ISUBCA Homecoming Weekend 2026
Celebrating Homecoming with the Illinois State Black Colleagues Association (ISUBCA) is our favorite time of the year. It is a time to re-connect and fellowship with lifelong friends and experience our beloved University and its growing, talented student body.
ISUBCA invites alumni and friends to join us in a host of fun-filled activities all weekend beginning on Friday night with ISUBCA’s Meet & Greet. We encourage all to be on campus for Saturday’s parade, tailgate, and of course the football game as the Redbirds take on Indiana State. Following the game, ISUBCA’s 80’s Throwback Party featuring comedy set from Calvin Evans. The weekend will conclude with ISUBCA’s annual Scholarship Brunch on Sunday.
Illinois State University Black Colleagues Association's Homecoming events will be held on campus and in Normal. We have a few room blocks secured locally for your convenience. See more information below.
For regular updates about all things BCA, like Black Colleagues Association-Illinois State University on Facebook.
Please consider becoming a contributing member of the Black Colleagues Association and make your annual gift to support the Association and our scholarships. Join now and make an impact!
See you in October,
Cliff Gillespie ’88 & Takesha Stokes ’00
Homecoming 2026 Co-Chairs
Event Schedule
For questions or feedback about planned activities or the hotel room block, please contact ISUBCA Homecoming Co-Chairs Cliff Gillespie ’88 or Takesha Stokes ’00.
For additional information regarding all the University’s Homecoming festivities, please visit Homecoming.IllinoisState.edu or call Alumni Engagement at (309) 438-2586.
Friday, October 23
ISUBCA Meet & Greet
7 p.m. – 12 a.m.
DoubleTree Bloomington
Reconnect with fellow Redbirds and start the weekend with old friends and new memories. Hors d'oeuvres and cash bar available.
Cost: $60
Saturday, October 24
Homecoming Parade
10 a.m.
Find your place on the route to watch or if you are interested in joining BCA in the parade, please contact one of the co-chairs.
Black Alumni Tailgate
9 a.m.
Lot U91 (corner of Adelaide St. and Gregory St., next to Duffy Bass Field)
Meet us for our annual Black Alumni Tailgate! Don’t miss your favorite alumni DJ set from DJ AG and others. BCA will provide a local favorite - Avanti’s gondolas, chips, and water until exhausted.
Redbird Athletics offers tailgate parking passes for all games. These spaces sell quickly. For additional information, visit Redbird Athletics.
Redbird Football versus Indiana State
2 p.m.
Hancock Stadium
Game tickets can be purchased at GoRedbirds.com. If you need special accommodations or have ticket questions, please contact the Redbird Ticket Office at (309) 438-8000.
ISUBCA 80’s Throwback Party feat. Comedian, Calvin Evans
7 p.m.-12 a.m.
The celebration continues! Dress in your best 80’s attire and prepare laugh with ISUBCA. Hors d’oeuvres and cash bar available.
Cost: $70
Sunday, October 25
Scholarship Brunch
10 a.m.
Double Tree Bloomington
After a weekend of reuniting with fellow Redbird alumni, join us in a perfect ending. Connect over brunch with current scholarship recipients who will be our future leaders. This coveted event helps us remember why we party with a purpose.
Cost: $60
Accommodations
ISUBCA room blocks at the host hotel are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, exclusively to those who purchase a weekend package. Your room is considered held upon registration. Next steps to confirm reservation will be shared with individual purchasers.
Sponsorships
The ISUBCA invites you to support the ISUBCA Scholarship Committee by participating in our Homecoming 2026: Redbirds Reunite celebration as a sponsor or vendor October 23–25.
Various sponsorship packages and vendor opportunities are available. A portion of your sponsorship is considered tax-deductible.
Yes, I want to sponsor! Yes, I want to be a vendor!