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Buildings across ÐÇ¿ÕÎÞÏÞ´«Ã½â€™s campus featured a surplus of excited visitors and blue decorations as the University celebrated their 2022 Homecoming weekend from October 7-9. 

Alumni, friends and family of ÐÇ¿ÕÎÞÏÞ´«Ã½ traveled to Decatur for the weekend to reconnect with friends, meet future alumni and celebrate being Big Blue. 

The celebration weekend featured an array of programming for all Homecoming attendees. Alumni enjoyed long-time traditions such as Chalk the Walk and the Homecoming football game. Though the Big Blue football team left Frank M. Lindsay Field with a loss against CCIW rival Augustana College on Saturday, Oct. 8, ÐÇ¿ÕÎÞÏÞ´«Ã½ University spirit was alive and well across campus. Popular Homecoming Week programming for current students included a hypnotist, zipline and the Multicultural Greek Council Step Show. Students representing campus organizations including Pipe Dreams Studio Theatre, BURST, Greek chapters and more used their artistic talents to decorate the area in front of University Commons with colorful sidewalk chalk creations.

Throughout the weekend, ÐÇ¿ÕÎÞÏÞ´«Ã½ University hosted ceremonies to present distinguished individuals with annual alumni awards, and to welcome accomplished alumni athletes into the Athletic Hall of Fame.

Alumni Awards

• Young Alumnus Award: Philip Lopez, Class of 2016
• Loyalty Award: Karen Maurer Krows, Class of 1968
• Merit Award: Dr. Thomas Mahoney, Class of 1990
• Merit-Loyalty Award: Phillip Blankenburg, Class of 1962
• Faculty/Staff Recognition Award: Professor Denise Myers
• Alumnus of the Year: Dr. C. Kimm Hollis, Class of 1972

Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees

• Football Coach Patrick Allgeier
• Robert Armstrong, Class of 1963
• Stefen Edwards, Class of 2010
• Sean Fahey, Class of 2003
• Le Ann Spesard, Class of 2013
• 2004-05 Women’s Basketball Team
• Jill Johnson

Alumni also participated in a reunion brunch event, class photos, concerts and open houses for several ÐÇ¿ÕÎÞÏÞ´«Ã½ clubs and organizations. Additionally, the 50 Year Club Brunch welcomed those alumni celebrating their 50th class reunion or greater, with a special welcome to the newly eligible Class of 1972. 

Another highlight of ÐÇ¿ÕÎÞÏÞ´«Ã½â€™s Homecoming Weekend was introducing alumni to the newest place to pick up ÐÇ¿ÕÎÞÏÞ´«Ã½ gear, the Big Blue Campus Store. The store featured a limited edition 2022 Homecoming collection to celebrate the occasion.