Rebekah Smith
Ah, Homecoming—the time when alumni return to their alma mater to reminisce on their days at Illinois Wesleyan University. Homecoming week consisted of multiple events, competitions, performances and receptions to give former Titans a warm welcome home.
“Homecoming has become a four-day event that is jam-packed with exciting activities, beginning this year with the Scholarship Benefactors Dinner on Thursday and concluding with the Camerata Orchestra and Chamber Music Concert on Sunday afternoon,” President Wilson said.
“Over 1,200 alumni participated in activities ranging from a ceremony honoring three distinguished alums at the Homecoming Luncheon and a celebration of the Sesquicentennial of the School of Music to the 64th Annual Titan Games and Reunion Dinners and Receptions scattered all across the twin cities. It truly was a great weekend to be a Titan,” continued Wilson.
At the Hansen Student Center on Wednesday evening, IWU students attended the “Taste of Homecoming” to try out pizza from various restaurants around Bloomington-Normal.
“They had a great selection of pizza and desserts, which made this year’s event even more enjoyable than in the past,” junior Nicolette Larsen said.
Thursday night was the Lip Sync contest where everyone came together to sing and dance to some classic “Off the Charts” songs. There was even a special surprise performance to “All About That Bass” by Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life, Blake Bradley, that got the crowd on their feet singing along.
Friday night consisted of the Titanium Pep Rally, Clash of the Classes and the Greek Games. During the rally, there was a performance by the IWU Dance Team, games with the IWU Cheerleaders and the announcement of the 2014 Homecoming Royalty. Seniors Josie Linman and Jordan Collins were crowned King and Queen. **Insert quotes from Jordan and Josie**
The Greek Games followed with the NPC Sorority Scramble, the Theta Chi, TKE and Acacia Chariot Race and the FIJI and Sigma Chi rope pull.
“My first Titanium Pep Rally was one of the most hectic events I’ve ever witnessed,” first-year MC Tyler Casebolt said. “I can only compare the Greek Spirit to a Justin Bieber concert mixed with the Olympics.”
On Friday, the Illinois Wesleyan School of Music celebrated its 150th year with a gala that included performances from current and alumni music students. **Insert quote from music student**
The Shirk Center parking lot and Titan Drive near the football stadium were filled with tailgating Titans before the football game. It was an exciting time for alumni to catch up with old friends before watching the Titans play CCIW rival, Augustana.
“Walking around the quad and just being on campus again made me feel like I had never spent any time away, but at the same time, I felt like I had been gone for years since so much had already changed,” said 2014 graduate Michelle Kreiger.
“The best part was definitely reconnecting with friends and professors, filling in everyone on where my life has taken me over the past few months, and hearing what everyone else has been doing. It’s sad that Homecoming only lasts for a couple of days, but I can’t wait to come back next year and see where everyone is,” Kreiger said.
Homecoming is always a fun time full of friendship and Titan pride, and it’s a great time for alumni and current students alike to show their love for Illinois Wesleyan University.
“Being able to spend the weekend back at IWU each year for Homecoming truly is a feeling of coming home. It’s more than just being reunited with old friends; it’s seeing that, even though time has passed, your friendships and relationships with professors and staff haven’t changed. Even meeting the current students on campus reaffirms that these people are still your family and IWU is forever your home,” said 2012 graduate Kasey Evans.