With hot dogs simmering on an open grill, C.E. Welch once again evaluated the familiar surroundings of his alma mater at Saturday’s Homecoming festivities.

Welch, a 1965 SIUC alumnus from Springfield, is a member of the SIUC Alumni Association. The Alumni Association set up two tents east of McAndrew Stadium Saturday morning and served food and drinks.

When I was at SIU we didn’t have a tailgate, Welch said. We just watched the parade and then went to the football game.

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It’s just great to see this (tailgating) going on now. It’s good to see people having a good time visiting with old acquaintances and improving ties with the University.

The Homecoming football game allowed thousands of SIUC students and alumni to mingle and recollect old memories. Three thousand people were expected to attend tailgating festivities.

Justine Stephens, a 1959 alumna from Carbondale, comes to watch the football game every year.

My husband was on the 1930 (SIUC) football team, Stephens said. That was the only undefeated team in SIU’s history.

Stephens is optimistic about the football team this year. She anticipates a winning season.

I like winning, she said. When we win, we get big crowds, and the team is showing promise this year.

The Salukis lost the Homecoming contest 36-35 to Southwest Missouri State University.

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Some alumni found the parking lot to the north of McAndrew Stadium relaxing. Hot rod cars, coolers and barbecue all combined to enhance student and alumni relations.

Kevin Gronemeier, a 1993 graduate from Springfield, said it is difficult to keep up with the youngsters.

I went out last night with younger members of my fraternity, he said. I can’t keep up with them.

Floyd Welsh, a 1987 alumnus from Edwardsville, has attended the last nine Homecomings. Welsh comes back to remember old times, visit friends and rekindle college memories.

The good thing about coming back every year is seeing old acquaintances, he said. Attachments to this institution do not end when students graduate.