More than 1,000 Knox College alumni and friends are expected to return to campus for the 2018 Homecoming festivities on Friday through Sunday, October 19-21.

The schedule consists of numerous events, such as classroom visits, academic discussions, an all-class reception, football and volleyball games, and more. In addition, classes with class years ending in 8 or 3 will be celebrating reunions.

To share photos, videos, and memories with the Knox community, post on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram by using the hashtag #KnoxHC.

Here are five key things to know about this year’s Knox Homecoming:

1. Ground will be broken, and an art gallery will make its debut.

Join President Amott and others at 3:30 p.m. Friday at a groundbreaking ceremony marking the beginning of an 18-month renovation of the center core (A Wing) of Umbeck Science-Mathematics Center (SMC). Later on Friday, starting at 8 p.m., the newly constructed Borzello Gallery in the Ford Center for the Fine Arts will host an opening reception and the alumni exhibit, Keith Achepohl Memorial Exhibition: Works from the Knox College Art Collection.

2. Check out what’s happening for the kids.

If younger family members are joining you for Homecoming, there are activities scheduled with them in mind. Consider the Campus Tour and Admission Information Session for Alumni Children and Storytime in Seymour Library, both on Saturday morning, or the Archeological Dig for all ages on Saturday afternoon.

3. Watch athletes in action, and/or get yourself moving.

The Prairie Fire volleyball and football teams will be playing at home during Homecoming, so stop by and show your support. Don’t forget about the meetup after the football game to honor Andy Gibbons' 27-year coaching career. You can also join the Mary Filosa Brown '82 Memorial 5K Walk/Run or a yoga class on Saturday morning.

4. Chat with and engage in deeper discussions with friends.

As always, Homecoming offers plenty of chances to catch up with old friends and make new ones. Spend some time at one or more of the alumni talks, covering topics that include women’s issues, late-1960s music, Greek art, and beyond. Make time for the Homecoming Convocation on Saturday morning, where the Class of 1968 will lead the processional and Knox Service Award Recipients Susan Blew '75, Rob Clark '95, and Cathy Kucik Heimann '70 will be honored. Afterward, see who’s at the Alumni & Faculty Book Signing, and later on, stop by the numerous receptions, tailgates, and open houses.

5. Remember, sharing is good.

We love to see the Homecoming photos, videos, and other memories that Knox alumni and friends are posting on their social media accounts. Share the fun by using the hashtag #KnoxHC. That way, Knox will be sure to see the posts and maybe even repost them on the Knox social media channels.

Check out the full Homecoming schedule.