The SIUC Alumni Association welcomed members home for the University’s 1995 Homecoming festivities Saturday, and returning alumni said campus had taken on a new look since they were in school.

Jeanie Byassee, director of membership for the Alumni Association, said the association has 150,000 alumni and about 11,000 members worldwide.

We set up the tent every year behind McAndrew stadium, Byassee said. It is our way of welcoming the alumni home.

Advertisement

Kathlyn Larimer, an Alumni Association Member since1943, said she had not been back to SIUC in many years since studying physical education and social studies.

Things have changed so much on campus that I can’t find my way around, Larimer said. I had to ask someone where the football stadium was.

Larimer said Saturday’s Homecoming parade was nice this year and it brought back memories of decorating floats for the parade.

Helen Crouch Puleo, an Alumni Association Member since 1947, said she is glad to be back at SIUC since she is originally from Carbondale.

Everything is so beautiful this time of year around Southern Illinois, Puleo said. I love it here.

Puleo said that things around campus have changed a lot since she attended SIUC and studied business and physical education.

When I was first here, there were only five buildings including Old Main. Things have changed, but it has always been a beautiful campus, Puleo said. I think it started that way many years ago with Bill Marlberry who was the head of the botany department.

Advertisement*

Jane Madison, Alumni Association Member since1952, said she loves being back at SIUC to see how things have changed around campus.

SIUC has a wonderful campus with so many beautiful buildings and the landscaping has never looked better, Madison said. I feel glad to be back. I have a lot of wonderful memories here.

Madison said she really enjoyed the parade this year.

Everyone looked like they were having a good time on the floats and the bands were also good, Madison said.

Madison said she studied biology and physical education while attending SIUC.

Madison said she will come back again next year to visit with her former classmates.

Byassee said in1996, the association will celebrate its 100th anniversary.