Oct. 23 to 25 marks the 100th Homecoming for Eastern with a week full of events. These events are aimed to show school spirit and appreciation.

Calley Stevenson, an alumnus, said attending Homecoming would be special to reconnect with the Eastern community.

“Being back at Eastern’s atmosphere and being surrounded by my friends who I have so many great memories with is what makes Homecoming special for a grad,” Stevenson said.

There are many activities planned for during the week and for the weekend.

Panthers on the PROWL Team will be happening all week, which encourages the Eastern community members to wear blue and if spotted by the PROWL team, a prize will be rewarded.

Another event happening all week is “Billy in the Schools,” which is where Eastern’s panther mascot will visit different schools and participates in contests for prizes.

The Coronation, which is the crowning of Homecoming King and Queen, Prince and Princess, will be at 7 p.m. Oct. 19. in the McAfee Gym.

Also, on that day, there will be sidewalk parties, which will invite participation for activities and will involve giveaways.

The Homecoming Pep Rally/Yell Like Hell will be on Oct. 23. At 7 p.m. in McAfee Gym and is created to show off school spirit for the football game.

Students will have the opportunity to perform cheers, dance routines and contests for the event.

Eric Benson, a junior sociology major, said he is looking forward to tailgating and being with friends before the football game on Saturday.

“I think Homecoming is fun because not everyone always goes to the game, but because of Homecoming it brings the student body together and it shows our school spirit and support for our team,” Benson said.

Homecoming Service Day will be noon on Oct. 20. in the Martin Luther King Jr. University Union. The even allows anyone to participate in the service project giving back to the local community.

Family Fun night will also, on Oct. 20. at 5 p.m., which allows Eastern and Charleston communities to participate in bingo, have refreshments, play games and more.

A T-shirt swap where the first 250 Eastern students will have the opportunity to swap their old school shirt for a free new Eastern T-shirt. The swap happens on Oct. 22. At 11 a.m. in the Library Quad. The collected tees will be donated to a charity.

There will be many more activities during the weekend of Homecoming, go on Eastern’s website to learn more.

Ashley Johnson can be reached at 581-2812 or anjohnson8@eiu.edu