We tell stories that
Inspire
Meet Illini who travel the world in service to humankind, and help communities prosper and thrive. Who dive deep into the oceans and set their sights on the moon. These individual stories compose our collective one.
Inform
Our storytelling shows a fresh side of Illinois, one where different viewpoints and perspectives teach us something new every day. Unafraid to push boundaries, Illini embrace change and innovation.
Illuminate
At the core of the Illinois experience is compassion and strength. Our stories acknowledge and show gratitude for Illini voices and experiences—whether on campus or around the world.
Recent Reads
Updated December 6, 2024
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Tools of the Trade
The instruments we use to conserve Illinois’ collections are often as fascinating as the artifacts themselves.
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Mrs. Smith and the Mob
When a Chicago mobster was ready to talk, FBI agent Elaine Corbitt Smith (LAS ’67) was ready to listen.
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FLASHBACK: 1984
Being a student in 1984 meant midnight movies at the Co-Ed and browsing vinyl at Record Service. Let’s travel back in time for a look at life on campus in the eighties.
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Memorial Stadium: 100 Years
Memorial Stadium holds a century full of stories—many of which happened off the field. Go behind the scenes of George Huff and Robert Zuppke’s fundraising tour, and meet Mr. and Mrs. Stadium, the real-life student couple who oversaw student fundraising.
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The Stadium's First Family
Meet the Crackels, the family who lived in the stadium for its first thirteen years.
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"Fight, Illini!"
In 1921, a Daily Illini songwriting contest helped raise funds to build Memorial Stadium. For the first time in one hundred years, the sounds of the winning song will fill the stadium again.
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Sentinels of the Stadium
To the descendants of Private Dean Memmen, a casualty of World War I, Memorial Stadium has always been about more than just football.
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Rashard Mendenhall
The famed running back, Super Bowl champion, and Illini Hall of Famer recalls his journey to Illinois and how his alma mater has impacted his life beyond football.
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A Gem that was Nearly Lost
For nearly a century, Illinois scientists have protected Brownfield Woods, a treasured outdoor ecological laboratory.
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A Balancing Act
Engineers and designers are bringing Adam Bleakney’s (LAS ’00, MEDIA ’02) vision for a new wheelchair to life. He wants to ditch the wheels and free his hands.
Editor's Choice
Enjoy some of our favorite stories!
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Mirage and Murder in the Arctic
One hundred years ago, two Illinois alumni were part of an ill-fated expedition to the edge of the earth.
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Revolution at the Five and Dime
Known as the Queen of Lesbian Pulp Fiction, Ann Thayer Weldy (LAS '54), helped readers find comfort—and themselves—in her books.
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Doris Derby
Activist, photographer, artist, professor.
