Illini 411: What was the U of I’s smallest graduating class?
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
Illini 411: I assume the U. of I. was originally known simply as the University of Illinois. When was Urbana-Champaign added and why?
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
Illini 411: Where did the trolley run on campus?
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
Illini 411: What was the medieval-looking place that served wassail at Christmastime?
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
Illini 411: How does the university keep ground water out of the steam tunnels?
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
Illini 411: Where can I find the TV commercials the university makes for sporting events?
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
Illini 411: Where did the sledding hill by Orchard Downs come from?
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
Illini 411: How many U.S. presidents have visited the U of I?
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
Illini 411: When did the “I-L-L / I-N-I” stadium cheer begin?
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
Illini 411: What year did Illinois start using Homecoming themes?
A: As far as I can tell, it was 1919. The theme was “Victory Homecoming”—a commemoration of the United States’ victory in World War I—and the event was a return
