blog postsFirst soccer games at Illinois? 1909Dec 23, 2019 10:30 am1 views The first match at U of I may have been a 'curtain raiser' match 110 years ago, meant to introduce the sport to fans who'd gone to Memorial Stadium for an Illini Football game. How U of I librarians shaped the U.S. western frontierDec 2, 2019 8:15 am390 views The School of Information Sciences at Illinois sent the first librarians to the United States’ western frontier in the early 1900s to establish libraries and educate the growing population.The 1909 Cherry Mine disaster and Illinois rescue and relief fund workNov 18, 2019 9:15 am18 views On November 13, 1909, a fire trapped 300 miners in Cherry, Illinois, killing 259 workers - citizens, immigrants, and children. Meanwhile, Illinois international students raised funds to help support the devastated families.George Huff: Transitioning the Illini into a respected powerJul 17, 2019 8:00 am10 views Part two of three: The story of George Huff and his influence on U of I history. He grew from a strapping farm boy into a dominating athlete, then into a strategically talented coach annd visionary administrator.UI Archives: Love Letters of Illini, Olympian Harold OsbornSep 29, 2017 8:45 am0 views In the 1920s, the Illini Athletics HOF inductee corresponded with Margaret Estelle Bordner, chronicling their long-distance romance and courtshipChancellor’s Medallion awarded to three who have preserved U of I historyJun 23, 2017 8:00 am9 views The Chancellor’s Medallion is the highest campus honor, having been awarded just six times since it was first presented in 1999.A rich trove: Roger Ebert at the University of IllinoisApr 21, 2017 10:30 am3 views Roger Ebert was not a typical University of Illinois student. His time here laid a foundation for his future, as they do for most students. But, unlike most students, they also shaped the university.What did a University of Illinois student handbook look like in 1934?Apr 20, 2017 11:15 am3 views The handbook allowed Illini to plan which class dance they’d attend, pencil in a class schedules and check guidelines on curfew. (Yes, there was a residence hall curfew.)America's first sports psychologist was an Illinois professorNov 2, 2016 2:30 pm46 views In 1938, Chicago Cubs owner P. K. Wrigley hired experimental psychologist Coleman Griffith — and didn’t listen to a thing he said.The Snoot Boot, college craze of the 60s, started in Illinois' Busey HallJan 14, 2016 11:00 am58 views The inventors were photographed for Life magazine and featured on Chicago’s WLS Radio Station after knitting one for popular DJ Dick Biondi, who in turn promised to give a plug to the “nostril hostels.”