The School of Communication’s Homecoming tailgate began a little over 20 years ago by Dr. Bill Semlak, professor emeritus of communication, and Jay Groves, former chief of staff for Illinois State University presidents Bowman and Dietz. Semlak had an RV that he would bring for many years and would park in the parking lot at about 4 or 5 in the morning.
“They would have six grills out, and they would be grilling turkeys,” said Dr. Brent Simonds, professor of mass media and the lead planner of the Homecoming tailgate. Simonds has kept this tradition alive since Semlak and Groves decided to step down after their retirements.
Setting up the tailgate began at 7 a.m. Saturday, October 15. Simonds is not the only one involved. The school rented a large trailer and a long grill, and Simonds did all the grilling of food himself. Denise Thomas, business manager for the school, was in charge of the food and merchandise that was sold at this year’s tailgate, and the tables, canopies, and some food. WZND, Illinois State University’s student-run radio station, was in charge of the music to get the crowd pumped up for the football game against South Dakota that day. (The Redbirds won by two points!)
“We have a lot of alumni that come by. That’s why it is great for students to come and meet alumni who are so proud of the fact that they came from the School of Communication,” said Simonds.
This year the School of Communication’s homecoming tailgate felt like it did before the pandemic started. This year the tailgate was in a different location than it usually had been. The space was in the parking lot just south of University High School, near the water tower.
Current students came and talked to faculty and alumni at the tailgate, creating a very good networking opportunity. Alumni from all over the United States come back just for the tailgate and to talk with faculty and current students enrolled in the school.
Three School of Communication alumni were honored this year at Illinois State’s Alumni Day Luncheon on October 14. They were chosen by the School’s Alumni Advisory Board. First was Jennifer Detweiler, who is the director of employee engagement at Expedia Group in Seattle. Second was Dr. Adam Jones, who is a professor at Illinois College. Lastly, there was Jennifer McDade, who graduated from the school’s master’s program and is now a manager and Ernst and Young. More information is available about these impressive alumni.
