Alumni Events
Housing Affinity Network Social
Saturday, February 28, 20261 to 3 p.m. | Two Brothers Roundhouse – Zephyr Room, Aurora, IL
Calling all former RAs, desk assistants, hall directors, dining staff, and everyone who made on-campus living at EIU feel like home! Join us for the Housing Affinity Network Social at Two Brothers Roundhouse, located at 205 N. Broadway, Aurora, in the Zephyr Room — a warm, welcoming space perfect for reconnecting with your housing and dining community.
Enjoy an afternoon of conversation, camaraderie, and shared memories as you reconnect with fellow alumni who helped shape the residential experience at Eastern. Whether you worked in housing or dining, this gathering is a wonderful opportunity to revive old friendships, build new connections, and celebrate the impact these teams had on generations of Panthers.
This event also serves as a kickoff toward the Housing & Dining Reunion, scheduled for June 2026 in Charleston. Come meet fellow alumni, help build excitement, and share ideas as we begin shaping a memorable reunion weekend.
Light refreshments will be provided. We look forward to bringing our housing and dining community back together — see you in Aurora!
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.
EIU Night Out in St. Louis
Thursday, March 5, 20265 to 7 p.m. | Brass Bar, St. Louis, MO
Panthers in the St. Louis area, we’re bringing Eastern to you! Join us for EIU Night Out in St. Louis at Brass Bar, located at 4584 Laclede Ave., for a fulfilling evening of connection, conversation, and Panther pride.
Enjoy great food, refreshing drinks, and plenty of time to network with fellow EIU alumni and friends from across the region. Whether you’re looking to reconnect with classmates, expand your professional circle, or simply spend time with the Eastern community close to home, this event is the perfect opportunity to strengthen your ties and meet new Panthers in the area.
We hope you’ll join us for an energizing evening of alumni camaraderie in St. Louis!
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.
Eco-Emotions- Understanding and Coping with Climate-Change Feelings
Thursday, March 5, 20264:30 to 6 p.m. | Charleston Carnegie Public Library | Virtual Via Zoom
Presented by EIU - Academy of Lifelong Learning
Join us for a Hybrid lecture Series: Climate change isn't just affecting the planet—it's affecting us. Many people are experiencing anxiety, grief, and overwhelm as they witness environmental changes like raging wildfires, stronger storms, and melting glaciers, and these feelings are valid reactions to a genuine crisis.
In this presentation, you'll learn evidence-based strategies for managing climate-related stress without disengaging. We'll explore how to channel difficult emotions into meaningful action and build resilience in uncertain times. You'll leave with practical tools for staying hopeful and engaged while confronting one of the defining challenges of our generation.
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 the Academy of Lifelong Learning at academy@eiu.edu.
EIU Night Out in Fort Worth
Wednesday, March 11, 20266 to 8 p.m. | Second Rodeo Brewing, Fort Worth, TX
Panthers in North Texas, join us for EIU Night Out in Fort Worth, set in one of the city’s most iconic destinations, the historic Fort Worth Stockyards. We’ll gather at Second Rodeo Brewing, located at 122 E Exchange Ave #340, surrounded by brick streets, Western heritage, and classic Texas character.
Whether you’re swapping stories with longtime Texans or meeting Panthers new to the Lone Star State, this event with food and craft drinks offers a uniquely Fort Worth setting to strengthen your EIU connections.
Dust off your boots (optional), soak in the Stockyards atmosphere, and celebrate Panther pride, Texas style. We can’t wait to see you there!
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.
Viewpoints: From Idea to Impact
Thursday, March 19, 2026Noon - 1 p.m. | Virtual via Zoom
Join us for Viewpoints: From Idea to Impact, a conversation featuring Rahul Wahi and Tony Zipparro, co-founders of LLT Group, as they reflect on the journey from early ideas to building a nationally recognized digital strategy agency.
This program will explore how curiosity, creativity, and collaboration can evolve into lasting leadership and meaningful impact. Rahul and Tony will share personal insights on entrepreneurship, scaling with purpose, and the role EIU had in shaping their professional paths.
The Viewpoints series immerses the EIU alumni network in storytelling, timely issues, emerging research, and shared campus history. The program highlights Eastern’s intellectual capital while creating space for reflection, dialogue, and reconnection with campus life.
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.
EIU Night Out in Valpo
Thursday, March 26, 20265 to 7 p.m. | Journeyman at American Factory, Valparaiso, IN
Panthers in Northwest Indiana—this one’s for you! Join us for EIU Night Out in Valpo at Journeyman at American Factory, 258 S Campbell St, Valparaiso, IN, a vibrant space known for its warm atmosphere, craft spirits, and community feel.
Enjoy an evening of delicious food, refreshing drinks, and relaxed networking as we bring together Eastern Illinois University alumni and friends from across the region. Whether you're hoping to reconnect with fellow Panthers, meet new faces, or build your professional network close to home, this gathering offers the perfect blend of camaraderie and conversation.
Come share stories, celebrate your EIU pride, and strengthen the Panther community in Valpo. We look forward to seeing you there!
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.
Viewpoints: A Legacy Takes Flight
Thursday, April 2, 2026Noon to 1 p.m. | Virtual via Zoom
Join us for Viewpoints: A Legacy Takes Flight, honoring the life and legacy of Major Charles Blakesly Hall, an Eastern Illinois University alumnus and trailblazing member of the Tuskegee Airmen whose courage and service helped shape history.
This engaging conversation will feature Carolyn Cloyd, Director of the Mattoon Chamber of Commerce, local historian, and President of the Coles County Historical Society, alongside Charleston High School student Gunner Barr. In 2024, Cloyd and Barr received an Untold Stories grant to research and share Major Hall’s story. That work continues through a documentary project in partnership with WEIU and the installation of a historical marker on EIU’s campus, supported by a second grant awarded in October 2025.
Major Hall attended Eastern in the late 1930s and early 1940s before leaving school to join the United States Army Air Corps. Training at Tuskegee, Alabama, Hall became part of the famed 99th Fighter Squadron and deployed to North Africa in 1943. He made history as the first African American pilot to shoot down an enemy aircraft in combat and to receive the Distinguished Flying Cross. Following his military service, Hall returned home to participate in war bond tours and speaking engagements across the country.
While Hall’s military achievements are well documented, this Viewpoints program seeks to expand his story, his connection to Eastern, his impact beyond the battlefield, and the importance of honoring his legacy at his alma mater.
The Viewpoints series immerses the EIU alumni network in storytelling, timely issues, emerging research, and shared campus history. The program highlights Eastern’s intellectual capital while creating space for reflection, dialogue, and reconnection with campus life.
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.
Fraternity & Sorority Life Alumni Reunion
Friday, April 10, 2026Join fellow members of Eastern Illinois University’s Fraternity & Sorority Life community for a weekend of reconnection, celebration, and Panther pride! Whether you graduated five years ago or fifty, the FSL Alumni Reunion is your opportunity to return to campus, relive cherished traditions, and create new memories with brothers, sisters, and lifelong friends.
Hosted in partnership with EIU Fraternity & Sorority Life, this special weekend brings alumni back together to celebrate the enduring impact of Greek Life at Eastern.
Throughout the weekend, you’ll enjoy time reconnecting at the FSL Cookout, cheering on current students at the always-entertaining Airband and Stroll Competition, and gathering for brunch at Dirty’s to wrap up the celebration. There will also be opportunities to visit campus, connect with current FSL leaders, and reflect on the legacy and leadership that define the FSL experience at EIU.
Registration includes food at Ike’s, food and beverages at the FSL Cookout, your ticket to the Airband and Stroll Competition, and appetizers during brunch at Dirty’s.
Come home to Charleston, celebrate the bonds that shaped your college experience, and be part of a weekend that honors the past while investing in the future of Fraternity & Sorority Life at EIU.
EIU Night Out in Effingham
Thursday, April 30, 2026Thursday, April 30 | 5 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.
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.