Season’s Greetings from the College of Education!
As we reflect on a very exciting and productive fall semester, we’re filled with gratitude for the incredible partnerships and support that make our work possible. Looking ahead, we have many inspiring initiatives planned for the coming year.
The College of Education’s 2025 Impact Report showcases how we strive to enrich lives and strengthen communities. We’re proud to continue leading in the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings for our programs and departments.
As a University of Illinois alumna, I am really excited about the Live Like Alma program that many Education at Illinois faculty, researchers, and staff are creating at Illinois. The team will be working to develop and refine a character education initiative specific to Illinois. The program will cultivate civically-engaged graduates who embody the spirit and drive of our campus’s land-grant mission.
And to celebrate our civically-engaged alumni who model the spirit and innovation of Education at Illinois, we are excited to announce the renewal of our Alumni Awards program. Nominations are now open for the 2026 College of Education Alumni Awards, which include the Distinguished Alumni Award, the Emerging Leader Alumni Award, and the PreK–12 Educator Excellence Award. We’ll celebrate award recipients in Fall 2026—stay tuned for more details.
If you are going to be in the Champaign-Urbana area on February 9, 2026, please join us at 1 p.m. in Room 22 of the College of Education for an engaging session featuring the Centers and Initiatives within the College. Each director will share an overview of their work, highlight current projects and collaborations, and explore ways you can connect on future opportunities. Presentations will be brief and dynamic, giving you a quick yet comprehensive look at the innovative efforts happening across the College of Education. Registration details will be provided soon.
Also, please be sure to mark your calendar for the University of Illinois Orange and Blue Days to be celebrated March 4 – 6, 2026. We’ve earmarked important College projects that need support, from $10 to $100 to $10,000 gifts. Watch your email and the College’s social media accounts for how your donation, collectively, can have bigger impact.
Finally, so much of what we do would not be possible without the generosity of our donors. We are honored to share the giving story of Mr. Paul Meginnis and the gift he and his son, Colin, established in memory of their wife and mother, Kay Reeves Meginnis. Their scholarship helps students focus on their studies without financial burden, empowering them to fully invest in their academic journey.
As we wrap up 2025, I invite you to make a year-end gift to the College of Education. Your support helps us continue to transform lives through education and create a brighter future for all learners. To learn more about areas to support, please visit our Make a Difference webpage.
From all of us at the College of Education, we wish you a joyful holiday season and a bright start to the new year!
Yours for Illinois,
Heather Zorn
Assistant Dean for Advancement
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