Homecoming and Family Weekend have combined this year for a week-long event on the Hilltop. From Sept. 12 to 18, students, family members, faculty and staff can participate in a variety of activities, including familiar traditions and a number of new events.
Today
Painting of Lydias — 2 p.m., Olin Quad – Student organizations kick off homecoming week with this time-honored tradition of painting wooden cutouts of the university’s founder. The best Lydia wins a pizza party and eternal glory.
Monday, Sept. 12
Lighting of the B — 7 p.m., Founder’s Circle – Fireworks, music and free T-shirts … That’s enough to make this event the highlight of homecoming week for most Bradley students.
Wednesday, Sept. 14
Homecoming Pageant — 7 p.m., Michel Student Center Ballroom – Members of the 2016 homecoming court will compete in a traditional pageant, and judges will crown the homecoming king and queen. Winners receive scholarships, bouquets and the much-coveted crowns and tiaras.
Friday, Sept. 16
Dueling Pianos — 7 p.m., Michel Student Center Ballroom – A Hilltop favorite, Dueling Pianos returns to Bradley with a Friday night performance.
Saturday, Sept. 17
Pancake Breakfast hosted by Fellows — 8 a.m., Williams Cafeteria – The first of many student-run breakfasts this combined homecoming/Family Weekend. All proceeds benefit Easter Seals.
Farmers Market — 9 a.m., Founder’s Circle – A relatively new addition to Family Weekend, this event features vendors from the Bradley and Peoria community. Visitors can purchase anything from fresh produce to crafts, as well as learn about different Bradley organizations.
Hilltop Trot 5k run — 9 a.m., Markin Recreaion Center – This annual run raises money for Bradley’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program and meanders through Laura Bradley Park, as well as the Bradley campus.
Homecoming soccer game — 7 p.m., Shea Stadium – Break out your face paint, pom-poms and air horns (maybe not air horns) and get ready to tailgate or cheer in the stands at the homecoming soccer game. This year, Bradley takes on the Evansville Aces.
Pep Rally & Parents of the Year Award — 3 p.m., Alumni Quad – Who’s got the most spirit, and whose parents are the best? There’s only one way to find out, and that’s by stopping by the homecoming pep rally and Parents of the Year award ceremony on the Alumni Quad.
