Thousands of Chicagoland Illini came together to celebrate their alma mater during Illini Days Chicago, held November 18-22, 2019. Alumni and friends attended lightning talks and panel discussions, heard from prominent Illinois graduates, and attended receptions where they met campus leadership, reunited with old friends, and networked with new ones.
See some fun stats from this year’s Illini Days Chicago as well as photo and video highlights from the week’s events below.
Northern Suburbs Reception | 11.18.19
Alumni and friends gathered in Audubon Hall at Independence Grove, nestled in 1,100 acres of nature preserve to celebrate the sesquicentennial of the admittance of women to the University of Illinois. The evening’s program included a panel discussion featuring female leaders from the University of Illinois: Dr. Roberta Johnson Killeen, First Lady of the University of Illinois System; Dr. Barb Wilson, Executive Vice President & Vice President for Academic Affairs for the University of Illinois System; Dr. Kimberlee Kidwell, Dean, College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences; Dr. Eunice Santos, Dean, School of Information Sciences; and moderator Robin Kaler, Associate Chancellor for Public Affairs.
Marching Illini | 11.19.19
Members of the Marching Illini joined together for a pep-rally style performance at Federal Plaza in Downtown Chicago. Watch the performance below.
Fighting Illini Fan Fest | 11.19.19
Director of Athletics Josh Whitman and the Marching Illini hosted alumni and friends at the United Club in Soldier Field for an evening celebrating Illini athletics including a coaches panel discussion. The panel, moderated by CBS Chicago anchor Ryan Baker (MEDIA ’91), featured: Brad Dancer, Head Men’s Tennis Coach; Mike Small, Head Men’s Golf Coach; Justin Spring, Head Men’s Gymnastics Coach; and Tyra Perry, Head Softball Coach. Following the program, tours were offered of Soldier Field.
Western Suburbs Reception | 11.21.19
Illinois alumni and friends came together for a reception hosted by Chancellor Robert J. Jones featuring an alumni panel discussing the impact of their service on the community. The panel featured Don Edwards (GIES ’88) chief executive officer of Flexpoint Ford, Kim Lewis (GIES ’13) chief executive officer of CurlMix, Jenniffer Weigel (FAA ’92) host of The Jen Weigel Show at WLS Radio, current student Trey Harris (EDU ’21), and moderator Andrea Darlas (MEDIA ’94).
Illinois Luncheon | 11.22.19
Chancellor Robert J. Jones invited alumni and friends to the 2019 Annual Illinois Luncheon at The Ritz-Carlton featuring a program that showcased Illinois’ impact on Chicago. Award-winning ABC 7 Chicago anchor Judy Hsu (MEDIA ’93) told her Illinois story.
