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Homecoming 2025 highlights: The photos, posts that raised the banner

Redbirds near and far returned to campus to Raise the Banner for Illinois State University’s Homecoming 2025. Check out this year’s roundup of some of the best posts and photos shared throughout #RedbirdHomecoming week.
Julie Mana-ay Perez | Mon, Oct 20, 2025

Redbirds near and far returned to campus to Raise the Banner for Illinois State University’s Homecoming 2025.

The weeklong celebration filled campus and Uptown Normal with Redbird pride, featuring spirited Redbird volleyball matches against Drake University and Southern Illinois University. The festivities culminated on Saturday with marquee events including the Town and Gown 5K/1-Mile Fun Run/Walk, Homecoming Parade, Redbird Village, sponsored by Avanti’s Italian Restaurant, and the Redbird football game against Youngstown State University, where the Penguins edged the Redbirds, 40-35.

Check out this year’s roundup of some of the best posts and photos shared throughout #RedbirdHomecoming week.

Uptown glows as Redbirds Raise the Banner

Two people pull a big switch and cheer.
Mayor Chris Koos and President Aondover Tarhule light up the trees in Uptown Normal together, marking the start of Homecoming festivities during the annual Kickoff and Tree Lighting.
The Reggie Redbird mascot conducts the Big Red Marching Machine marching band.
Reggie Redbird and the Big Red Marching Machine make an appearance at the Homecoming Kickoff and Tree Lighting event at Uptown Normal.
Trees with Christmas lights displayed.
Uptown Normal is illuminated after the annual Homecoming Tree Lighting.
A wide shot of Big Red Marching Machine in the background while community members watch the band at Uptown Circle.
Students and community members gather in Uptown Normal to kick off Homecoming and celebrate the annual Tree Lighting.
Several band students are lively playing their instruments.
The Big Red Marching Machine performs at Uptown Circle during Homecoming Kickoff and Tree Lighting.
Two students posing with Reggie Redbird.
Reggie Redbird and Illinois State students join in on the fun at Uptown Circle to celebrate Homecoming Kickoff and Tree Lighting.
Four people holding balloons and bags while posing together on a grassy area.
Students and community members gather in Uptown Normal to kick off Homecoming and celebrate the annual Tree Lighting.
A wide shot of Big Red Marching Machine performing in front of the Union Station building at night.
The Big Red Marching Machine performs at Uptown Circle during Homecoming Kickoff and Tree Lighting.
A group of students pose together while sitting down in a grassy area at night.
Students and community members gather in Uptown Normal to kick off Homecoming and celebrate the annual Tree Lighting.

Let the games begin!

Students are seen cheering on a field.
Students compete in Redbird Rumble at Hancock Stadium.
A group of students pose together.
Students come together at Hancock Stadium to compete at Redbird Rumble.
Students are cheering in the stands at Hancock Stadium.
Students come together at Hancock Stadium to compete at Redbird Rumble.
Students cheering and hugging each other on the field.
Students come together at Hancock Stadium to compete at Redbird Rumble.
The Reggie Redbird mascot has his hands up in the air and cheers.
Reggie Redbird pumps up students competing at Redbird Rumble during Homecoming week.

Honoring Redbirds who Raise the Banner every day

Reggie Redbird sitting on a table with two other people with plates of food.
Reggie Redbird makes an appearance at the Faculty/Staff Appreciation Luncheon.
A person is holding up a phone in selfie mode and posing with another person.
President Aondover Tarhule attends the Faculty/Staff Appreciation Luncheon to celebrate employee service at the University.
A wide shot of people sitting on tables
Faculty and staff attend the Appreciation Luncheon to celebrate employee service at the University.

Raising spirits and banners across campus

A group of students are dressed up in different costumes while posing in a boat.
Departments and units at the University participate in the Campus Decorating Contest all over campus to celebrate Homecoming week.
A group of people pose together with Mickey Mouse ears.
Departments and units at the University participate in the Campus Decorating Contest all over campus to celebrate Homecoming week.
A decorated office with flags, cutouts, and balloons in an office.
Departments and units at the University participate in the Campus Decorating Contest all over campus to celebrate Homecoming week.
A group of people pose together in a decorated office.
Departments and units at the University participate in the Campus Decorating Contest all over campus to celebrate Homecoming week.
People are seen standing behind a podium, one with "Battle of the Redbirds" shown.
Departments and units at the University participate in the Campus Decorating Contest all over campus to celebrate Homecoming week.

Capping off the spirit of Homecoming

Several polaroid photos hanging on a line from the event with students posing in those photos.
Students show their Redbird pride at Hats Off to Homecoming, celebrating with games, food, music, and plenty of campus spirit.
Several students posing and holding foam fingers pose for a photo.
Students show their Redbird pride at Hats Off to Homecoming, celebrating with games, food, music, and plenty of campus spirit.
Two students throwing up peace signs and smiling at an indoor event.
Students show their Redbird pride at Hats Off to Homecoming, celebrating with games, food, music, and plenty of campus spirit.
A person talks to another person.
President Aondover Tarhule stops by Hats Off to Homecoming to celebrate with Redbirds during Homecoming week.

Redbird pride on full display at the Alumni Day Luncheon

A crowd of people sitting down at a luncheon.
Redbirds gather to celebrate alumni achievements, honor this year’s alumni marshals, and share in the pride that connects generations of Illinois State graduates at the annual Alumni Day Luncheon.
A person standing in front of a podium speaking.
Illinois State University President Aondover Tarhule delivers a speech inside the Brown Ballroom at the Bone Student Center during the annual Alumni Day Luncheon.
One person and a mascot clapping together on stage.
Executive Director of Alumni Engagement Kris Harding, M.S. ’94, and Reggie Redbird at the Alumni Luncheon.
A person posing and holding an award.
Redbirds gather to celebrate alumni achievements, honor this year’s alumni marshals, and share in the pride that connects generations of Illinois State graduates at the annual Alumni Day Luncheon.
Three people posing together.
Redbirds gather to celebrate alumni achievements, honor this year’s alumni marshals, and share in the pride that connects generations of Illinois State graduates at the annual Alumni Day Luncheon.
Two people smiling and holding pom poms in the air.
Homecoming 2025 alumni marshals Mike Schermer ’73, M.S.E. ’78, and Glenna (Marker) Adams ’72, M.S.E. ’75

Redbird volleyball turns up the heat for whiteout game

Reggie Redbird poses with young fans.
Redbird fans pack CEFCU Arena for a high-energy Redbird volleyball whiteout game against Drake during Homecoming week.
Volleyball players spiking and hitting the ball.
Redbird fans pack CEFCU Arena for a high-energy Redbird volleyball whiteout game against Drake during Homecoming week.
A group of fans cheering
Redbird fans pack CEFCU Arena for a high-energy Redbird volleyball whiteout game against Drake during Homecoming week.
two volleyball players hugging.
Redbird fans pack CEFCU Arena for a high-energy Redbird volleyball whiteout game against Drake during Homecoming week.
People holding up signs.
Redbird fans pack CEFCU Arena for a high-energy Redbird volleyball whiteout game against Drake during Homecoming week.

A day to Raise the Banner

Starting Homecoming on the right foot

A shot of people running with a balloon arch in the background that says "Campus Recreation, Illinois State University," which is a starting point for runners.
Redbirds kick off Homecoming Saturday with the Town and Gown 5K/1-Mile Fun Run/Walk, starting at the Student Fitness Center. Students, alumni, and community members came together to run, walk, and raise the banner in celebration of Redbird pride.
Two people dressed in red pose together with runners in the background.
Town of Normal Mayor Chris Koos and Illinois State University President Aondover Tarhule kick off Homecoming Saturday at theTown and Gown 5K/1-Mile Fun Run/Walk at the Student Fitness Center.
Two runners stick their tongues out and throw "hang loose" hand signs.
Redbirds kick off Homecoming Saturday with the Town and Gown 5K/1-Mile Fun Run/Walk, starting at the Student Fitness Center. Students, alumni, and community members came together to run, walk, and raise the banner in celebration of Redbird pride.
Two runners pose together.
Redbirds kick off Homecoming Saturday with the Town and Gown 5K/1-Mile Fun Run/Walk, starting at the Student Fitness Center. Students, alumni, and community members came together to run, walk, and raise the banner in celebration of Redbird pride.
A group of runners running down the street.
Redbirds kick off Homecoming Saturday with the Town and Gown 5K/1-Mile Fun Run/Walk, starting at the Student Fitness Center. Students, alumni, and community members came together to run, walk, and raise the banner in celebration of Redbird pride.
A group of people posing together under a tree after a run.
Redbirds kickoff Homecoming Saturday with the Town and Gown 5K/1-Mile Fun Run/Walk, starting at the Student Fitness Center. Students, alumni, and community members came together to run, walk, and raise the banner in celebration of Redbird pride.
A group of runners running on the street with one runner that has their fist up in the air.
Redbirds kick off Homecoming Saturday with the Town and Gown 5K/1-Mile Fun Run/Walk, starting at the Student Fitness Center. Students, alumni, and community members came together to run, walk, and raise the banner in celebration of Redbird pride.
A group of runners pose together.
Redbirds kick off Homecoming Saturday with the Town and Gown 5K/1-Mile Fun Run/Walk, starting at the Student Fitness Center. Students, alumni, and community members came together to run, walk, and raise the banner in celebration of Redbird pride.

Parading through tradition

A group of marching band students perform on the street.
The Big Red Marching Machine performs at the Homecoming Parade.
A person throwing candy at the crowd while on a converterable car.
Illinois State University President Aondover Tarhule and Dr. Roos Tarhule at the Homecoming Parade.
A person holding up a thumbs up hand gesture while smiling and on a car convertable.
Alum Colton Underwood is among the 2025 inductees into the Illinois State Athletics Percy Family Hall of Fame.
Four people dressed in sashes that say Alumni and Reggie Marshals pose together in a convertable car.
From left, Homecoming 2025 alumni marshals Mike Schermer ’73, M.S.E. ’78, and Glenna (Marker) Adams ’72, M.S.E. ’75, pose with Reggie’s marshals Kennedy Williams and Robert Pantaleone.
A person hands an object to a little child while in a parade and smiles at them.
Redbirds line the streets of Uptown Normal to cheer on this year’s Homecoming Parade.
A group of marching band students perform.
The Big Red Marching Machine performs at the Homecoming Parade.
A group of people wave while sitting on a trolly.
The Alumni Board of Directors make an appearance at the Homecoming Parade.
A group of cheerleaders and mascot Reggie Redbird stand on top of a moving bell waving at a crowd at a parade.
Redbird Cheer and Reggie Redbird at the Homecoming Parade.
Four students pose with a person in the middle.
Big Red Marching Machine drum majors pose with Dr. Mack Wood, the associate director of bands and director of the Big Red Marching Machine.
Four students posing together.
Redbirds line the streets of Uptown Normal to cheer on this year’s Homecoming Parade.
Two people waving while sitting on a convertertable car in a parade.
Illinois State University President Emeritus Larry Dietz and Marlene Dietz join the Homecoming celebration by taking part in the parade on Saturday.
A group of people holding a banner that says "Redbird Sign Language Association" and two people holding up hand gestures.
Redbirds line the streets of Uptown Normal to cheer on this year’s Homecoming Parade.
A group of students posing together while wearing clown makeup and colorful clothing.
Gamma Phi Circus is one of several campus organizations featured in the Homecoming Parade.
A group of people walking and holding Homecoming signs at Uptown Normal.
Redbirds line the streets of Uptown Normal to cheer on this year’s Homecoming Parade.

Fueling up for game day

Three people are laughing together.
Illinois State University President Aondover Tarhule and College of Applied Science and Technology Dean Chad McEvoy are among the campus leaders who attended Redbird Village, sponsored by Avanti’s Italian Restaurant.
Several students pose together.
The Black Colleagues Association hosts the Black Alumni Tailgate on Homecoming Saturday.
Four people posing together.
Illinois State fans tailgate around campus on Homecoming Saturday.
Five people posing together.
The Black Colleagues Association hosts the Black Alumni Tailgate on Homecoming Saturday.
ISU balloons in the foreground while people pick up food.
Redbird Village, sponsored by Avanti’s Italian Restaurant, brings fans together in Horton Field House for pregame fun and fanfare. Guests enjoyed Avanti’s gondola sandwiches, giveaways, face painting, and balloon art while celebrating with fellow Redbirds before kickoff.
A group of people posing together.
Illinois State fans tailgate around campus on Homecoming Saturday.
Six people pose together.
The Black Colleagues Association hosts the Black Alumni Tailgate on Homecoming Saturday.
A group of children are painting over a traceable mural.
Redbird Village, sponsored by Avanti’s Italian Restaurant, brings fans together outside Horton Field House for pregame fun and fanfare. Guests enjoyed Avanti’s gondola sandwiches, giveaways, face painting, and balloon art while celebrating with fellow Redbirds before kickoff.
Four people posing together while a child waves pom poms.
Illinois State fans tailgate around campus on Homecoming Saturday.
A group of five people pose together in vests.
The Office of Sustainability team at Redbird Village, sponsored by Avanti’s Italian Restaurant.
Six people dressed in purple pose together.
The Black Colleagues Association hosts the Black Alumni Tailgate on Homecoming Saturday.

Redbirds take the field

A group of fans in the stands cheer.
Redbird fans fill the stands at Hancock Stadium to watch the Redbirds take on the Youngstown State Penguins on Homecoming Saturday.
Two football players smiling.
The Redbirds celebrate a touchdown on Homecoming Saturday at Hancock Stadium.
Seven people pose together on a football field.
The 2025 class of the Illinois State Athletics Percy Family Hall of Fame—Robin Chapman (softball), Janelle (Crabtree) Knight (women’s tennis), Akil Mills (men’s track and field), and Colton Underwood (football)—pose with Illinois State University President Aondover Tarhule and Director of Athletics Jeri Beggs. Chapman is a two-time All-Gateway Conference First-Team selection and MVC All-Centennial Team member; Knight is an MVC All-Centennial Team member and single-season wins record holder; Mills is a three-time NCAA All-American and two-time MVC Champion; and Underwood is a two-time All-American and two-time finalist for the Buck Buchanan Award.
Two people laughing together.
Illinois State University President Aondover Tarhule and Class of 2025 Illinois State Athletics Percy Family Hall of Famer Colton Underwood ’17.
The marching band perform on the field.
The Big Red Marching Machine performs at the Homecoming game during halftime.
A mascot poses with marching band students holding instruments.
Reggie Redbird poses with Big Red Marching Machine students
A group of color guards holding flags perform on the football field.
The Big Red Marching Machine, the Color Guard, Redbird Cheer, and Redline Express perform at the Homecoming football game during halftime.
A group of marching band students perform.
The Big Red Marching Machine performs before the Homecoming game on Saturday.
Three football players celebrating.
The Redbirds celebrate a touchdown against the Youngstown State Penguins on Homecoming Saturday at Hancock Stadium.
Students taking a selfie.
Redbird fans fill the stands at Hancock Stadium to watch the Redbirds take on the Youngstown State Penguins on Homecoming Saturday.
Four people posing together holding pom poms.
Redline Express
A group of fans in the stands cheer.
Redbird fans fill the stands at Hancock Stadium to watch the Redbirds take on the Youngstown State Penguins on Homecoming Saturday.
Three cheerleaders and a mascot pose together.
Reggie Redbird and Redbird Cheer
A group of color guard members and marching band students perform on the field.
Big Red Marching Machine, the Color Guard, Redbird Cheer, and Redline Express perform at the Homecoming game during halftime.
Redbird fans in the stands cheer.
Redbird fans fill the stands at Hancock Stadium to watch the Redbirds take on the Youngstown State Penguins on Homecoming Saturday.

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