Alumni Events
EIU Night Out in Tampa
Thursday, April 16, 20265 to 7 p.m. | Ulele Restaurant, Tampa, Florida
Panthers in the Tampa area, we’re headed to sunny Florida for an EIU Night Out in Tampa. Treat yourself to an evening with fellow Panthers at Ulele restaurant’s gorgeous fireside rooftop patio. We’ll provide the food, drinks, and ambience for the occasion. The only thing you need to bring is your appetite for a good time and great conversation with other EIU alumni. Join fellow Panthers to expand your professional network, reconnect over shared EIU memories, and enjoy a special evening. Together, we’ll make new friends and memories!
Advanced registration is required to attend. Ulele is located at 1810 N. Highland Ave, Tampa. Parking is available in a lot near the restaurant, across the street from Water Works Park; street parking is also available.
Eastern Illinois University is committed to providing accessible experiences for all guests. If you require accommodations to fully participate in this event, please contact University Advancement at alumeiu@eiu.edu.
Distinguished Senior Awards
Saturday, April 25, 20264 – 6 p.m. | Tarble Museum of Art
Please join us at the Tarble Museum of Art from 4 to 6 p.m. as we celebrate the 2026 Distinguished Senior Awards. This prestigious honor is presented by the EIU Alumni Association to recognize outstanding students at EIU. These graduating seniors have been nominated for displaying tremendous character through academic excellence, campus and community involvement, and leadership.
We welcome all to come support these stellar students, hear their stories, and give these graduating seniors a proper Panther send-off as they transition into the next chapter of their lives.
Advanced registration is required to attend. Light refreshments provided. The Tarble Museum of Art is located at 2010 9th St., Charleston.
Eastern Illinois University is committed to providing accessible experiences for all guests. If you require accommodations to fully participate in this event, please contact University Advancement at alumeiu@eiu.edu.
EIU Night Out in Effingham
Thursday, April 30, 20265 to 7 p.m. | The Gabby Goat, Effingham, IL
Panthers in the Effingham area, we’re bringing Eastern to you! Join us for EIU Night Out in Effingham at the Gabby Goat, located at 303 E. Fayette Avenue, for a fulfilling evening of connection, conversation, and Panther pride. Advanced registration is required.
Enjoy great food, refreshing drinks, and plenty of time to network with fellow EIU alumni and friends. Whether you’re looking to reconnect with classmates, expand your professional circle, or simply enjoy an evening out with fellow Panthers in the area, this event is the perfect opportunity to strengthen your ties and find new Panther pals.
We hope you’ll join us for an energizing evening of alumni camaraderie in Effingham!
Eastern Illinois University is committed to providing accessible experiences for all guests. If you require accommodations to fully participate in this event, please contact University Advancement at alumeiu@eiu.edu.
Viewpoints: Celebrating 131 Years of EIU
Friday, May 22, 202612 - 1 p.m. | Zoom Webinar
On May 22, 1895, Illinois Governor John Altgeld signed legislation authorizing the establishment of what is now Eastern Illinois University. In honor of Eastern’s 131st year of serving students from around Illinois and across the nation, the EIU Academy of Lifelong Learning and the EIU Viewpoints series will present the Zoom webinar, “Viewpoints: Celebrating 131 Years of EIU.”
Join us, as Professor Charlie Titus provides an engaging recap of EIU’s journey from its origins as Eastern Illinois State Normal School to today’s Eastern Illinois University. Learn how Eastern has evolved from its earliest mission of providing professional preparation for teachers to its role as a multifaceted university of the twenty-first century. This webinar is presented by the Academy of Lifelong Learning and the Viewpoints series.
EIU Housing & Dining Staff Reunion
Friday, June 5, 2026Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, IL
Calling all former Housing and Dining team members—come back to where it all began! Join fellow resident assistants, desk assistants, hall directors, dining staff, and student leaders for the EIU Housing & Dining Staff Reunion Weekend, a special opportunity to reconnect with colleagues, relive memorable moments, and celebrate the impact Housing and Dining had on generations of Panthers.
Throughout the weekend, alumni will have opportunities to gather with former coworkers and friends, revisit the residence halls and campus spaces where so many memories were made, and reconnect with the community that helped shape the EIU student experience. From casual social gatherings to shared meals and time spent reminiscing about life in the halls, the weekend is designed to bring the Housing & Dining family back together.
Housing and Dining staff played a vital role in building community at Eastern—supporting students, creating welcoming spaces, and forming lifelong friendships along the way. This reunion is a chance to celebrate that legacy while reconnecting with the people who made the experience so meaningful.
Whether you worked in the halls, behind the desk, in dining operations, or in professional staff roles, we hope you’ll return to Charleston to celebrate the Housing & Dining community and the lasting bonds formed during your time at Eastern. We can’t wait to welcome you back to campus!
Advanced registration is required. Eastern Illinois University is committed to providing an accessible experience for all guests. If you require accommodations to fully participate in this event, please contact University Advancement at alumeiu@eiu.edu.
More information and register here!
EIU Night Out in Springfield
Thursday, June 11, 20265 - 7 p.m. | Ace Sign Company | Springfield, IL
Panthers in the Springfield area, we’re bringing Eastern to you! Join us for EIU Night Out in Springfield at the historic Ace Sign Company Museum, located at 2540 S. 1st Street in Springfield, for a fun evening of networking and conversation with other Panther alumni.
Enjoy great food, refreshing drinks, and plenty of time to network with fellow EIU alumni and friends. If you’re looking to reconnect with classmates, expand your professional circle, or simply enjoy an evening out with fellow Panthers in the area, this event is the perfect opportunity to strengthen your ties and find new Panther pals!We hope you’ll join us for an engaging evening with fellow Panthers in Springfield!
Advanced registration is required. Eastern Illinois University is committed to providing accessible experiences for all guests. If you require accommodations to fully participate in this event, please contact University Advancement at alumeiu@eiu.edu.
Chicago Cubs - EIU Night at the Ballpark
Wednesday, June 17, 2026Game 7:05 p.m. | Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL
Celebrate being a part of Eastern Illinois University during EIU Night at the Ballpark on June 17. Come join us at historic Wrigley Field to watch the Chicago Cubs take on the Colorado Rockies in a night game starting at 7:05 p.m. Tickets must be purchased in advance using the link below. Tickets for Cubs games at Wrigley Field will be delivered exclusively as mobile tickets via the MLB Ballpark App. No physical tickets will be available.
Bring your EIU pride and come join the crowd with or without peanuts and Cracker Jack. Gather your fellow Panthers and get your tickets today!
Purchase Chicago Cubs tickets.
St. Louis Cardinals - EIU Day at the Ballpark
Sunday, July 26, 2026Festivities 11:15 a.m. / Game 1:15 p.m. | Busch Stadium, St. Louis, MO
Celebrate being a part of Eastern Illinois University during EIU Day at the Ballpark on July 26. Enjoy a Sunday afternoon filled with Panther Pride and baseball at Busch Stadium as the St. Louis Cardinals take on the Cincinnati Reds. Tickets are limited and must be purchased in advance using the link below. Tickets will be delivered exclusively as mobile tickets via the MLB Ballpark app. No physical tickets will be available.
Game time is 1:15 p.m., but the fun starts earlier with this special suite ticket package for EIU. Each registrant will receive a suite ticket to access the game and the EIU party suites with food and drinks included. Access to the EIU party suites starts two hours before the game at 11:15 a.m. Come out early and mingle with fellow Panthers before the game. Gather your fellow Panthers and get your tickets today.
Purchase St. Louis Cardinals tickets.
Chicago White Sox - EIU Day at the Ballpark
Saturday, August 8, 2026Festivities 4:40 p.m. / Game 6:10 p.m. | Rate Field, Chicago, IL
Calling all Eastern Illinois University students, alumni, faculty, and fans, we want to take you out to the ballgame. Come join us at Rate Field on Saturday, Aug. 8, to mingle with fellow Panthers and watch the Chicago White Sox take on the Cleveland Guardians. Tickets must be purchased in advance using the link below.
This special ticket package includes a Patio Pass for networking with other EIU alumni before the game. Food and drinks will be provided from 4:40 to 6:40 p.m., with the game beginning at 6:10 p.m. Catch up with friends, grab a bite to eat with a refreshing drink, and enjoy an evening of baseball. Hear the crack of the bat and the roar of the crowd, while surrounded by a sea of EIU pride. Gather your fellow Panthers and get your tickets today.
2026 Homecoming
Friday, October 23, 2026Save-the-date! Homecoming Weekend is scheduled for Oct. 23-24, with the Panthers scheduled to meet the Southeast Missouri Redhawks at O’Brien Field on Saturday, Oct. 24.
It’s time to come home, Panthers! From the roar of the crowd at O’Brien Field to the tradition-filled parade and lively alumni gatherings, this is your weekend to reconnect, celebrate, and make new memories.