Kim Johnson

COM 161- Section 2

May 6, 2020
May 30, 2020 Contact: Kim Johnson

For Immediate Release Phone: (815) 508-4255

Email: Ktjohn5@ilstu.edu

Illinois State holds Welcome Back Redbirds Celebration

NORMAL, Ill. – Illinois State will be hosting a welcome back celebration Saturday, Aug. 15,

2020 on Illinois State University’s Quad at 6 p.m. This will be ISU’s most highly anticipated

event.

This event is happening in light of the Spring 2020 semester being cut short. Coronavirus

is taking away thousands of opportunities and celebrations, but not this one. No tickets are

needed for this event. The entirety of the Quad will be in use by ISU students, Registered

Student Organizations, local food vendors and special guest alumni. Up to 500 students will be

chosen from raffle entries to win $1,000 in cash. This is one of the several ways ISU wants to

give back to students after the battle with the coronavirus.

ISU is making it their mission to ensure that this celebration is worthwhile. They

encourage students to come celebrate what the true meaning of being a Redbird is all about. The

special guests include Lil Bibby, Colton Underwood, Craig Robinson and Jane Lynch. These

individuals are well renowned alumni and are more than happy to come back to their roots and

come support ISU. These alums are hinting at giving away special gifts for the students and staff.

“I love the idea of being able to come back. I haven’t visited Illinois State in a very long

time. I think it’s time to show these kids how great you can be, and what coming together as a

Redbird family is all about,” said Jane Lynch.

 Hundreds of students gather together for their student organizations celebrations. ISU

wants hundreds more than that. There will be dunk tanks, multiple stages set up, food,

photobooths and free ISU gear. The Alamo is creating a special “Together We Are Redbird

Strong” shirt that will be given out by the thousands.

“Past, present and future Redbirds, I cannot wait until we are a family and community

again. Stay safe, stay healthy, and most importantly… ROLL BIRDS!” said President Dietz.

Jimmy Johns, Avanti’s, Chipotle and Buffalo Wild Wings are catering at this event at no

cost. All the donations made go to Small Business COVID-19 Relief Program. Many of the local

small businesses are taking a hit when it comes to sales.

In the 163 years of ISU being around there has never been anything like this current pandemic.

The hustle and bustle are little to none on campus. President Larry Dietz and his staff are excited

and anxious for the time that ISU can be a whole again. They take great pride in what has come

of this school and want nothing more than the Quad to fill up with as many people as possible.

The Bloomington-Normal community are stepping up and many shops are donating money and

resources to make this celebration worthwhile.

This event is for any and every Redbird. Students from around the United States are

reaching out and trying to be involved in this celebration.

For more information on this event please visit illinoisstate.edu.

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