It’s been an incredible year at Illinois. Take a look back at some of the most memorable moments on campus this year.
We started the world’s first engineering-based college of medicine
Carle Illinois College of Medicine
This summer, the Carle Illinois College of Medicine—the world’s first engineering-based medical school—welcomed its inaugural class of students.
A partnership between Illinois and the Carle Health System, the new college is creating physician-innovators who exemplify the qualities of compassion, competence, curiosity and creativity. The college welcomed the inaugural class of 32 students, who will graduate in 2022.
We broke ground on an multidisciplinary educational design hub
Siebel Center for Design
In April 2018, Illinois broke ground on the Siebel Center for Design, thanks in part to a $25 million gift from alumnus Thomas Siebel.
Embodying the institutional commitment to world-class education and discovery, the new center will use design thinking to solve the world’s challenges. Students across disciplines across campus will explore ideas and master skills in the new center.
We welcomed a former president
Obama visits Illinois
Former President Barack Obama accepted the 2018 Paul H. Douglas Award for Ethics in Government from the U. of I. System’s Institute of Government and Public Affairs in September. While he was here, he addressed students at Foellinger Auditorium.
We committed to making education more accessible
Illinois Commitment
Illinois is committed to making education more accessible to students. In August, the university announced that admitted in-state students with a family income of $61,000 or less can come to Illinois tuition-free starting Fall 2019.
We welcomed an extraordinary class of students
Class of 2022
With the biggest undergraduate applicant pool yet, Illinois’ class of 2022 contains record numbers of students from underrepresented backgrounds and first-generation college students—as well as a 10-year high of Illinois residents.
We celebrated the Best Band in the Land
Marching Illini turns 150
This year, the Marching Illini celebrated its sesquicentennial. Since 1868, the band has entertained millions of Illini fans with traditional and innovative performances, while toting innovative accomplishments like the first school fight song and the first halftime show.
We kicked off Krannert’s 50th anniversary season
Krannert Center for the Performing Arts 50th anniversary season
Krannert Center for the Performing Arts is dedicated to the advancement and innovation of education, research and public engagement in the performing arts. For five decades, Krannert Center has served as a unique and vibrant home for the performing arts at Illinois. This September kicked off the center’s 50th anniversary season.
We cheered for a remarkable and accomplished team
Fighting Illini Volleyball
Illinois Volleyball gave Illini fans a season to remember as the team punched their ticket to the NCAA Final Four for the fourth time in program history and the first time since 2011. The No. 3 seeded team had an overall record of 32-4, and three players—Jordyn Poulter, Jacqueline Quade, and Ali Bastianelli—were named to the AVCA All American teams.
We improved the spaces we work and play
Renovations and campus improvements
It has been a banner year for upgrades to campus. Several campus labs, classrooms, and athletics facilities finished or started projects, including: Siebel Center for Design, Everitt Laboratory, Mechanical Engineering Building, Illinois Street Residence Hall (ISR), Bruce Nesbitt African American Cultural Center, Burrill Hall, Integrated Bioprocessing Research Laboratory, Altgeld and Illini Halls, Main Library, Demirjian Park, the home of Illini soccer and track & field, the Henry Dale and Betty Smith Football Center, the Susan and Clint Atkins Baseball Training Center, and the Ubben Basketball Complex.
Our alumni and partners were #withILLINOIS
Our most successful fundraising year ever
This past year marked the most successful fundraising year in our institution’s history. Donors contributed more than $415 million dollars, putting us 64% toward reaching our most ambitious fundraising campaign to date of $2.25 billion.
