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  • Big Ten Player of the Week Drake Westcott at the plate

    Westcott named Big Ten Player of the Week

    Drake Westcott put on an incredible power display at the plate during the Illini's sweep of Michigan State, going 8-for-15 (.533) with eight runs, five home runs and 10 RBI.  

  • Four University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign faculty members were honored by the Office of the Provost with the 2023 Campus Awards for Excellence in Faculty Leadership. From left, William Gropp; Mariselle Meléndez; Yoon Pak; and Tandy Warnow.  Photo collage by Michelle Hassel

    Four honored with 2023 Campus Award for Excellence in Faculty Leadership

    These awards are presented in three categories – faculty mentoring, distinguished executive officer and outstanding faculty leadership – to distinguished faculty who enrich the intellectual vitality of campus and the broader community. 

  • Illinois graduate student and golfer Crystal Wang

    Wang named Big Ten Golfer of the Year

    Crystal Wang has been named Golfer of the year and All-Big Ten First Team. Wang shot a record-low final round 62 to earn medalist honors at the B1G Championships, winning the individual title by 12 strokes - the only player to finish under par. 

  • Electrical and computer engineering professor Tamer Başar, materials science and engineering professor David Cahill and physics professor Vidya Madhavan have been elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Photos by Brian Stauffer

    Three Illinois scientists elected to American Academy of Arts and Sciences

    Electrical and computer engineering professor emeritus Tamer Başar, materials science and engineering professor David Cahill and physics professor Vidya Madhavan – have been elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.


  • students Daniel Cudzich, Max Fan and Aidan Lindsay. Photos submitted by students

    Three Illinois students honored with Goldwater scholarships

    U of I students Daniel Cudzich, Max Fan and Aidan Lindsay are among 413 scholars selected for Goldwater scholarships from the 1,267 mathematics, science and engineering students nominated by colleges and universities nationwide. 

  • History professor Yuridia Ramírez and Latina/Latino studies professor José de la Garza Valenzuela have been awarded 2023 American Council of Learned Societies Fellowships.

    Two Illinois researchers receive Council of Learned Societies fellowships

    The ACLS Fellowship Program supports exceptional scholarship in the humanities and interpretive social sciences that has the potential to make significant contributions within and beyond the recipients’ fields. 

  • Ian Skirkey competing on the pommel horse and sophomore Ashton Anaya competing on the still rings

    Skirkey, Anaya earn national titles at NCAA Championships

    Ian Skirkey (pommel horse) and Ashton Anaya (still rings) both were named national champions at the NCAA Championships Saturday night in State College, Pa. This is the first time Illinois has two national champions since 2012.

  • portrait images of all winners of Excellence in Instruction awards for 2023. Photos and composite image by Michelle Hassel

    Faculty, advisers honored with Excellence in Instruction awards

    Awardees are recognized for sustained excellence and innovation in undergraduate and graduate teaching, undergraduate and graduate advising and mentoring, online teaching and research guidance.  

  • Department of Speech and Hearing Science celebrates 50 years

    The Department of Speech and Hearing Science celebrates 50 years of empowering lives through enhanced communication.

  • a smiling Devon Witherspoon talks with members of the press

    Witherspoon shows first-round talent at Pro Day

    Illinois Football All-American Devon Witherspoon shined at his personal Pro Day on Wednesday at the Irwin Indoor Practice Facility. Witherspoon performed in front of 31 scouts representing 23 NFL teams.  

  • Illinois professors Prashant Jain, Gloriana Gonzalez, D.K. Lee, Carol Symes, and Derek Holem. Photo compilation by Michelle Hassel

    Five Urbana-Champaign faculty members named University Scholars

    Five U of I professors have been named University Scholars in recognition of their excellence in teaching, scholarship and service. The award is presented by the University of Illinois System to faculty members from the Chicago, Springfield and Urbana universities. 

  • Matthis Besard watches his put at the NIT in Tuscon, AZ

    Besard named B1G Golfer of the Week

    Senior Matthis Besard has been named Big Ten Golfer of the Week after leading the Illini to a share of fourth place last weekend against a strong field, which included nine top-30-ranked programs, at the National Invitational Tournament in Tucson, Ariz.  

  • Junior guard Makira Cook brings the ball up court in a file photo.

    Makira Cook named to AP All-America honorable mention list

    Cook is the first Illinois women's basketball player to earn AP All-America accolades since Karisma Penn following the 2012-13 season. In her first season with the Orange and Blue, Cook has put together the best year of her career.

  • Chemistry professor Mei Shen

    Chemistry professor named 2023 Sloan Research Fellow

    Mei Shen adds a Sloan Fellowship to a list of honors that include the American Chemical Society Arthur Findeis Award, an National Science Foundation CAREER award, and a campus award for Excellence in Guiding Undergraduate Research.

  • Fulbright top producer logo over an image of the Alma Mater statue

    U of I among top producers of Fulbright US Student, US Scholar awards

    Illinois is among 18 institutions recognized as top producers for both Fulbright students and Fulbright scholars with eight scholars and 16 students selected.

  • Huddled with players, Coach Grentz charts a play in this file photo.

    Women’s Basketball to honor Illini coaching great Theresa Grentz

    The Illini welcome back former head coach and Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2022 Inductee Theresa Grentz to celebrate her legendary career with a Hall of Fame banner ceremony on February 19 before a game against Penn State.

  • a 'highlight reel' layup by Terrence Shannon Jr. during a game against Nebraska

    Shannon Jr. named top 10 candidate for Jerry West 'Shooting Guard' Award

    Terrence Shannon Jr. is one of only two power conference players – and one of 14 players nationally – averaging at least 17 points, five rebounds, three assists, and one steal on the season. You can vote for him beginning Feb. 10.

  • Ken Norman in his playing days at Illinois. Shown on a graphic for the '28 Days of Black Excellence' Black History Month feature

    Ken Norman: A double-double machine

    Ken Norman was the guy that every conference coach coveted.  In his junior and senior seasons—1985-86 and '86-87—Norman was a double-double machine. He had at least 10 points and 10 rebounds on 25 occasions.

  • Physics professor James Eckstein, psychology professor Kara Federmeier, atmospheric sciences professor Atul Jain, chemistry professor Liviu Mirica, computer science professor Grigore Rosu, mechanical science and engineering professor M. Taher Saif, and materials science and engineering professor Charles Schroeder will be awarded the distinction of AAAS Fellow this year.

    Seven Illinois faculty members elected to AAAS

    Seven professors at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have been elected 2022 Fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Fellows are chosen by their peers for outstanding contribution to the field.

  • Professor Erin Riggs. Photo by Fred Zwicky

    Illinois anthropology professor awarded NEH Fellowship

    Riggs is a contemporary and historical archaeologist with interests in welfare state initiatives, materiality, national belonging and displacement in the recent past. 

  • Offensive linebacker Gabe Jacas awaits the snap

    Illini Football's Jacas named FWAA Freshman All-American

    Outside linebacker Gabe Jacas was named to the Football Writers Association of America Freshman All-America Team. He's the second Illini in the award's history (2001), and the first ever Illini true freshman to earn the honor. 

  • referee raises Zac Braunagel's hand in victory

    Zac Braunagel named NCAA/B1G Wrestler of the Week

    Redshirt junior Zac Braunagel (197) was named to NCAA Wrestler of the Week and Big Ten Co-Wrestler of the week honors for this weekend's performances against No. 2 Iowa and No. 13 Wisconsin.

  • Smiling U of i cornerback Devon Witherspoon on the sideline during a game

    Witherspoon first Illini defensive back named Consensus All-American

    Witherspoon will be honored with a permanent plaque in Grange Grove, a banner in Memorial Stadium, and his jersey hung in the Smith Center staircase. He's the first Illini to earn consensus honors since Whitney Mercilus in 2011.

  • Illinois inducted into Olympics' inaugural Collegiate Impact Award Class

    The induction by the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee honors the top-performing schools represented on Team USA at the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020.

  • Fighting Illini Football Defensive Coordinator Ryan Walters

    Ryan Walters named 247Sports Defensive Coordinator of the Year

    Illinois Football ranked in the top 10 in the nation in 17 major defensive categories during the regular season, including leading the nation in interceptions (22), ranking second in scoring defense (12.3), and third in total defense (263.8).

  • Shannon Jr. claps his hands during a game as an Illini crowd looks on

    Terrence Shannon Jr. earns Big Ten Player of the Week honor

    Shannon earns the award after averaging 22.7 points, 7.3 rebounds and 4.3 assists while shooting 59.5% from the field, including 56.5% from 3-point range. He led the No. 16 Fighting Illini to a 2-1 record on the week, including a top-10 victory.

  • Highly Cited researchers this year at Illinois are: clockwise, from top left, Elizabeth Ainsworth, Brent Roberts, Donald Ort, Atul Jain, Ed Diener, Arend van der Zande, Kaiyu Guan, Jennifer A. Lewis and Axel Hoffmann.

    Nine Illinois scientists rank among world's most influential

    The 2022 Clarivate Analytics Highly Cited Researchers list recognizes research scientists and social scientists who have demonstrated exceptional influence – reflected through their publication of multiple papers frequently cited by their peers. 

  • Nathaniel "Big Easy" Lofton, recently retired from the Harlem Globetrotters, presents the Emmy Award to U of I producers Tim Hartin and Kaitlin Southworth.

    'Cold War: Illinois Stories' wins Mid-America Regional Emmy Award

    “Cold War: Illinois Stories” won the Mid-America Regional Emmy Award for best magazine program. It was the seventh Emmy for producer Tim Hartin, and the cap to his thirty year career at Illinois.

  • Fellowship awardees Owen MacDonald (History), Adrian Wong (Institute for Communications Research), and Marisa Natale (History).

    Three grad students receive Fulbright-Hays Fellowships for doctoral research abroad

    These are highly competitive fellowships that support dissertation-level research abroad in 'modern foreign languages and area studies.' Fellowships provide a stipend, cover research and travel expenses, and offer up to 12 months of support.

  • University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign chemistry professor Martin D. Burke has been elected to the National Academy of Medicine.  Photo by Fred Zwicky

    Burke elected to National Academy of Medicine

    'Dr. Burke’s election is well-deserved recognition of his pioneering research methods ...a testament to his unwavering focus on finding solutions that can directly impact people’s lives and the health of our  communities,” Chancellor Jones said.

  • graphic shows profile image of Chase Brown with text, 'Chase Brown: Chasing History

    Chase Brown: Chasing History

    The nation's leading rusher is Illini Chase Brown. He's the first Illini to rush for 100+ yards in the first seven games of a season, leads the nation in all-purpose yards, yards gained after contact, and rushes of 10+ yards. This website is all about him.

  • Voyager Scholarship winners Ella Dennis and Linh Nguyen

    Illinois students selected for inaugural Voyager Scholarships

    The inaugural Obama-Chesky Scholarship for Public Service, also known as Voyager Scholarships, provide up to $50,000 to use toward education-related expenses, and a $10,000 stipend toward an immersive work-travel experience.

  • Alma Mater statue in golden light of sunset. Photo by Fred Zwicky

    University invests $50 million in faculty-hiring initiative

    'Our plans to (grow the faculty) were put on hold while we managed the effects of the pandemic. It is now time to reinvigorate our commitment to increasing the number of excellent tenure-stream faculty on campus,' said Chancellor Jones.

  • Graduates, Dean's List and Bronze Tablet honorees named

    The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has announced 9,193 Dean’s List students, 261 Bronze Tablet honorees and approaching 10,000 graduates for the 2022 spring semester. 

  • Professor Govindjee in his office, surrounded by memorabilia from decades of studying photosynthesis

    Govindjee receives Lifetime Achievement Award for photosynthesis research

    Pant biology professor emeritus Govindjee was given a Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Society of Photosynthesis Research for 'contributions to chlorophyll fluorescence induction and photosystem II function.'

  • Eight employees honored with Chancellor's Distinguished Staff Award

    Eight civil service employees were recognized for exceptional performance by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

  • Illinois designated a First-gen Forward institution

    The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has been designated a First-gen Forward institution by the Center for First-generation Student Success, an initiative of NASPA (Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education) and The Suder Foundation.

  • Illinois Global Institute centers receive almost $13.2 million in Title VI funding

    The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is one of this year’s top Title VI funding recipients in the country. 

  • Illinois alumna receives Presidential Medal of Freedom

    Gies College of Business alumna and Brigadier General Wilma Vaught served in the U.S. Air Force from 1957 to 1985, becoming one of the most highly decorated military women in U.S. history at the time of her retirement. 

  • U of I's Formula SAE race car cruises down the track

    Illini Motorsports: National Champions!

    For the first time in its Formula SAE 40-year history, U of I's team won both competitions that comprised the 2022 Formula SAE National Collegiate series, finishing as the national champions with a nearly clean sweep of first-place trophies.

  • separate images of Kofi Cockburn and Olivia Howell

    Cockburn, Howell Named Dike Eddleman Athletes of the Year

    Ffirst-team basketball All-American Kofi Cockburn and track All-American Olivia Howell are winners of the 2021-22 Dike Eddleman Award, presented annually to the top Fighting Illini male and female athlete. 

  • 16 Illinois students, recent graduates offered Fulbright grants

    Sixteen Illinois students and recent graduates were offered Fulbright grants to pursue international education, research and teaching experiences around the globe. Another six students were named Fulbright alternates.

  • Awards recognize excellence in public engagement

    Outstanding individual and group outreach efforts were recognized for their knowledge and expertise to issues for the public good.

  • Ralph Nuzzo named Kavli Prize Laureate

    Ralph Nuzzo, professor emeritus of chemistry, is one of four recipients of the Kavli Prize in Nanoscience. Kavli Prize honors scientists for breakthroughs that transform our understanding of the world.

  • Martin Ostoja-Starzewski, an affiliate faculty member at the Beckman Institute and a professor of mechanical science and engineering

    Beckman professor elected to European Academy of Sciences & Arts

    Martin Ostoja-Starzewski was nominated by colleagues in Europe on the basis of his scholarship, editorial activities, and collaboration with European institutions and European centers of scholarship.

  • Campus Award for Excellence in Faculty Leadership winners from 2022 (top) and 2021.

    Campus honors four more with awards for excellence in faculty leadership

    The Office of the Provost sponsors the campus-level awards in recognition of faculty members who distinguish themselves in their vision of the future and their efforts to enable and promote others in shaping that future.

  • U of I is a top producer of Fulbright U.S. scholars

    Twelve scholars from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign were awarded Fulbright awards for 2021-2022 — making the university the top doctoral degree-granting institution in terms of numbers of scholars offered grants.

  • Professor William Trent

    William Trent wins Spencer Foundation Mentorship Award

    'We wanted to tell the story of his mentorship from his students’ perspective... We each had our own personal story of how Dr. Trent had affected us as humans and scholars, and when we shared our stories his cumulative impact was clear.'

  • Professor Nancy Sottos. Photo by L. Brian Stauffer

    Professor Nancy Sottos elected to National Academy of Sciences

    Election to the NAS is one of the highest professional honors a scientist can receive. Sottos is also a member of the National Academy of Engineering, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

  • Professor of Physics and Astronomy Charles Gammie poses in his office with physics graduate students Ben Prather and George Wong. Photo by Brian Stauffer

    UI researchers share Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics

    Illinois professor Charles Gammie's theoretical working group helped create the first-ever image of a black hole.