The University of Illinois Springfield invites alumni and the community to take part in its annual Homecoming celebration Sept. 14-20, 2025. This year’s theme, “Written in the Stars,” highlights the traditions and connections that unite Prairie Stars past and present.

UIS Homecoming has been a campus tradition since 1996, offering a week of events designed to foster pride and spirit. The celebration is hosted by UIS Athletics, the UIS Alumni Association, Student Affairs, the Student Activities Committee and Student Life.

Highlights of the week include a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Library Commons, a Pep Rally Block Party, athletic events, the Prairie Stars 5K and the Alumni Gala. Most events are open to alumni and the public, except where noted.

Sept. 19

• Library Commons Groundbreaking
  1:30 p.m., UIS quad near the Student Union
  UIS will host a groundbreaking for its new Library Commons building. The three-story, 52,000-square-foot facility is a publicly funded project made possible by a $42.5 million investment from the State of Illinois. The building will be located between the Student Union and the Health Sciences Building on the UIS quad.
  
• Pep Rally Block Party
  3 p.m., south of the Student Union
  Join students, alumni and friends for live music and food available for purchase as Homecoming weekend kicks off.
  
• Prairie Stars Soccer vs. Quincy
  5 p.m., women’s game; 7:30 p.m., men’s game, Kiwanis Stadium
  
• Friday Night Star Party
  8 p.m., Brookens Library Roof
  The UIS Astronomy-Physics program will host a public viewing at the UIS Campus Observatory. Star Parties are free and open to everyone; walk-ups are encouraged. Learn more about Star Parties.
  
• Homecoming Fireworks and Bonfire
  9 p.m., south of TRAC
  Celebrate after the men’s soccer game with fireworks and a bonfire.

Sept. 20

• Prairie Stars 5K
  8:30 a.m., outside TRAC
  The 10th annual Prairie Stars 5K offers a flat, easy run/walk through campus. Participants receive a T-shirt and are eligible for door prizes. Learn more about registration.
  
• Prairie Stars Volleyball vs. Maryville
  4 p.m., TRAC
  
• Alumni Gala (Alumni only)
  5:30 p.m., Student Union Ballroom
  The annual gala features dinner, drinks, music, dancing and the presentation of the UIS Alumni Awards honoring outstanding alumni and community members. Tickets are available.

Learn more about Homecoming events.