Education at Illinois finished the Spring 2023 semester strong. This issue of our Alumni Update is full of accolades that you will read about, but know that we're not resting on our laurels! These successes are simply the catalyst for our faculty, staff, students, and alumni—like you—to do even greater work.
Dean Chrystalla Mouza led her first College of Education 2023 Convocation Ceremony last month, and it was a wonderful time of tradition, recognition, and celebration. Thank you to our keynote speaker Dr. Asia Fuller Hamilton, Ed.M. '07, Ph.D. '17 EPOL, who delivered an inspiring message to our graduates and their families. You can read about our exceptional 2023 Outstanding Student Medallion awardees who were honored during the ceremony, too.
Major news for the College is the announcement that our faculty are leading the new Inclusive and Intelligent Technologies for Education (INVITE) Artificial Intelligence Institute, funded by $20M over five years from the National Science Foundation. For months, AI has been a leading headline across the nation in many contexts. This institute, led by Educational Psychology professor H. Chad Lane and five other College faculty, is the only NSF-funded artificial intelligence institute expressly concerned with the role of AI as it relates to education. As INVITE projects get underway, we look forward to bringing you future stories about how our researchers' work is impacting technology in education.
College of Education students and alumni are making huge impact in the classroom and beyond, as you'll note in our newsletter stories, as well. Obviously, you don't have to take our word for it—these educators have been recognized for their excellence by the Illinois State Board of Education and Golden Apple Foundation. We are so proud to amplify their accomplishments!
After an exciting and productive academic year, we wish you a restful and rejuvenating summer. Please don't hesitate to reach out to our office with any updates, requests, or questions.
Yours in Orange and Blue,