College celebrates historic 75th
By John Baracani
For the first time since 1986, IVCC will celebrate homecoming.
Throughout the weekend of October 15-17, the college will celebrate its historic 75th anniversary with a wide variety of activities and special events. These events, organized by Fran Brolley and Bonita Dahlbach, director of public information and director of development, respectively, will kick off on Friday, October 15 from noon to 3 p.m. with Spirit Day, in front of the college's main building.
"I think we picked a good day for Spirit Day," Brolley said. "It's in a good location; we'll catch students leaving and they'll see what's going on."
Other happenings scheduled throughout homecoming weekend include a 1950's mixer, also on Friday, at the Starved Rock Lodge Great Hall from 5-9 p.m. and a 7.5 K Run/Walk beginning at 9 a.m. on Saturday at the cross country track on campus.
Homecoming activities conclude on Sunday with the "Clash at the Hilltop" 3 on 3 basketball tournament at 8 a.m., and an Open House featuring classic cars, bands, and water fights from 12-3 p.m. The Open house will be sponsored by Blood, Sweat, and Gears and the Automotive Technology Department.
Men and women participating in the 3 on 3 tournament will compete in one of four divisions, with a maximum of four players per team. The levels of competition are: junior high (6-8th grades), high school, an open group, and ages 30 and over. There is a $50 entry fee. Anyone interested may contact Tony Ruda at 224-0333 or Bob Koopmann at 224-0505. The "Clash at the Hilltop" will be sponsored by the Educational Fitness Center and the baseball program.
According to Brolley, the purpose of this year's homecoming activities is not only to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the college, but to allow both graduates and current students to enjoy themselves.
" The purpose is to bring people home, obviously, and to honor past graduates, and to have a good time. Current students can have a good time as well," he said.
Brolley said that the college also hopes to form an alumni association, which he said would be another way for graduates to remain involved with the college.
He also said that there are plans to get student organizations and athletic teams involved in the homecoming festivities in order to help attract more students and get them to participate in the school's first homecoming in 13 years.
"It's a challenge (to get students involved), but I think we can attract a good group of students," Brolley said.
Alumni are being contacted by mail with more information on homecoming weekend.