All Roads Lead Home to Homecoming & Family Weekend, Sept. 23–27 at SIUE

All Roads Lead Home to Homecoming & Family Weekend, Sept. 23-27 at SIUE

The Route 66 Centennial Celebration will become part of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's own story during Homecoming & Family Weekend, Sept. 23-27. This year's theme, "All Roads Lead Home," celebrates the miles traveled, memories made and Cougar connections that continue to bring alumni, students, families and community members back to campus.

"'All Roads Lead Home' is more than a theme, it's an invitation to connect," said Miriam Roccia, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs. "Homecoming and Family Weekend is one of the few times when students, alumni, and families walk the same campus paths at the same time, and that convergence matters. Throughout the weekend, we have created opportunities for participants to connect with each other, with their SIUE story, and with the community that shaped it. Whatever road brought you here, we hope this weekend reminds you that you always have a home on this campus."

Favorite Homecoming traditions will return alongside new experiences, including the first drone show ever held in Edwardsville and the Paws on Route 66 Car Show.

"We hope everyone leaves feeling connected to SIUE and to one another," said Cathy Taylor, associate vice chancellor for University Advancement and executive director of Alumni and Donor Relations. "This year's theme celebrates the different paths our alumni, students, families and friends have traveled and the Cougar connections that continue to bring us together."

Signature celebrations begin with COUGARFEST - Rock the Quad, SIUE's outdoor music and food truck festival, from 7-10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25, on the Stratton Quad. The free, family-friendly event will feature live music from Jackson & Mars, food trucks and fun activities. The drone show will take place during COUGARFEST and is made possible through a grant from the Route 66 Centennial Commission.

"Attendees can expect 450 drones to illuminate the sky above campus with a series of SIUE and Route 66-themed animations," said Taylor. "The show will open with the SIUE Cougar logo, creating a moment of school spirit unlike anything we have seen before."

At 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, the celebration continues with the 11th annual Cougars Unleashed Homecoming Run and Pancake Breakfast on the Stratton Quad.

Designed for participants of all ages and abilities, the race includes a 5K, 10K and Fun Run. SIUE expects more than 800 runners to take part before gathering for a hearty pancake breakfast from Chris Cakes. Proceeds from Cougars Unleashed support the SIUE scholarships and alumni programming.

"The impact of Cougars Unleashed reaches well beyond the finish line," said Taylor. "The support we receive from runners, sponsors and volunteers helps open doors for SIUE students and creates meaningful ways for our alumni to stay connected to the University."

From 4-7 p.m., homecoming heads to Korte Stadium for Cougar Fan Zone, where guests can enjoy live music from Shut Up Mark, food trucks, giveaways, inflatables, family activities and opportunities for alumni and friends to reconnect before the SIUE men's soccer game.

New for this year is the Paws on Route 66 Car Show. The show will bring alumni, local automotive enthusiasts, community partners and Cougar fans together for a celebration inspired by the freedom and nostalgia of the open road. Registration is still open, and car enthusiasts are invited to showcase their vehicles as part of the event. is still open, and car enthusiasts are invited to showcase their vehicles as part of the event.

"Attendees can expect to see a mix of vintage automobiles, classic cars and trucks, muscle cars, hot rods, and other specialty or one-of-a-kind vehicles," said Taylor.

Car show awards will be presented at 6 p.m. during Cougar Fan Zone, with festivities continuing until the men's soccer Homecoming game 7 p.m. as SIUE hosts Southern Indiana.

"Homecoming is not only about remembering your time at SIUE," Taylor concluded. "It is about experiencing what SIUE is today, celebrating where it is headed and making new memories with the people who matter to you. All roads really do lead home to SIUE."

For the complete Homecoming & Family Weekend schedule and registration details, visit siue.edu/homecoming-family-weekend.

For media kits and exclusive access or press accommodations for Homecoming & Family Weekend, visit the SIUE press room.