Dear Alumni and Friends,
The 2024-25 academic year here at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is underway, and already off to a wonderful start. Our faculty and staff were busy over the summer, preparing to welcome record numbers to the College of Education. This fall, 16 new tenure system and specialized faculty members and more than 225 new and transfer undergraduate students are among those joining our scholarly community. We are extremely pleased and look forward to the creativity and insight their endeavors will bring to the College and beyond.
Likewise, we've planned several opportunities for you to engage within the Education at Illinois community this fall. Join us for a 2024 Homecoming Open House and Reception at the Education Building on Friday, September 13, and participate with fellow Illini in a variety of activities. Next, the Youth Literature Festival is back! We are thrilled to invite you to YLF Community Day on Saturday, October 5, for author readings, book signings, music, art and more. And last, please make plans to attend the 20th Annual Goldstick Family Lecture in the Study of Communication Disorders on Thursday, October 17 at the I Hotel and online. The College hosts esteemed researchers who present on cutting-edge topics at this annual event, and this year is no exception.
Outstanding research, collaboration, and service distinguish our Education at Illinois community, and recent examples are highlighted in this edition of the Alumni Update. From the development of licensure programs for trauma-informed practices in schools, to implementing new approaches to learning, our College's faculty, staff, and alumni continue moving the needle forward in the field of education.
Many of our alumni stories are sparked from conversations with faculty and staff during conferences, celebrations, and events. I anticipate many new conversations this fall about the inspiring and innovative work happening in our Education at Illinois community.
Yours in Orange & Blue,
Chrystalla Mouza
Dean, College of Education