Homecoming

History of Homecoming at North Park University

North Park University’s Homecoming has been celebrated since 1925. President Emeritus Algoth Ohlson called the first “Home-coming”, held on December 4, 1925, “a gratifying success…[which] provided a firm basis for the expectation of greater things to come” (The North Park Press v. 5 #5). He described "a closer contact between alumni and school with benefits and pleasure, crystallization of a definite Alumni policy of backing the school morally and financially, constructive criticism of Schools methods and policies by a loyal Alumni possessed with a broad outlook and deep insight [and] inspiration that comes from undergraduate contact with alumni” (The North Park Press v. 5 #5).

The third annual Homecoming was held on November 19, 1927. Eric Wallgren, then president of the North Park University Alumni Association, described Homecoming as not being a “big drive for funds,” but rather to “come home for a friendly visit.” One thousand alumni attended Homecoming that year. Wallgren noted that Homecoming was not just for alumni, but for the present student body as well.

By the early twenty-first century, Homecoming was composed of four key events: a classical music concert, the reunion breakfast, the football game, and the Homecoming Banquet. In 2006, a new expanded format for Homecoming was launched with the first Block Party as the cornerstone event. Homecoming continues to bring alumni and friends back to campus in celebration each year.