The first SIUC homecoming queen was crowned when the University was still called Southern Illinois Normal University.

Her name was Dorothy Benner Muckelroy, and her crowning in 1928 as Football Queen started SIUC’s homecoming queen tradition.

Marilyn Muckelroy Kircher, Dorothy’s daughter, said Dorothy was the child of Dr. William John and Marietta Peeler Benner. She was born July 12, 1910 in Willow Lake, South Dakota. Her family moved to Anna, where her parents practiced medicine.

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Muckelroy graduated from SINU and held a lifetime membership in the SIU Alumni Association. She also was a lifelong member of the Carbondale Elks. She taught school in Cobden and in Alto Pass. In 1932 she married Marvin Mannen Muckelroy, who also graduated from SIUC.

She had two children, Marilyn and Benny, both now graduates of SIUC.

In 1956, Dorothy began working for the Division of the Community Services, part of the Illinois Youth Commission. She was honored in April 1968 by the Illinois Probation, Parole and Correction Association for outstanding service.

Marilyn said in1965, Dorothy served as co-chairwoman of the Ilinois Probation and Parole Association conference. She retired in 1975.

Dorothy died of cancer on May, 25, 1986.

Marilyn said all the Muckelroys have a very special place in their hearts for SIUC.