The Big Picture: Big Illinois Welcome

(Image by Michelle Hassel)

The Fighting Illini Cheerleading Team greets incoming attendees with warm smiles and lots of dazzle at one of the University’s premier student engagement events, Illinois Sights & Sounds. Under the lights at Memorial Stadium, freshmen and transfer students are introduced to University traditions, songs and chants, with performances by the Marching Illini and student vocal groups, as well as pep talks from Fighting Illini coaches and players. Convocation week’s capstone celebration has become a national model, inspiring similar events at other Big Ten schools.