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Homecoming

Welcome Home, Hawks!

Homecoming is one of our favorite traditions—a time to reconnect with classmates, revisit cherished memories, and celebrate the Quincy University community that continues to bring us together year after year.

Whether you’re returning for a reunion, cheering on the Hawks, exploring campus with your family, or simply reconnecting with old friends, we invite you to join us for a weekend filled with fun, fellowship, and QU pride. Browse the schedule of events below, watch highlights from last year’s celebration, and make plans to stay the weekend with our recommended hotel accommodations.

This year’s theme embodies our Franciscan heritage as we celebrate the 800th Anniversary of the passing of St. Francis of Assisi. His enduring spirit and legacy continue to permeate the ethos and mission of Quincy University. May this Homecoming reawaken within you the Franciscan values that have shaped your lives.

This year’s milestone class years are: 1976, 1996, 2006, 2011, 2016, 2021 & 2026.

We can’t wait to welcome you back to campus and create new memories together. Once a Hawk, always a Hawk!

 

 

Homecoming Schedule:

September 17th (Thursday)
  • 8:30 AM – 8:00 PM, Brenner Library will be offering tours of our Archives, Rare Books and Special Collections, Quincy displays and Gray Gallery Exhibit with John Nelson. We will have puzzle pieces to decorate with a memory of your time at QU, your graduation year, etc. that can be added to a giant puzzle display. Yearbooks and Falcon editions on display for milestone years: 1976, 1996, 2006, 2011, 2016 etc.
  • 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM, Homecoming Balloon Glow Festivities kick off the weekend celebration on the QU Campus. Bring your family and friends to enjoy food and drinks from various local vendors at the Balloon Glow.
  • 5:30 PM – 6:00 PM, Homecoming Parade begins on 18th street near Lot C parking lot and ends at Friars’ Field. Come watch QU’s campus groups as they walk around campus and QU’s marching band will perform.
  • 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM, Balloon Glow Friars Field. Come watch balloonists light up Friars Field (A-Field) with their hot air balloons. Food and refreshments from local vendors will be available for purchase.
September 18th (Friday)
  • 6:00 AM, Balloon Launch Friars Field. If you’re an early bird, come check out the hot air balloons as they launch from Friars’ Field, weather permitting.
  • 12:15 PM – 1:00 PM, Join us for Daily Mass in the beautiful QU Chapel in Francis Hall.
  • 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM, Brenner Library will be offering tours of our Archives, Rare Books and Special Collections, Quincy displays and Gray Gallery Exhibit with John Nelson. We will have puzzle pieces to decorate with a memory of your time at QU, your graduation year, etc. that can be added to a giant puzzle display. Yearbooks and Falcon editions on display for milestone years: 1976, 1996, 2006, 2011, 2016 etc.
  • 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM, Open House/Registration located in Student Union Lounge (under the cafeteria). Meet with fellow alumni and pick up your complimentary gift as the weekend kicks off.
  • Campus Tours, QU students will be on hand to take alumni on a tour of campus. Meet at the fountain across from Brenner Library. Tours will start at 1:00 PM & 3:00 PM.
  • 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM, Happy Hour Hawks’ Nest. After a long drive to campus, come out to enjoy some food and a couple of drinks with your fellow Hawks at the Hawks’ Nest. Cash bar available.
  • 6:00 pm – 10:00pm, Party on Penny Lane. Take a walk down Penny Lane & be ready to party! Join us for music, cash bar & food truck. Meet up with old friends and get the party started.
September 19th (Saturday)
  • 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM, National Alumni Board Meeting in the Francis Hall Board Room. Quincy University alumni are invited to attend the National Alumni Board meeting and to learn more about what is going on at your alma mater. Find out how to be more involved at QU.
  • 9:00 AM – Noon, Brenner Library offering coffee and light refreshments, tours of our Archives, Rare Books and Special Collections, Quincy displays and Gray Gallery Exhibit with John Nelson. We will have puzzle pieces to decorate with a memory of your time at QU, your graduation year, etc. that can be added to a giant puzzle display. Yearbooks and Falcon editions on display for milestone years: 1976, 1996, 2006, 2011, 2016 etc.
  • 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, QU Hawk Tailgating QU Stadium prior to kick-off, we invite Alumni and their guests to join us for our annual Pre-Game Celebration. Soft drinks and food will be available at no cost from the Alumni trailer in the tailgate lot.
  • 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM, Campus Tour. QU students will be on hand to take alumni on a tour of campus. Meet at the fountain across from Brenner Library.
  • 3:00 PM, Homecoming Football game at QU Stadium. Come watch our own QU Hawks take on Lincoln University at the Homecoming game.
  • 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM, Alumni Dinner in the Hall of Fame Room at the Pepsi Arena. Celebrate with fellow alumni at this year’s alumni dinner where the anniversary classes will be honored. In addition we will recognize our alumni of the year. Reservations are required. Cost is $27 per person (link coming soon).
September 20th (Sunday)
  • 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM, Alumni Memorial Mass in the QU Chapel. Join fellow alumni to celebrate the Homecoming Memorial Mass. Married alumni will also be invited to come forward for the renewal of their marriage vows.
  • 11:00 AM Noon, Farewell Brunch in the Private Dining Room of the cafeteria. As Homecoming comes to an end, join us for a farewell brunch following the conclusion of Sunday morning mass. Brunch is $13 and may be paid at the door.

Golden Hawks Reunion – Class of 1976

Celebrating 50 years since graduation! We encourage all members of the Class of 1976 to make plans to attend Homecoming Weekend and reconnect with classmates while being recognized as this year’s Golden Hawks.

Whether it’s your first visit back in years or one of many returns to campus, we hope you’ll join us as we honor your class, celebrate your accomplishments, and thank you for the impact you’ve made on Quincy University and beyond.

black and white photo of Quincy College sign on stone wall

Black and white photo of female graduates

Black and white photo of a line of graduates

Hotel reservations

Make your reservations now and don’t forget to mention QU Homecoming to receive a discount.

Fairfield Inn
Call to make your reservation under QU Homecoming
(217) 223-5922
4315 Broadway St. Quincy, IL

Quality Inn & Suites
Call to make your reservation under QU Homecoming
(217) 224-8378
225 S 4th St. Quincy, IL

Atrium Hotel
Call to make your reservation under QU Homecoming
(217) 222-2666
201 S. 3rd Street Quincy, IL

Quincy Holiday Inn
Call to make your reservation under QU Homecoming
(217) 223-7800
4821 Oak Street Quincy, IL

Stoney Creek Inn
Call to make your reservation under QU Homecoming
(217) 223-2255
3809 Broadway St. Quincy, IL

Town & Country Inn & Suites
Call to make your reservation under QU Homecoming
(217) 214-0400
110 N. 54th St. Quincy, IL