For those who didn’t know, Homecoming 2019’s theme was Come One. Come All. And that we did! Whether it was large turnout at Illinois State University Black Colleagues Association (ISUBCA) events or friends telling the Homecoming committee how good of a time they had, it is clear that ISUBCA knows how to put the fun into Homecoming. Those who missed Homecoming, or just want to reminisce, have the opportunity to view all the photos from the weekend.
This year Homecoming kicked off with the Meet and Greet on Friday with over 200 in attendance. Guests enjoyed food and drinks along with a photo booth provided by Tim Lee of Enchanted Mirror. Then came a highlight of the weekend with a stellar performance by R&B artist Eric Roberson. Many found his set engaging, especially his impromptu performance of What’s Better than Chocolate. As one alum said, “Many arrived not knowing him and left loving him.”
BCA in the Homecoming Parade.
Challenges arose on Saturday as the rain began before the parade started. Alumni and students answered the call by participating in spite of the weather. The tailgate party featured a new keepsake, a mobile stage. Alumni, students, guests, and the members of the Divine 9 surprisingly fought through the rainy weather and made it the best time. Even in the rainy condition, the Redbirds still defeated the Indiana State Sycamores, 24-7.
If the tailgate wasn’t enough, the Illuminating Black Experience Party had something for everyone. ISUBCA had a DJ for attendees’ listening and dancing pleasure, playing everything from hip-hop to house music. So whether guests wanted to dance all night or just preferred food and drinks among friends, ISUBCA had their back.
Now ask anyone what the highlight of the weekend was, and they will say it was the scholarship breakfast. It was a chance to hear 14 of Illinois State’s most deserving students tell why their BCA scholarship is important to them and to thank all those present or not for their support. The stories these scholarship recipients shared were amazing and made this a high point of the weekend. On top of all this inspiration and thanks, over $15,000 was raised at the breakfast for scholarships administered by ISUBCA! Please remember ISUBCA can use continued support as it tries to provide more scholarships to deserving students.
Several ISUBCA 2019–2020 scholarship recipients with President Larry Dietz.
The Alumni Association and the Black Colleagues Association appreciated all who attended and were glad to provide the opportunity to reminisce with fellow alumni, students and guests while celebrating with ISUBCA. You can see all the fun we captured during Homecoming by visiting the University’s Flickr feed.
