The Illinois State Black Colleagues Association (BCA) Homecoming co-chairs Dennis Banks ’85 and Sylvester Davis ’99, M.S. ’04, are pleased to continue the trend of a historic year.
During the University’s 100th Homecoming celebration, the BCA surpassed all goals and previous giving records with $30,672.83 in gifts to support the academic success of student scholars.
“We are simply delighted with the unprecedented response to our call to action for our students—especially given we are still in a pandemic,’’ Banks said.
A virtual fundraiser launched the celebration on Thursday with the incomparable DJ Vince Adams back on the mic pumping up Redbirds for the weekend while keeping them focused on the true mission of raising awareness.
On Friday, an alumni meet and greet brought Redbirds back to campus for the first time since 2019. OVer 300 alumni and friends passed through Hancock Stadium Club for photos and cocktails with friends and a string of dance tunes provided by Ray Richardson ‘77, trailblazing professional sports writer and gifted spin artist.
The spirit was high and carried over into Saturday’s tailgate, where nearly 1,000 gathered at the corner of Adelaide and Gregory for food, fun, and laughs under bright, sunny skies.
National Pan-Hellenic Council student leaders and several Divine Nine organizations stepped up to dazzle the crowd. Even President Terri Goss Kinzy and Mr. Scott Kinzy stopped by to get in on the enthusiasm.
After the afternoon’s festivities, some alumni ventured out for celebrations, while many enjoyed a game night at the host hotel complete with table games such as Bid Whist, dominoes, and CultureTags.
Although the historic year is over, BCA is ready to see more records broken and memories made at Homecoming 2022: Celebrating Red happening October 10-16, 2022.
See photos of all the Homecoming fun.
