A: The Globetrotters brought their zany, anything-goes brand of basketball to Assembly Hall (now The State Farm Center) for the first time on Dec. 4, 1965. But their association with
A: Although, at 20 members, the University’s first graduating class (1872) was this close to fitting in a clown car, the Class of 1874 has them beat. The third graduating
A: Actually, the U. of I. was originally called the Illinois Industrial University—a reflection of its land-grant roots as an agriculture and engineering school. The I.I.U. changed its name to
A: In the university’s early years, a full-service, horse-drawn streetcar connected Champaign and Urbana, and ran right through the heart of campus. By 1890, it had evolved into an electric
A: For many years, wassail was a speciality of Etc. Coffeehouse, the cozy hangout spot inside the Late Gothic Revival, decidedly medieval-looking Wesley Foundation, at the corner of Green and
A: A torrential downpour? Melting snow and ice? No sweat. All nine miles of the underground steam tunnels, which connect many of the campus’ buildings and have been used as
A: For decades, Illinois’ Office of Strategic Communications (formerly known as Public Affairs) has created clever, inspirational TV spots to promote the university and show off the campus during Illini
A: A wintertime zip down Hackberry Hill is one heck of a good time, and like most of the finer things in this world, the hill’s origins are mysterious and
A: Enough to fill a pickup basketball team—which would no doubt please former president Barack Obama, who gave a post-presidency speech at Foellinger Auditorium, in 2018. Two presidents visited the
A: The iconic cheer, in which one side of the Memorial Stadium crowd yells “I-L-L” and the other responds “I-N-I,” has been a mainstay of Illini football games since the
Sign up today to have alumni and campus news updates sent to your inbox via email once a month.
Submit a Class Note, suggest story ideas, update your mailing address or write a letter to the editor of Illinois Alumni magazine.
Join the University of Illinois Alumni Association and receive a limited-edition Illinois picnic blanket, designed to complement summer nights at the Allerton Summer Concert Series—where UIAA members enjoy 50% off all performances. Plus, enjoy a cozy Illinois Alumni-branded fleece blanket—our gift to you!
Your membership also supports the Friends of Allerton Fund, making a direct impact on the University of Illinois.
Shipping to Domestic US Addresses ONLY. No PO Boxes.