A History of Marchdown at SIUE

A History of Marchdown at SIUE

Marchdown, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's annual step show competition between the fraternities and sororities of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, showcases the rich history of the University's Black Greek organizations. The event took place at the First Community Arena on March 28 and raised $11,399 for Step Up Scholarship.

According to Kimmel Belonging and Engagement Hub, Marchdown began in the mid-1980's as a program held during Black Heritage Month to showcase the Divine 9 on the SIUE campus. The program was started and run by the University Center Board and was originally held in the Morris University Center Meridian Ballroom. After expanding in size, the event relocated to the Vadalabene Center in 1991 and was moved to March.

Throughout the 1990's, and into the early 2000's, Marchdown featured large, sellout crowds. NPHC was officially founded in 2006 and took over complete control of the program from Kimmel (who had taken over the program in the mid-90's from the University Center). After the 2022 Marchdown, Chancellor Dr. James T. Minor, PhD, named Marchdown as one of the University's annual marque events.

Today the event is planned by the executive board of NPHC and the fraternity and sorority life advisors in the Kimmel Belonging and Engagement Hub.

Photos by Howard Ash