Homecoming 2012 is scheduled for the weekend of Oct. 12-14. Start planning by checking out these helpful links:

• Homecoming Homepage
• Student Publications Reunion (Oct. 12-13)
• 50th Class Reunion – Class of 1962 (Oct. 13)
• Lodging and Restaurant Information
• EIU Athletics
• Campus Map

• Chicago native moves to small-town Iowa to run renovated theater
• Schaefer, blood donor for decades, reaches 27-gallon mark
• Glenbard South coach among women celebrating 40th anniversary of Title IX
• Western Kentucky University English teacher shares thoughts on reading
• Sheppard helping Decatur MacArthur rekindle its track program
• Central A&M's Rork is Area Girls Track and Field Coach of the Year -- again
• Grobengieser named rising star in food-service industry
• Kindle version of EIU-inspired novel 'Three Daves' on sale for $2.99

The EIU School of Technology and the School of Continuing Education will offer a master's in technology off-campus cohort in the Chicago area beginning in Spring 2013, pending adequate enrollment.

The Master of Science in Technology graduate program prepares students to become successful leaders in today's technological and global environment, providing opportunities for developing advanced professional, technical and personal competencies in the discipline.

The program is perfect for those who work in industry, as well as teachers who are interested in technology. For more information, contact David Melton at 217-581-5762 or dwmelton@eiu.edu.

EIU is proud to be one of a select group of universities across the country -- and one of the first 25 -- participating in a national program called Operation Hat Trick.

It originated at the University of New Hampshire to memorialize Nate Hardy and Mike Koch, two U.S. Navy SEALS lost in Iraq in 2008. EIU alumni and fans are now able to purchase officially licensed hats that support the university and our American military veterans. With every hat sale to a retailer, 10 percent of the price is directed to the VA Medical Centers General Post Fund.

The hats, which feature the EIU Panther and Operation Hat Trick logos, can be purchased online through the EIU Bookstore.

• Next week, we're kicking off our Chicago Area Alumni & New Student Picnic series. We'll be in Bourbonnais (July 25), Tinley Park (July 26), Naperville (Aug. 1) and Des Plaines (Aug. 2). To RSVP, simply complete our online registration form.
• Moving a student to EIU this fall? Take a break and join us on the Carman Hall lawn for our sixth annual Legacy Luncheon.
• The Athletic Director's Cup, hosted by Panther Athletics, will be played in Mattoon on Aug. 17. For more information or to register, click here (.pdf).
• You can help support future students through Liberty Mutual's Quote for Scholarship campaign. Complete a Liberty Mutual insurance quote before Aug. 31, and $5 will be donated to the EI+U Leadership Fund.

Last month, we asked alumni to submit stories and photos of the iconic Old Main oak tree. One entry was drawn by random to be featured in this month's newsletter. Loralee Cooley '65, who attended the Laboratory School in what is now Blair Hall starting in 1949, recalled spirited games of "Red Rover, Red Rover" played under the shade of the big tree during recess.

Cooley will receive a copy of "Eastern Illinois University Centennial," the 1995 special-edition book that chronicles the first 100 years of EIU. Thanks for sharing your memories!