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The True Blue Forever celebration will feature athletic events, class reunions, alumni gatherings, family activities and the annual Homecoming Parade through downtown Jacksonville.

Homecoming activities begin Thursday, Oct. 8, with the Student Follies Talent Show at 8 p.m. in Rammelkamp Chapel.

Friday is Spirit Day, with alumni and friends near and far encouraged to wear blue and show their Illinois College pride. The IC Store will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Caine Student Center.

Members of the Class of 1976 are invited to celebrate their 50th class reunion from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Jacksonville Country Club. The College will also recognize outstanding former student-athletes during the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at 5:30 p.m. in Bruner Fitness and Recreation Center. The evening concludes with the Alumni Wine and Cheese Reception from 7 to 9 p.m. at Twisted Tree Music Hall.

Homecoming festivities on Saturday morning begin with Breakfast with the Blueboys from 8 to 9 a.m. in Cummings Dining Hall. Football alumni are invited to share a pregame meal with the team, hosted by Conrad Noll III ’65 and Bobby Noll ’02.

Alumni can also start Saturday with golf from 9 to 11 a.m. at K’s Creek Golf Club.

The annual Illinois College Homecoming Parade will begin at 10 a.m. in downtown Jacksonville. Illinois College Society members will have reserved parade seating in the Lincoln Hall parking lot.

Following the parade, the Alumni Association Board of Directors will host the Homecoming Celebration Luncheon from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. under the Homecoming Celebration Tent. The Tent Party and Family Activities will continue from noon to 3 p.m.

Blueboys football will take on Grinnell College at noon on Green Athletic Field at England Stadium. Illinois College Varsity Club members are invited to cheer on the Blueboys from special viewing areas in the True Blue Lounge and Bruner Classroom 3140.

Several other Illinois College athletic teams will compete on the Hilltop throughout the day. Lady Blues tennis will face Grinnell College at 3 p.m. at Bellatti Tennis Complex. Blueboys soccer will take on Knox College at 4:30 p.m., followed by Lady Blues soccer against Knox at 7 p.m. on Green Athletic Field.

Saturday will also offer several opportunities for alumni to reconnect with classmates. Reunions for the classes of 1996, 2001, 2006, 2011, 2016 and 2021 will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. in the True Blue Lounge. Members of the classes of 1991, 1986, 1981, 1976, 1971, 1966 and 1961 will gather from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at Barnes House. Literary society cozies and huddles will take place at various times and locations throughout the day.

Other Saturday traditions include an alumni swim meet at 11 a.m. in Coultas Natatorium and an alumni choir rehearsal in Rammelkamp Chapel ahead of the Homecoming football game.

Homecoming events are open to alumni, families, friends and members of the Jacksonville community. For the complete schedule of events and to RSVP, visit ic.edu/Homecoming.