally.
Historically, the Pep Rally has been free admission and features coaches, student athletes and the Homecoming Court, according to Fighting Illini Athletics.
Saturday Night Live: Homecoming Edition
At Neil, Park, Market and Taylor streets in downtown Champaign, a collaboration between 40 North and the Chancellor’s Committee will host Saturday Night Live: Homecoming Edition on Oct. 21. From 6-9 p.m., there will be performances from local talent, a live painting, glitter and henna tattoos and more.
