As we celebrate 150 years of legacy, this time capsule embodies our today for tomorrow’s generations, inspired by the profound words of our Alma Mater, “To thy happy children of the future, those of the past send greetings”. The chosen items, a reflection of our vibrant community’s spirit, encapsulate the essence of life at Illinois today. They are more than artifacts; they are a message to the future, carrying the enduring spirit of our times. Together, we celebrate this timeless gesture, preserving our shared legacy for those who will walk this campus 50 years from now.
Time Capsule Items
This photo offers a glimpse of modern-day Green Street, a vibrant testament to the ever-evolving landscape of our alma mater. While the storefronts and skyline may have changed, the spirit of Illini pride endures, bridging the gap between past and present. As alumni, we cherish the memories made along this iconic stretch and celebrate the vibrant legacy it continues to inspire.
Take a moment to admire the Alma Mater, captured in this current photo as she continues to symbolize the cherished traditions of the Illinois community. After undergoing meticulous restoration work and returning to campus in 2014, Alma stands as a proud reminder of the enduring values of knowledge and unity that define the Illini spirit. Notably, as part of the restoration, Alma lost her green patina, marking a significant transformation in her appearance while preserving her iconic stature.
The iClicker is an educational game-changer created by physics faculty members Tim Stelzer, Mats Selen, Gary Gladding, and Benny Brown. This unassuming device boasts six or 13 buttons and a streamlined screen, revolutionizing classroom interaction. It stands as a testament to the University’s commitment to advancing learning technologies and fostering student engagement.
Dive into the heart of Illini pride with our sesquicentennial issue of Illinois Alumni magazine! Celebrating 150 years of building relationships, this vibrant publication captures the spirit of our illustrious alma mater. Packed with inspiring stories, insightful interviews, and nostalgic reflections, it’s a treasure trove of memories and a testament to the enduring bond of the Illinois family. It is printed quarterly and sent to Alumni Association members and is available online for free.
This COVID-19 saliva testing tube is a symbol of the University’s pioneering spirit. Developed at Illinois and recognized nationally, the covidSHIELD test represents a monumental leap in pandemic response and symbolizes our commitment to public health. The covidSHIELD process was used on campus to enable in-person learning during the 2020-21 academic year.
As the University landscape evolves, so does our vibrant Campustown artwork. In the past few years, murals have been emerging on shops and buildings, transforming our campus into a canvas of creativity. From bold statements to intricate designs, each mural tells a unique story of creativity and community spirit.
The University of Illinois currently has 34,000 undergraduate and 19,000 graduate students studying 150+ majors in 15 academic units. Among these, Data Science DISCOVERY (STAT/CS/IS 107) stands out as a pioneering course. It merges statistical inference, computational skills, and real-world relevance, offering hands-on analysis of diverse datasets. This syllabus encapsulates the course’s structure, encompassing interactive lectures, labs, and a commitment to social consciousness in data analysis.
This latest edition of our comprehensive campus map is given to prospective students and their families during college visits. From the vibrant energy of Green Street to the academic corridors along Wright and Goodwin, this map is updated annually as our campus continues to evolve.
The time capsule proudly includes jerseys from three illustrious Illinois athletes, marking their exceptional contributions both on and off the court and field. These jerseys represent the spirit of Illini pride, showcasing the blend of athletic prowess and unwavering commitment to making a difference.
#11 Ayo Dosunmu – Basketball
#53 Nick Allegretti – Football
#4 Jenna Hall – Softball
Our campus newspaper has chronicled student life and world events from the heart of our University since 1871. This particular edition has been selected not just for its timely news coverage, but as a mirror reflecting the political climate of our era. It captures the pulse of campus discourse, immortalizing the voices and perspectives that shape our community’s engagement with the wider world.
Dive Deeper! Explore our Sesquicentennial Time Capsule YouTube Playlist and discover the stories behind each treasure.