Homecoming at the University of Illinois has been a source of pride for over 100 years, with the U of I claiming to have hosted the first collegiate alumni “home coming” event, coupled with a pigskin headliner (although most wouldn’t necessarily equate the pride with the pigskin, but I digress). Despite the claims, the actual origins are more complicated and shrouded in mystery and conjecture.
The following is a brief history of the tradition, controversy surrounding the origins, and yes, even a little football.
The general consensus among University of Illinois sources is that class of 1911 seniors, Clarence Foss Williams and W.