Eureka College invites alumni, families and friends to celebrate 2026 Homecoming

EUREKA, Ill. (September 14, 2026) — Eureka College will welcome alumni, families, students and friends back to campus September 18-20 for Homecoming 2026, a celebration of Eureka traditions, connections and Red Devil pride.

This year’s Homecoming, themed “Respect the Culture: This is Us!,” will feature activities throughout the week for current students, followed by a full slate of weekend events for alumni, families and friends. This year, visitors will also have an opportunity to tour Eureka’s new Student Success Center, which opened its first phase in May.

“Homecoming is always a special time at Eureka College,” said Eureka College President Dr. Jamel Wright. “It gives us an opportunity to celebrate the people and traditions that make Eureka such a special place while welcoming generations of Red Devils back home and showing off our new Student Success Center.”

Homecoming events for alumni will begin on Friday, Sept.18 with a networking event, alumni celebrations, affinity group receptions, and a family bonfire. The full weekend of planned events includes:

Friday, Sept. 18

• 4-5:30 p.m. – Alumni / Student Networking Event | Location: Reagan Museum

• 6-8 p.m. – Alumni Awards Celebration | Location: Terrill Rooms

• 8-10 p.m. – Alumni Group Gatherings

  • African American Affinity Group Reception | Location: Burgoo

  • Reagan Scholars Reception | Location: Reagan Museum

  • Dr. Paul Small Retirement Reception | Location: Rigazio

  • All Alumni Reception | Location: Terrill Rooms

• 9 p.m. – Family Reunion Bonfire | Location: Ben Major Quad

Saturday, Sept. 19

• 10 a.m. – Food Trucks | Location: By the Reagan Athletic Complex

• 10:30 a.m. – Eureka College Athletics Hall of Fame Ceremony, with reception immediately following in the Terrill Rooms. Open to the public and free to attend. | Location: Becker Auditorium

• 11 a.m. – United @ Eureka | Location: Student Success Center

• 11 a.m. – Tailgating Begins | Location: By the Reagan Athletic Complex

  • 12 – 4 p.m. – Alumni Tailgating Tent | Reagan Athletic Complex Lawn

• 2 p.m. – Homecoming Football: Red Devils vs. St. Norbert College | Location: McKinzie Field

• Halftime – Special performance by South Side Steel and recognition of Eureka College Athletics Hall of Fame honorees | Location: McKinzie Field

Sunday, Sept. 20

• Noon – Sunday Chapel & History Walk | Location: Terrill Rooms at Cerf Center

• 2 p.m. – Love Is On The Air Reagan Movie Screening | Location: Becker Auditorium

Homecoming events are open to alumni, students, families, and friends. Some events may require advance registration or tickets.

For a complete schedule of Homecoming activities, registration information, and the latest event details, visit eureka.edu/homecoming.

About Eureka College

Located on nearly 70 wooded acres in Eureka, Illinois, and chartered in 1855, Eureka College cultivates excellence in learning, service, and leadership while providing students uniquely personalized educational opportunities. Eureka College holds the unique distinction of being the first college in Illinois—and among the first in the nation—to admit men and women on an equal basis. The College, originally founded by abolitionist members of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), is the smallest of only 24 colleges and universities to ever award a bachelor’s degree to a future President of the United States.

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MEDIA CONTACT:

Austin Woodside, Director of Sports Information, at 309-467-6377 or awoodside@eureka.edu; or Communications@eureka.edu or 405-888-3683.