September 25, 2023- Millikin University will be hosting its 2023 Homecoming Celebration this upcoming weekend.
Homecoming activities begin on Friday, Sept. 29th, at noon, with the opening of Big Blue HQ in the University Commons, where visitors can check in and learn more about the weekend’s events.
Homecoming Kick-off begins at 6 pm in Miller Quad and activities include inflatable bumper cars, axe throwing, and a mechanical bull. At 8 p.m., the Homecoming Kick-Off Concert featuring the band Structurally Sound hits the stage on the Quad.
At 9 pm, a Homecoming Fireworks display in memory of Millikin alum Gary Workman ’65 will take to the sky at the Workman Family Baseball Field
On Friday, Alumni Award recipients will be honored at a celebratory dinner and program in the Bob and Debi Johnston Banquet Rooms on the third floor of the University Commons from 5:30 pm.–7:30 pm. This year’s honorees are:
- Merit-Loyalty Award: Michael Halbert ’79
- Alumnus of the Year: David J. Rathje ’58
- Merit Award: Leeann Bailey M.D. ’96
- Faculty/Staff Award: Dr. Jan Devore
- Young Alumnus Award: Joel Kim Booster ’10
- Loyalty Award: Sue Vaughan Nelson ’66
On Saturday, Sept. 30, the Big Blue Football team will face off against Illinois Wesleyan University at Frank M. Lindsay Field. Kickoff is set for 1 pm. The Big Blue are currently 0-3 on the season, and 0-2 in conference play. Millikin will look to get in the win column for the first time this season by getting a victory against not only a conference opponent, but one of their biggest rivals.
There will be a pre-game celebration where attendees can get their face painted, get temporary tattoos, and have the chance to win some Big Blue merchandise. Members of the Homecoming Royalty will be crowned at halftime of the game.
On Sunday, Oct. 1st, Athletic Hall of Fame inductees will be honored at the Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Brunch, held in the Bob and Debi Johnston Banquets Rooms in the University Commons beginning at 10:30 am. This year’s inductees are:
- Baseball player Devin Crews ’18
- Volleyball player Kelsy England Wasmuth ’12
- The 1961 Football Team
- Faculty-Staff Award: Bryan Marshall, Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Information and Athletic Communication
For more information about Millikin University’s 2023 Homecoming Celebration and for a complete list of events, click HERE.
