EIU Media Relations

Community Invited to Share in EIU First Night Activities

The EIU Student Government Association extends an invitation to the EIU and surrounding communities to attend the 2014 EIU First Night -- “Blue Rising” -- from 8 to 9 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 24, in the South Quad.

EIU First Night is the annual kick-off spirit rally designed to promote university pride and spirit while welcoming EIU students back to campus.  First Night kicks off the official start of a new EIU academic year.

The spirit rally will feature appearances by the EIU Pep Band and Drumline, Billy the Panther, the EIU Blue Crew, and live performances by the EIU Cheer Team, Pink Panthers and dance teams.  Featured speakers for the spirit rally will include EIU President Bill Perry and Student Body President Reginald Thedford, as well as Kim Dameron, EIU’s new head football coach, and the EIU Football Panthers who will lead fans in the countdown to the start of a new football season.

Other highlights include a March of Champions, “Who Wants to be a Mascot?” spirit competitions, the singing of the EIU Fight Song, new cheers/chants, T-shirt giveaways and more.

All Panther fans are encouraged to attend and  showcase their Panther Pride by wearing EIU colors; they, too, will become eligible to win a First Night T-shirt.

A limited number of First Night Spirit T-shirts will also be available for FREE on a first-come, first-served basis.

The 2014 EIU First Night event is sponsored by EIU Student Government, the EIU Parent’s Club, EIU Alumni Services, the MLK Jr. Union and the EIU Office of Student Community Services.