Northeastern Illinois University Welcomes Alumni Back for Homecoming 2026

Northeastern Illinois University and the NEIU Alumni Association invite alumni, current students, employees and community members to attend Homecoming 2026. 

Numerous events will be held at the Main Campus, the Jacob H. Carruthers Center, El Centro and around the Chicago area. 

"The Alumni Team is excited about University-wide participation for Homecoming 2026,” Interim Director of Alumni Relations Anna Mesa said. “Last year, our team focused on the rebranding of NEIU Weekend to Homecoming. Our University partners have really shown up and dedicated themselves to make Homecoming 2026 successful.”

Event highlights include: 

• NEIU at Portillo’s: Sept. 16, 5:00-8:00 p.m. 
  • Join NEIU at the Portillo’s at 3343 W. Addison St. in Chicago. Present this flyer at checkout or use online code PORTILLOS62 and 20% of proceeds will be donated to the NEIU Alumni Association. 
• NEIU Night at Wrigley Field: Sept. 16, 6:40 p.m.
  • The Chicago Cubs take on the Atlanta Braves at Wrigley Field. Tickets purchased through this link include an NEIU x Cubs crewneck. To purchase tickets for a group of 15 or more, please contact Lexi Chodash at (773) 269-5270 or lchodash@cubs.com.
• Paint and Sip at El Centro: Sept. 17, 11:00 a.m.
  • Alumni and friends are invited to unwind with a guided paint and sip experience featuring coffee, pastries, and all the art supplies you need to create your own masterpiece. RSVP.
• Daniel L. Goodwin College of Education Homecoming Reception: Sept. 17, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
  • This special Homecoming reception will share the College’s latest updates, initiatives, accomplishments and future priorities. The event will be held at Chez Adele, 3311 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. in Chicago. RSVP.
• Greek Life Alumni Reunion: Sept. 17, 7:00 p.m.
  • Whether you graduated recently or decades ago, all members of NEIU Greek Life organizations are invited to all Garage Smokehouse, 3202 Grove Ave. in Berwyn. Attendees are responsible for their food and drink purchases. Alumni who have graduated within the last academic year should Contact the Office of Student Leadership and Development at sld@neiu.edu for a New Graduate Voucher; Alumni Relations will cover up to $20 toward your food. RSVP. 
• NEIU at the Chicago Sky: Sept. 17, 7:00 p.m.
  • The College of Arts and Sciences invites NEIU alumni, students, staff and faculty to NEIU Night at the Chicago Sky. Tickets are free, but limited in quantity. There is a suggested donation of $30 to support the College Undergraduate Scholars Program (CUSP). Be sure to RSVP today. 
• Golden Eagle Glow Run: Sept. 18, 6:30 p.m.
  • Take a walk or run around the Main Campus at dusk with glow lights! There will be an inflatable obstacle course, lawn games and T-shirt decorating with glow markers. This event is free for current NEIU students; $15 for alumni and community members. RSVP. 
• Carrthers Center Fun Fair: Sept. 19, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
  • Join the Carruthers Center for music, food, activities, games and more during their Fun Fair. RSVP. 

"For the second year in a row, we are excited to have our NEIU Night at the Cubs game,” Assistant Director of Alumni Relations Lauren Lenart-Proctor. “We love that this year we were able to envelop the Cubs game into Homecoming festivities. We are grateful to continue this partnership with the Cubs and we hope to have a huge turnout of Golden Eagles at the game, showing off their NEIU spirit!" 

The full schedule of events is available at neiu.edu/homecoming. 

“From the Golden Eagle Glow Run and Portillo's fundraiser to more intimate reunions like the Paint and Sip at El Centro or our Alumni Greek Life reunion, there is something for everyone!" 

Can't make it this year? Homecoming 2027 dates are set for Sept. 15-18, 2027. We hope to see you next year!  

Top photo: Participants of fraternities and sororities at NEIU.