FAYETTE, IOWA (September 13, 2021) — Homecoming is a tradition which has stood the test of time. Each year, schools of all types and sizes come together for athletic competitions, tailgating, student success fundraisers, alumni reunions, recognition ceremonies, and many other celebratory events. At Upper Iowa University, this year's Homecoming theme commemorates all of the success stories of past, current and future members of the UIU family in "Peacock Pride 2020NE."
Among the alumni being recognized is Homecoming Grand Marshall Dennis Murdock ('68). A UIU Board of Trustees member, the retiree compiled over 45 years of experience in the electric-utility industry at CIPCO, with responsibilities in accounting, finance, contracts, and power supply, and a broad range of experience working with community leaders across the CIPCO service territory, stretching from the Mississippi River on the eastern border of the state to nearly Missouri and Nebraska on the southwestern border.
Oher special guests of the 2021 Homecoming celebration are Alumni Award honorees Jon Miller ('75), Pella, Iowa; Marcia Andrews ('79), Fayette, Iowa; Dietrich Cerna ('11), Grand Prairie, Texas; Hadeel Osman Suliman ('14), Khartoum, Sudan; and David Stevens ('77), McKinney, Texas. The five award-winners will be recognized during the Alumni Awards and Honor Class Brunch scheduled for 9:30AM in the Student Center Ballroom, October 2.
Additional information about the Homecoming grand marshals, alumni-award recipients, and royalty candidates will be announced in the near future.
The 2021 Upper Iowa University Homecoming schedule includes the following events and activities:
Monday, September 27
Blue Pride Worldwide and Window Painting
Community members are invited to let their imagination run wild decorating their front porch, lawn, office, dorm-room, or windows; sharing their creativity on social media, using #UIUHomecoming.
Tuesday, September 28
Chalk It Up
The community can also take part in this fun UIU tradition. Grab some chalk and show your school spirit on your sidewalk or driveway. Share designs using #UIUHomecoming.
Wednesday, September 29
Ice Cream Social
Free ice cream, 2-3:30PM, at Grace Meyer Square on Fayette Campus.
Thursday, September 30
Patriotic Day
The paintings and drawings of University of Mary Hardin-Baylor assistant professor of art Stephanie Chambers will be featured during an art reception, 3:30-5PM, at Bing-Davis Memorial Gallery. Refreshments will be served.
A Patriotic Day Welcome Home Dinner will be held, 5:30-7:30PM, in the Andres Atrium. This all-class reunion dinner is complimentary, hosted by the Alumni Association, and a perfect way to start the weekend. RSVP required.
The traditional pep rally, King and Queen coronation, and bonfire will be held at 7:30PM in the Peacock Pavilion tailgating area. In the case of inclement weather, the pep rally and coronation will be held in Dorman Gym.
Friday, October 1
UIU Spirit Day
A Homecoming picnic will be held from 11AM-1:30PM, in the Student Center Servery. Join fellow Campus community members for a BBQ lunch. Outdoor seating will be available. Cost is $6.50 or one meal-swipe.
Join the School of Arts and Sciences in viewing student research project posters at the Research, Internship and Creative Endeavors program, 1-2:30PM, at Baker-Hebron Hall, Garbee Hall and Liberal Arts Building.
The ninth annual President's Fundraising Ball is scheduled to begin at 5:30PM in the Student Center Ballroom. As the University continues to look “Onward and Upward,” visit www.uiu.edu/presidentsball for additional information.
Saturday, October 2
Game Day
The Archives Takeaway Display and Social opens at 8:30AM in the Student Center. Persons who RSVP may discover featured photos and articles of themselves gathered from the UIU Archives. Coffee will be available for guests. Alumni are also invited to share their UIU experiences and visit the Henderson-Wilder Library for more info on alumni accounts and how to search for articles. For additional information, contact UIU Archives at 563-425-5722 or archives@uiu.edu.
The Alumni Awards and Honor Class Brunch will be held at 9:30AM in the Student Center Ballroom. In addition to the Alumni Award Honorees, the Heritage Society Members, and the classes of 1970 and 1971 will be recognized. All alumni and guests are welcome.
A Peacock Show and Shine will be held 10AM- noon in the Dorman Parking Lot. Alumni and area community-members are invited to show off their classic cars. Participants are also welcome to join in the parade immediately following.
The Homecoming Parade will be held in downtown Fayette at noon. All are invited to join a Peacock caravan through the streets of Fayette (UTVs and golf carts are welcome). To submit a parade entry, visit www.uiu.edu/homecoming.
Live Music featuring Beau Timmerman will be held 12-3PM in the tailgate area.
Kick-off for the UIU Homecoming football game versus Southwest Minnesota State University is scheduled for 3PM at Harms-Eischeid Stadium.
Sunday, October 3
Peacock Soccer
The Peacock men's soccer team will face University of Wisconsin-Parkside at 2PM at Pattison Field.
Additional information and a full schedule of Peacock Pride 2020NE activities and events, can be viewed at www.uiu.edu/homecoming.
About Upper Iowa University Founded in 1857, Upper Iowa University is a private, non-profit university providing undergraduate- and graduate-degree programs to about 4,500 students — nationally and internationally — at its Fayette, Iowa, Campus and over twenty US locations. Upper Iowa University is a recognized innovator in offering accredited, quality programs through flexible, multiple-delivery systems, including online and self-paced degree programs. With a focus on developing leaders and lifelong learners, UIU provides dual-enrollment programs for high-school students as well as continuing-education and professional-development opportunities for learners of any age. For more information, visit www.uiu.edu.
