Homecoming 2021 Update
When we announced our 2021 Homecoming plans, the COVID pandemic was waning, vaccinations were readily available, and the Delta variant was unknown. Frankly, we were optimistic about bringing the Spartan community together again, in-person, on campus.
Now, with increasing cases of COVID occurring throughout the state of Illinois and the country, with the impact of Governor Pritzker’s executive order, and with concern about the health of both the on-campus and larger Aurora community, we must take into consideration the health and safety of all those involved.
For these reasons, we have made the decision to cancel all 2021 Homecoming events.
This decision was not made lightly. We are aware that plans have been made, hotels have been booked, and airline tickets purchased. To this end, the university will reimburse alumni for airline tickets purchased to attend this year’s Homecoming weekend.
We continue to live in an unpredictable time, one that demands patience, flexibility and understanding. The health and safety of the Spartan community—near and far—is our highest priority.
In the days ahead, we will announce opportunities to engage virtually with one another throughout the fall. Most of all, we look ahead, to celebrating the generosity of alumni, recognizing reunion classes, and honoring awardees in 2022.