• Starting the New Year Strong at the Graduate College Welcome Reception

    Sep 5, 2024 1:30 pmStudent Experience
    Students sit next to a large Block I at the Graduate College Welcome Reception

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    • Students sit next to a large Block I at the Graduate College Welcome Reception
    • Students chat with the Graduate Dean at the Welcome Reception.
    • Students fill out name tags and chat during the Welcome Reception.
    • 3: Students sit in large chairs in the Illini Union.
    • 4: Graduate Dean Wojtek Chodzko-Zajko delivers remarks at the Welcome Reception.
    • 5: Illinois Provost John Coleman delivers remarks at the Graduate College Welcome Reception.
    • 6: A world map with pins pushed in to represent the hometowns of Illinois graduate students.
    • 7: Grad College staff assist students with questions.
    • 8: Photo booth supplies laid out on a table.
    • 9: Graduate College staff interview graduate students at the Welcome Reception.
    • 10: A service dog sits on the floor at the Welcome Reception.

    The start of a new academic year is a time for excitement and anticipation, and the beginning of the Fall 2024 semester was no exception! The Graduate College held a Welcome Reception for new and returning graduate students to connect with each other and explore the resources available to them at Illinois. Students in attendance at the Illini Union were greeted with an array of door prizes, remarks from Provost John Coleman and Graduate Dean Wojtek Chodzko‑Zajko, engaging conversation, and (of course) delicious cake. The Welcome Reception was a perfect opportunity for students to reconnect with old friends, make new ones, and set the tone for a successful year ahead.  

    We hope you enjoy this behind-the-scenes photo recap of the festivities! We also had a chance to catch up with some graduate students and ask them about the journeys and passions that brought them to Illinois. Check out the video below! 

    Want to learn more about Welcome Week? Read more on our website.


    Students chat with the Graduate Dean at the Welcome Reception.
    Students chat with the Graduate Dean at the Welcome Reception.
    Students fill out name tags and chat during the Welcome Reception.
    First things first: students prepare name tags at the Welcome Reception.
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    3: Students sit in large chairs in the Illini Union.
    Grad students relax in the Illini Union South Lounge.
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    4: Graduate Dean Wojtek Chodzko-Zajko delivers remarks at the Welcome Reception.
    Graduate Dean Wojtek Chodzko-Zajko delivers remarks.
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    5: Illinois Provost John Coleman delivers remarks at the Graduate College Welcome Reception.
    University of Illinois Provost John Coleman welcomes graduate students to a new semester.
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    6: A world map with pins pushed in to represent the hometowns of Illinois graduate students.
    Where do you call home? Our grad students hail from across the country and around the globe.
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    7: Grad College staff assist students with questions.
    Graduate College staff assist students at the Welcome Reception.
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    8: Photo booth supplies laid out on a table.
    Illinois spirit decorations await those feeling photogenic.
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    9: Graduate College staff interview graduate students at the Welcome Reception.
    Lights, camera, action! Grad College staff interviewed students about their passions at the Welcome Reception.
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    10: A service dog sits on the floor at the Welcome Reception.
    A service dog in training relaxes at the Welcome Reception. 


    John Moist (Small)

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    John Moist is the Communications Specialist for the Graduate College. He holds degrees from Mount Aloysius College ('14), Baylor University ('17), and the University of Illinois (PhD, '22). His academic research examines the digital world's impact on our ideas of work and community. In his spare time, he enjoys making music, teaching public speaking, playing board games, drinking espresso, and watching movies. He lives in Champaign, Illinois with his wife Kaitlyn and their cat Mildred.