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THE DAILY ILLINI Editor’s note 1001 S. Wright St., Champaign, IL 61820 || 217-337-8300

The Daily Illini is the independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois UrbanaChampaign. The newspaper is published by the Illini Media Company. The Daily Illini does not necessarily represent, in whole or in part, the views of the University of Illinois’ administration, faculty, staff or students. All Illini Media Company and The Daily Illini’s articles, photos and graphics are the property of Illini Media Company and may not be reproduced or published without written permission from the publisher.

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Newsroom Reporting: If you have a question about a story or notice an error, email our Managing Editor at reporting@dailyillini.com. Visuals: For questions about photos, graphics or The DI’s social media, email our Visual Director at visuals@dailyillini.com. Employment: The DI’s staff are current students at the University of Illinois. Visit dailyillini.com/applyto-the-di/ to learn more about our hiring process. Tips: To submit a tip, email our News Editor at news@dailyillini.com or submit a confidential tip online at dailyillini.com/contact/. Corrections: When we make a mistake, we will acknowledge it with a correction. We strive for accuracy, so if you notice an error, please email our Editorin-Chief, Chloe Barbarise, at editor@dailyillini.com. Letters to the editor: Letters are limited to 800 words. Contributions must include the author’s name, address and phone number. University students must include their year in school and college. The DI reserves the right to edit or reject any contributions. To submit a letter, email opinions@dailyillini.com with the subject line: “Letter to the Editor.”

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t’s been more than three years since The Daily Illini last published a print edition that solely highlighted the University’s students, staff and faculty. For a university that has consistently earned academic, athletic and scientific achievements — paired with an independent student newspaper dedicated not only to hard news but also to human-interest — producing I on Illini had been long overdue. As a larger institution with an ever-increasing population, it can be difficult to establish long-lasting relationships, especially with those in the University’s administration. However, as Chancellor Charles Lee Isbell Jr. said in an interview with The Daily Illini Executive Team about the 2026-27 academic year, “the theme that you’re go-

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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

ing to hear again and again is leadership.” So why not allow The DI to spearhead that motif for Fall 2026 with I on Illini? After all, our staff is trailblazers in their own ways, and the 12 articles within this edition exemplify just that. Bob Flider held several titles throughout his career before being named the senior director of community and government relations (page 6); the same goes for Research Park Executive Director Laura Appenzeller (page 9). Other Illini featured in this edition include the deans of Business, Engineering and LAS on pages 10-11, ROTC members on page 20 and the student-run nonprofit organization Illini 4000, which completed its 19th cross-country bike ride this summer (page 24). None of these stories would be possible without their subjects and the lives they’ve lived. This edition is not only for them but for those who have only ever known the University as their home.

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The DI || Volume 156 Issue 01 || August 2026

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ON THE

COVER

Taking visual inspiration from vintage comics and pop art paintings, this cover aims to illustrate what this issue is all about: keeping an “I” on Illini and highlighting the incredible achievements made by our students, faculty, staff and alumni alike.

ON ILLINI

ISSUE 01

VOLUME 156

ISSUE

IN THIS

DESIGNERS Rikkie Gunawan Shannon Moser

I ON ILLINI

Lee Isbell Jr. talks University 4 Charles excellence, leadership

6 Bob Flider on securing Illinois’ future research, education: 9 Industry, Laura Appenzeller

discuss on-campus role, 10 Deans off-campus lifestyle bolster student life behind the 12 BSWs scenes

student government influences 15 How campus life in step: Student leaders 16 Keeping guide Marching Illini

know what to expect’: Jackson, Parch18 ‘You ment prepare for sophomore year jump

challenges students, builds re20 ROTC silience, leadership Katin Houser embraces 22 Quarterback new home at Illinois

24 Illini 4000 rides for cancer research

26 ON ILLINI

| Student media speaks vol26 Editorial umes

The DI || August 2026

Chancellor Isbell talks University excellence, leadership

THE DAILY ILLINI EXECUTIVE TEAM editor@dailyillini.com

t’s been over a year since Charles Lee Isbell Jr. formally assumed the role of chancellor at the University. Within those 365 days and counting, he’s embraced the traditions of the orange and the blue, while also finding time to read. In December 2025, Isbell traveled to Tennessee and witnessed Illinois football’s walk-off victory in the Music City Bowl. A little more than three months later, he ventured to Indiana, where Illinois men’s basketball’s historic season concluded at the Final Four. Isbell also met and celebrated the individuals at the Cancer Center at Illinois after the National Cancer Institute designated it as a Basic Cancer Center. This was the first designation of its kind in nearly 40 years and the

The DI || Volume 156 Issue 01 || August 2026

ANSH AGGARWAL THE DAILY ILLINI

Chancellor Charles Lee Isbell Jr. speaks at New Student Convocation in State Farm Center on Aug. 21.

first Basic Cancer Center in Illinois and eighth nationwide. The Daily Illini Executive Team spoke with Isbell about these accomplishments and his future ambitions for the 2026-27 academic year. “Whether it’s the next thing that follows with the Cancer Center, whether it’s new innovations in interdisciplinary education, whether it’s trying to make more visible some of the research and outreach that we do through (Illinois) Extension and through our community engagement, I think the theme that you’re going to hear again and again is leadership,” Isbell said. It’s less about specifics, Isbell said, and more about adapting as the world changes. He said the top priority for 2025-26 was listening,

learning and talking, which has led him to double down on his commitment to education. According to Isbell, his goal is to educate as many people as possible by combining accessibility with affordability to maintain “a university of excellence.” “Why is it that we want to have the alumni, the students who come through here (to be) in our companies … (in) our civic leadership, in our governmental roles?” Isbell said. “It’s because we lead, and we have people we select for that, and people we support in doing that. It’s a general way of thinking about what a place like this is and can be.” Another important factor Isbell emphasizes is community. His concern for connection extends beyond

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the University, reaching into the surrounding Champaign-Urbana area. “A great university is like a hometown, right?” Isbell said. “It’s a place you want to come back to again and again. But one of the interesting things about hometowns is that they have surrounding suburbs. They have other communities and things they connect to. “But we are part of two cities, a county, and there’s a lot of people here who are sort of impacted by the fact that the University exists, and they impact us by existing and by interacting with us … We are citizens, we are neighbors, and we have to be good ones.” Isbell launched Illinois Leads on Dec. 18, 2025, as part of a strategic plan to engage the broader community. The plan aims to strengthen the University’s role in higher education by leveraging its influence as a public landgrant research powerhouse to innovate on a local and global scale. Illinois Leads is part of continuing the University’s work accomplished through Boldly Illinois, which intended to enhance people’s lives in Illinois and globally through leadership cultivated at the University.

“just a strategic planning process” but rather a means of including as many people as possible. “What we wanted to do was to really double down on the idea that we are a part of a larger community, and people, even people who never matriculate, who don’t ever work here, should be a part of the conversation,” Isbell said. Aside from the community-centered conversations, the Illinois Leads team invited University colleges, institutes, departments and units to share their thoughts about the University’s future. The Illinois Leads facilitation guide provided a framework for the unit-led brainstorming sessions to help lead discussions which served as additional feedback in the University’s strategic planning process. After survey data were collected and shared with the steering committee for Illinois Leads, the Illinois Leads strategic plan was written and finalized in accordance with the survey findings and the committee’s recommendations. By the start of the Fall 2026 semester, Isbell and the steering committee hope to approach a concrete plan to the University community after

This is a university of excellence, fundamentally ... A lot of what this university can do, should do and I think wants to do ... is truly lead. Charles Lee Isbell Jr., chancellor Illinois Leads’ steering committee conducted surveys throughout March and April, inviting the University community — including faculty, staff, students and alumni — to share their perspectives about the University’s future in leadership, innovation and economic success. Isbell said these surveys weren’t

ON ILLINI

approval from the University of Illinois Board of Trustees, according to Isbell. Part of Illinois Leads’ goal is to emphasize what it means “to do community and public engagement.” “I mean, it is our land-grant mission,” Isbell said. “It’s a part of who we are. It’s one way of having impact … This is really about how the University

can orient itself to make clear what its public mission is and how it connects with the rest of the community.” Isbell’s continual mission as chancellor, he said, is to support the University’s community, including both students and faculty. He said he views himself simply as a representative of the University, which shapes his daily duties. “The thing is, there is no day-to-day,” Isbell said. “Every day is different.” According to Isbell, his responsibilities involve not only working closely with vice chancellors, directors and other University faculty but also listening to the concerns of students, constituents and local organization representatives. Even without scheduling a formal meeting, Isbell said he is open to speaking with any student who wishes to seek him out. “Sunday afternoons, I’m out there throwing a frisbee just down the street, and (students) can learn how to play ultimate if they don’t know how, and they can talk to me as we run down the field,” Isbell said. As Isbell steps into another year as chancellor, he said he hopes people will recognize the University’s greatness. That greatness, he said, comes back to leadership. “This is a university of excellence, fundamentally,” Isbell said. “And we do excellence … That is part of our sort of magic and special sauce. But the other is we’re leaders … whether you’re student leaders, whether you are faculty or staff, whether you’re administration, whether you’re (an) alum, a lot of what this university can do, should do and I think wants to do … is truly lead.”

Learn about the roles of other University administrators!

Read it on page

The DI || August 2026

Bob Flider on securing Illinois’ future STAFF WRITER

ELIZABETH BICHKOFF emb10@dailyillini.com

ob Flider has worn many hats throughout his career. From small-town journalist to state legislator, his life’s work is made up of many avenues of public service, but the perfect culmination of those experiences, he said, happens at the University. Flider works to build relationships with government officials and agencies in order to advance the University’s interests. “As a two-time cancer survivor, I count my blessings every day,” Flider said. “Were it not for research and medical technology, I might not be here to enjoy watching my grandchildren grow up.” Flider said his previous roles as a state legislator and director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture showed him the impact the University could have across the state. Having experienced it firsthand, Flider offers a nuanced perspective on the nature of the job. “They have difficult jobs, more difficult than most people give them credit for,” Flider said. “Those realities help me to understand the pressures their constituents thrust upon them as I strive to be a credible partner on behalf of the University.” During his tenure as a state representative, Flider’s House committee assignments included Agriculture & Conservation and Ethanol Production Oversight. He was the primary sponsor of HB 2388, an E85 blend-fuel bill. During debate over the bill in the state House of Representatives, Flider argued the bill would benefit farmers and agriculture, the environment and efforts to reduce

The DI || Volume 156 Issue 01 || August 2026

reliance on foreign oil. Whe n the Univers i ty’s di rector of co mmuni ty and governme nt re lati o ns po s i ti o n o pened in 2 0 18 , F li der s aw an o ppo rtuni t y to b ri ng hi s s tate government a nd a gri culture ex peri ence to t h e U nivers i ty. H i s l e g i s l a t ive b a c k g r o u n d l a i d t h e f o u n d a t i o n f o r F l i d e r ’s wo r k a t t h e U n ive r s i t y to d ay, w h e r e h e wo r k s c l o s e ly w i t h a n d s u p p o r t s t h e e f f o r t s o f AC E S l e a d e r s l i ke Ad a m D av i s a n d S te ve Wa l d . Flider added that meeting leadership in person on their own turf is key to understanding their needs and efforts. “I try to live by the adage, ‘You’ve got to show up,’” Flider said. “You can accomplish so much more and meet and connect with many more people when you are present.” A n o t h e r o n e o f h i s d ay- to - d ay r e s p o n s i b i l i t i e s i s to m e e t w i t h l e a d e r s l i ke l e g i s l a to r s , m ayo r s and community leaders in order to p r o m o te t h e r e g i o n’s e c o n o my. F l i d e r s a i d t h a t w h e n t h e

I l l i n o i s G e n e r a l A s s e m b ly i s i n s e s s i o n , h e wo r k s w i t h U I Sy s te m c o l l e a g u e s a t t h e I l l i n o i s S t a te Ca p i to l to a dva n c e t h e U n ive r s i t y ’s p o s i t i o n s . Flider said the work is rewarding when government leaders see how partnering with the University can help them accomplish their objectives while advancing work on campus. A 2023 visit to Washington, D.C., provides one example of that work. Flider accompanied Erwin Kohler, then an assistant director for research at the Illinois Center for Transportation, on a visit to the United States Capitol to promote the Illinois Autonomous and Connected Track, an initiative seeking funding and potential contributors. Flider said he also works closely with student leaders, both in campus government and in other capacities, an aspect of the role he hopes can add value to their future endeavors. “I love this job, the university, and could not be more honored to be employed in this capacity as a capstone to my career,” Flider said.

PHOTO COURTESY OF BOB FLIDER

Bob Flider, senior director of community and government relations (second from left), stands with United States Rep. Nikki Budzinski at a 4-H event.

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The DI || August 2026

The DI || Volume 156 Issue 01 || August 2026

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Industry, research, education: Laura Appenzeller NEWS EDITOR

AVERY PATERSON averyep2@dailyillini.com

ust past State Farm Center, under the noses of students, lies an oasis filled with labs, office spaces, startups and Fortune 500 companies. This is Research Park; at its helm sits Executive Director Laura Appenzeller. Appenzeller joined Research Park in 2009 after a career that took her from advertising to the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and finally landed her in a place she never thought she’d be. A former University student body president, Appenzeller’s interest in student success has carried her through 17 years of developments and initiatives within the park. Over 120 companies maintain offices in Research Park, ranging from global corporations like John Deere and NVIDIA to small businesses and startups. The proximity of these companies to campus allows a unique opportunity for students to gain professional experience while they are still in school. In any given year, Research Park employs roughly 800 students from the University. Appenzeller shared some advice for landing these paid internships, which she acknowledged can be competitive. “The students have an opportunity to get to know the site directors, who are the people who run these operations,” Appenzeller said. “They work here on campus, and they attend lots of events on campus throughout the year … I would say do some digging and make an intro that’s more personal than just sending an automated response.” Students can apply for positions through Research Park’s job board. Another access point is its annual Block Party, held this year on Wednesday.

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SAM RINK THE DAILY ILLINI

Laura Appenzeller, executive director of Research Park, stands in a group meeting room at EnterpriseWorks on Aug. 18.

“That’s a casual way that people can come from campus, and we do tabling and have music and a DJ,” Appenzeller said. “It’s fun, and it’s not meant to be high pressure. It’s just meant to be a first-look.” According to Appenzeller, many students working for Research Park companies become interested in starting their own, which is where the park’s EnterpriseWorks incubator comes in. The incubator opened in 2003 and has been fully occupied since, Appenzeller said. It houses 32 offices and 24 labs to support the needs of dozens of small startups at any given time — many of which are run by current students. “Many of these employers are open to that — that a student can both work for them and do something entrepreneurial on this side,” Appenzeller said. After receiving the support they need to get off the ground, startups “graduate” from the incubator and can remain in Research Park as tenants. “Students have a wonderful opportunity here on campus to be founders,” Appenzeller said. “It’s one of the lowest-risk times in life to start a company,

because you have all these resources available to support you as a student through numerous offices on campus, including ours.” Research parks exist at several other universities across the country, including at Stanford University, Purdue University and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. However, the University’s Research Park stands apart from the rest in its dedication to student involvement. “We have more students working in our research park than any other university in the country,” Appenzeller said. “We do something that is truly, at scale, different than other places.” Appenzeller said one of her favorite parts of the job has been watching students turn a simple idea into a successful company or product. “You see somebody who’s a founder, when they just have an idea … I knew them when (it) was just something that they were thinking about,” Appenzeller said. “And then (to) see them successfully scale a business and grow it into a real company that’s thriving — those relationships can span decades, and it’s really fulfilling.” The DI || August 2026

Deans discuss on-campus role, off-campus lifestyle SENIOR NEWS REPORTER

MACY MEDENDORP macym3@dailyillini.com

ho on campus hires faculty, speaks with donors, responds to emergencies and shapes the path of an individual college, sometimes all in the span of one day? Deans do. Much like provosts, deans are critical to the University’s operation, yet it can be difficult to pinpoint their role. Together, the Gies College of Business, The Grainger College of Engineering and the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences are home to about 67% of the University’s approximately 38,000 undergraduate students. As such, those three deans shape decisions that influence many students’ time on campus. The Daily Illini spoke with Dean of Business Brooke Elliott, Dean of Engineering Rashid Bashir and Dean of LAS Venetria Patton to define their positions at the University — and to share about who they are outside of campus, too.

ELLIOTT EXPANDS STUDENT, SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES FOR BUSINESS

Elliott compared her role as dean to acting as the CEO of her college. She broke down the three main categories she allocates her time to: long-term vision, operations and philanthropy. “A significant portion of my time is spent on thinking about our strategy, building out a framework, developing priorities and then aligning our budget resources to those priorities,” Elliott said. To accomplish this, Elliott spends a great deal of time in meetings. Still, a day in a dean’s life is often unpredictable. Last-minute issues inevitably appear, which Elliot said packs her meeting-laden days even tighter. Perhaps Elliott’s favorite part of her work is the philanthropy portion, she

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said. Elliott has traveled across the world to visit with alumni and secure donations for the college. “It’s so cool to hear from so many different people — different ages, different industries — whether they live in New York or California, Singapore or Hong Kong,” Elliott said. “I have the opportunity to really hear and see the impact that our institution has.” While Elliott has spent 24 years on campus, 2026 marks her third year as dean. Under her tenure, Business has expanded to serve 200 more undergraduate students than before. The college has significantly increased the amount of scholarship dollars, outpacing the enrollment growth in the same time period, Elliott said. As the college has seen a rise in enrollment and scholarships, so too has the prevalence of artificial intelligence. Elliott said the college focuses on training both faculty and students on how to navigate AI while developing human excellence. “Even though we’re all in on AI, it’s the human at the center, as the orchestrator, as the governor,” Elliott said. “We deeply believe that your unique skills as a human will continue to be what sets you apart.” The college’s approach to AI is just one of the paths Elliot helps shape. Outside of her hectic schedule as dean, Elliott loves venturing outdoors. At the end of September, she plans to complete a three-day, 50-mile trail race through three national parks in Utah. Last fall, Elliott said she and Larry Gies, alum and namesake of the college, rappelled off the side of Gies Memorial Stadium. Elliott said she’s “always looking for something kind of crazy to do.”

BASHIR RAISES THE BAR FOR ENGINEERING Like Elliott, Bashir also thinks of his dean position as a CEO of his college — Engineering.

As for the chain of command, Bashir reports to the provost, John Coleman, whom Bashir likened to the chief operating officer of the campus. Chancellor Charles Lee Isbell Jr., then, is the University’s ultimate CEO. “Anything to do with the college, the buck stops here,” Bashir said about his role. “A dean is responsible for all aspects: undergraduate education, graduate education, fundraising, marketing, communication, facilities, finances and human resources.” Alongside his associate and assistant deans in those areas, Bashir oversees anything Engineering-related. He said his success is also because of his “fantastic team,” and “nothing would be possible without them.” Bashir, too, spends much of his day in meetings. He divided them into four categories: long-term, short-term, current and fundraising. Almost everything he does comes back to strategically envisioning and positioning the college to best prepare it for the future. It’s now Bashir’s ninth year as dean. Bashir said that every day, the students on campus are his motivation. “We want to bring students to our campus, do what we can to inspire and shape their future and help them achieve their dreams and go on to become leaders when they leave us,” Bashir said. With his help, the University started the world’s first engineering-based medical school, the Carle Illinois College of Medicine, more than 10 years ago. The college is now helping lead the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park, and Bashir said, hopefully, in two years, the college will house the world’s first micronuclear reactor. “I’ve always believed that when we stand at great places like ours, Grainger Engineering, we stand on the shoulders of giants,” Bashir said. “We’ve had amazing leadership in the past, but I hope I’ve also helped raise the bar. My approach is … envision the

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SAM RINK THE DAILY ILLINI

Dean of Business Brooke Elliott, Dean of LAS Venetria Patton and Dean of Engineering Rashid Bashir stand outside the Levis Faculty Center on Aug. 19.

future and build it now.” While working to build the future as dean, Bashir still maintains his position as an academic. He has more than 65 patents and has authored or co-authored 320 journal articles, and he said he hopes his legacy as a scholar remains. Even now, Bashir still has an active research group. Outside of campus, Bashir is a movie aficionado — he’s seen his favorite, “The Shawshank Redemption,” over 50 times — and is also working to get his pilot’s license.

PATTON DRIVES DIVERSITY, RESOURCES FOR LAS Patton offered up a high school principal — on overdrive — to describe the LAS dean role. In her eyes, her focus points are student, faculty and alumni relations. For students, she ensures that the proper academic programs and support are available, whether that’s relating to advising or wellness. For faculty, she provides resources to support their research and instruction while making sure LAS is a fulfilling workplace. Final-

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ly, she keeps alumni informed and connected to the college. “It’s really about facilitation and connecting the dots,” Patton said. While all three are essential to the college’s success, Patton said connecting with students will always be close to her heart. Not being in the classroom anymore is one of the things Patton misses most as dean, she said. She encourages students to “not be afraid to come up and say hello” if you see her on campus. LAS is the most diverse college on campus with 70 majors, ranging from art history and mathematics to geology and philosophy. As an interdisciplinary scholar herself — English and African American studies — Patton said she greatly appreciates the value of all the disciplines within LAS and is happy to help all programs and people thrive. With its wide range, students from the college enter a variety of careers upon graduation, and Patton said majors and careers are often entirely unrelated. “Students get such a well-rounded foundation in LAS,” Patton said. “Our

alumni do so many amazing things, and they’re not necessarily what you would imagine an English major would be doing — or a history major or a communication major or a psychology major. We don’t put our majors in boxes.” Patton helped LAS switch all its learning management systems to Canvas to limit student confusion. For example, professors who prefer Moodle now must use it through Canvas. Patton said she is also in part responsible for launching the Speakers Workshop and expanding the Computer-Based Testing Facility to the Chemistry Annex. Currently in progress, Patton is working with her team to create more undergraduate research opportunities for all disciplines within the college. When not in her office, you might catch Patton at the Eternal Flame pillar, where she once did a photoshoot with her husband. She also loves spending time at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts and seeing the dance performances, jazz music and theater productions. The DI || August 2026

BSWs bolster student life behind the scenes SENIOR NEWS REPORTER

MACY MEDENDORP macym3@dailyillini.com

mptied trash cans, restocked paper towel dispensers and erased chalkboards — all three are easy to overlook but are essential to a smooth-running university. Building service workers are the people to thank; after all, they are the ones who take out the trash, fill up paper towel dispensers and clean chalkboards, among countless other tasks. Each day for a BSW is unique. That’s something that both Tom Pagel, who’s been a BSW for 18 years, and Brad Stevenson, who’s been one for 33 years, can attest to. “We’re all over campus,” Pagel said. “I like not really knowing what I’ll be doing every day. It’s probably the best thing about the job.” Another nice part of a BSW’s job is student appreciation of their efforts, the pair agreed. A quick “thank you” from a student shows their gratitude for the

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occasionally demanding work the BSWs do. The gratitude goes both ways. “Without the students, we wouldn’t have this job,” Pagel said. “I appre- SAM RINK THE DAILY ILLINI ciate that.” Tom Pagel and Brad Stevenson, building service workers, in the BSW office on If a Aug. 21. building are responsible for most jobs in the floods, like when Snyder Hall did in building. Spring 2026, BSWs are the people on When Pagel and Stevenson are not scene. on their 6 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. shifts, they They also unlock buildings, mop keep busy. Pagel said he lives with his floors and arrange chairs. granddaughter and loves spending time Stevenson explained that when- with her or fishing. ever an odd task pops up, BSWs are the For Stevenson, he said he watches a ones to take care of it. lot of movies or gets roped into playing If you live in a residence hall, games like Minecraft and Terraria with there are also specific BSWs who his son.

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The DI || August 2026

The DI || Volume 156 Issue 01 || August 2026

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How student government influences campus life STAFF WRITER

SANTIAGO GONZALEZ AHUERMA sg119@dailyillini.com

llinois Student Government is the body that bridges the gap between the University’s administration and the student body, representing the University’s over 38,000 undergraduate students. ISG consists of three branches: executive, legislative and judicial, all of which are entirely student-run. Each college is represented by elected members of the Illinois Student Congress, and Jaden Campbell, student body president, will lead the executive branch for the 2026-27 academic year. In addition, Chief Justice Meir Benoff will head the judicial branch, and in the legislative branch, Rylee Graves will be the speaker of Congress. Apart from ensuring student representation, ISG also runs initiatives that facilitate student success, like

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its Initiative for Leadership, Involvement, Advocacy and Development. ILIAD seeks to empower new students to grow as leaders by introducing them to campus resources and connecting them with the broader Champaign-Urbana community. Aadit Bhatia, ILIAD’s coordinator, and Ethan Lopez, ISG’s vice president, wrote in an email to The Daily Illini that the program is tailored for new students interested in joining ISG but is open to all new students, including transfers. “Any new student seeking to develop their leadership and advocacy skills, meet new people, learn more about the university and its administration and break into ISG (should apply),” Bhatia and Lopez wrote. According to Bhatia and Lopez, what differentiates ILIAD from other leadership development opportunities is its unique access to campus life. It provides members with direct

involvement, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of the communities on campus. “ILIAD provides a focused group … through which students gain exposure and hands-on experience in advocacy and leadership development,” Bhatia and Lopez wrote. “Students will leave with practical skills they can use throughout college, a strong network of peers and a better understanding of Illinois Student Government.” In the past, ILIAD members have met with key University administrators and participated in community events like a tea ceremony at Japan House. Rather than expecting prior leadership experience, ILIAD focuses on helping students develop their leadership potential and prepare for representative roles within the student body. If you are interested in joining ILIAD, application forms are available on ISG’s website under the “Initiatives” tab and are due Sept. 6 at 11:59 p.m. Lastly, Bhatia and Lopez emphasized the role students play in ensuring ISG fulfills its purpose. “We work best when students understand our key position between the student body and the university administration and communicate their issues with us so that we may work to solve them,” Bhatia and Lopez wrote. The DI || August 2026

Ke e p i n g i n s t ep:

STUDENT LEADERS GUIDE MARCHING ILLINI STAFF WRITER

BLAKE NOBLE benoble2@dailyillini.com

ith 425 members in the Marching Illini, student leaders play a vital role in keeping the band organized, supported and ready to perform. Working alongside full-time faculty and graduate teaching staff, they help the band navigate everything from University events to trips — like the band’s most recent visit to Ireland. This year, the scope of that responsibility will extend to New York, where the Marching Illini will perform in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The Marching Illini is an optional academic course, meeting every weekday and requiring many hours of rehearsal outside of class. The appeal of this opportunity extends beyond the School of Music; more than 80% of Marching Illini students are non-music majors. “We have great attitudes that naturally just want to be part of the organization,” said Barry Houser, director of the Marching Illini. “There’s a phenomenal culture here, and just the want to be a part of this iconic program.” The course meets for about seven and a half hours each week. Additionally, game days can add as many as eight hours to the time commitment. “As you can imagine, with spending this much time with one another beyond the Marching Illini time, there’s phenomenal friendships and relationships that are created within this organization,” Houser said. With that comes the need for student leaders who can help members manage the demands of the course while maintaining a positive culture. “Our student leadership is a big part of that and drives that positivity and keeps that going throughout the season,” said Hannah Rudy, assistant director of athletic bands for the Marching

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SAM RINK THE DAILY ILLINI

Garrett Schlarmann, a Marching Illini drum major, conducts the band in the north endzone at Gies Memorial Stadium on Oct. 11, 2025.

Illini. “Because, of course, as a student, things get tough along the way.” This sense of belonging is part of a history that stretches 158 years. As one of the oldest band programs in the country, the Marching Illini offers students the chance to become part of a tradition that has been passed down through generations. Student leaders play a crucial role in carrying on long-standing practices, like breakfasts at Perkins and game-day section huddles. However, Houser noted that the program does not preserve traditions simply because they are older. “We are a program that speaks to a tremendous amount of history, but we also want to make sure that we’re serving the students in front of us today, not necessarily the students that were here in 1868,” Houser said. “I think it’s something that’s a living thing that takes place within the organization that our students build.” Preparing students for leadership starts before the season. The Marching Illini holds leadership meetings throughout the spring, summer check-ins and two days of intensive training before the full band returns.

The selection process includes applications, interviews and, for some positions, video demonstrations of teaching skills. Students, staff and faculty all have opportunities to provide input along the way. Both Houser and Rudy noted that a student’s leadership potential is evaluated long before they apply for the position. “We try to take a holistic view of everything that we do, and especially when it comes to our student leaders,” Rudy said. “We look at every aspect of what they do from Day 1 and how they interact with people, not just on the good days, not just on the easy days, but when we’re working hard, when it’s high up and when the game maybe isn’t going our way.” According to Houser, former student leaders have taken many of the skills they have developed in the band into careers outside of music. “I’ve had many of them that have been student leaders that don’t go into music, but this experience has led to them being a fantastic employee for a variety of business organizations or whatever their field of study was here,” Houser said.

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The DI || August 2026

‘You know what to expect’: JACKSON, PARCHMENT PREPARE FOR SOPHOMORE-YEAR JUMP SPORTS EDITOR

EVY YORK evyyork2@dailyillini.com

ven with the high roster turnover last season, it was never going to be a rebuilding year for head coach Shauna Green and the Illini but rather a reloading one. Once Green’s new freshman duo of point guard Destiny Jackson and forward Cearah Parchment started to make waves across the Big Ten, that idea was truly cemented. Now with the continuity of its roster, Illinois is on its way to both the top of the conference rankings and the national ones. “It’s the key for everyone across the country, but I think for us especially, can we stay healthy?” Green said at media availability on July 9. “And if we do, I really like that … First time yesterday, we’ve had

our all 10 that were able to go live … In fiveon-five, and everyone’s going at each other, we have options.” Jackson and Parchment led the Illini on the stat sheet in their own rights last season, filling the holes they were asked to at a level most freshmen don’t normally reach right off the bat. This didn’t go unnoticed by those outside the Illinois program, as the pair each earned a spot on the Big Ten All-Freshman team. Parchment led Illinois in rebounds per game, averaging 8.4, while also finishing the year as the team’s second-leading scorer with 13.6 points per game. Her rebounding average also put her at No. 5 in the Big Ten. Offensively, Parchment proved she’s a versatile scorer at 6-foot-3 by leading the Illini with the highest 3-point percentage of the season, shooting 40.7%. “I think it was a really successful

freshman season,” Parchment said at media availability on July 9. “Obviously, I think I can just keep going up from here. I heard some say this is going to be the worst I’ve been in my career, so I can just continue to keep getting better.” As for Jackson, Green put a lot of responsibility in her hands from the beginning, as she was named Illinois’ starting point guard. By playing on the ball whenever she was on the floor, Jackson recorded her fair share of turnovers, but her passing abilities overshadowed that. The Chicago native led the Illini with 176 total assists and stayed at a solid 2.0 assist-to-turnover ratio. Defensively, Jackson held her own, not only defending on the perimeter but also not being afraid to crash the glass even at an undersized 5-foot-6. Jackson averaged 4.3 rebounds a game

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NOAH MARKUNAS THE DAILY ILLINI

Freshman guard Destiny Jackson celebrates after drawing an offensive foul late in regulation during Illinois’ win over Maryland on Jan. 1.

last season, sitting at No. 3 on the Illini roster behind Parchment and junior forward Berry Wallace, both of whom have a height advantage over Jackson. The freshman-to-sophomore year jump is consistently one to watch out for in college sports. After a season of adjusting to a higher talent level, increased physicality and playing within a new system, players usually come into their second season more confident, often leading to better performance. This is the type of leap that Green said she is expecting from both Jackson and Parchment. “You know what to expect, you know the level, the standard of what we do, the intensity of which we do things,” Green said. In Year 2 as the Illini’s likely starting point guard, the roster’s retention will benefit Jackson. As a freshman point guard, not only did Jackson have to learn how her skill set fit into Illinois’ offense, but she also had to understand how her new teammates fit into it. With a year under her belt, there’s an acquired sense of comfort that feeds into playing confidently. “It helps me know where they’re going to be at, like what type of passes they want, where they’re comfortable catching the ball at, and it makes it easier to flow in the offense,” Jackson said. While Jackson certainly showed up night in and night out as a distributor last year, she also stepped up to the

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plate as a scorer, especially by getting downhill even as a smaller guard. However, there are still areas for her game to develop as she continues in her Illinois career. Green cited 3-point shooting as one of those places, as Jackson shot just 28.2% from three last season. “That was one of the biggest things because a lot of teams played off of her, and we can’t have them playing off of anyone because it eliminates all of our spacing,” Green said. “I’m on her all the time. If you’re open, you got to shoot that, and she’s put the work in.” Parchment’s stellar freshman season was apparent to people outside of the Illinois locker room, so Green said her sophomore year will be about learning how to remain dominant at the top of the scout. That process won’t happen overnight, though. Green said Parchment can’t settle on what she accomplished last year and rather build on that experience to help the adjustment go smoothly. “That takes the right mindset every day to go in and again, be intentional in your actions and what you’re trying to accomplish,” Green said. “I think that’s where a lot of it comes from, is just the mindset piece of how are you going to go about your approach every day, so you can continue to get better. That stuff doesn’t just happen. There has to be a process with it.” Although this year’s roster may have

more true centers on it, Parchment got the experience of playing in that five position plenty of times last year. In that spot, she found ways to use her strengths to her advantage against bigger opponents who may not be as quick as her or could defend on the perimeter. Illinois’ post room is expanding this year with new transfers and with the development of existing talent, giving more options in that position. Yet, an offseason of work in the weight room only allows Parchment to be stronger near the basket. “I think there’s a lot of possibilities, and I think everybody brings something different,” Parchment said. “I think this year it’s going to be a lot more dangerous at the five position.” Not only has Parchment been in Champaign this summer, but she’s also been part of the Canadian Senior Women’s National Team training camp roster. Through this, Parchment has competed alongside the top talent from her home country and continues to see how she can grow in her career down the road. “I mean, there was a ton of veterans, ton of pros on that team, and other people from other colleges that I know,” Parchment said. “So it was really cool to get to play against them and just see what level they are at, so I can one day be there.” The DI || August 2026

ROTC challenges students, builds resilience, leadership SENIOR ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT REPORTER

SONALI KHANNA sonalik4@dailyillini.com

eing a member of ROTC is by no means glamorous. It involves early mornings, strenuous training and learning to lead others while still finding your own footing. However, for the cadets who stick with it, staying committed is a no-brainer. Through the ROTC program, students can prepare to commission as military officers while earning their degree. The University offers Army, Navy and Air Force ROTC opportunities. Being part of the program doesn’t just allow one to train; it also helps build leadership, time management and other valuable life skills that carry beyond the military. Chris Geier, cadet in the Army ROTC and senior in ACES, joined the program inspired by his dad’s history in the military. Faced with challenging schedules and training, Geier said the ROTC taught him to grow accustomed to these demanding scenarios. “You kind of start to get comfortable in these uncomfortable situations where you’re stressed, you’re hungry, you’re tired, you’re all these things that (a) majority of people don’t ever experience,” Geier said. “You’re like, ‘Wait, this isn’t half bad.’ It’s kind of like changing your mental state or how you view things.” That mindset helped carry Geier through his leadership positions in the ROTC. According to him, cadets in the program move through a progression of responsibility, overseeing small groups before advancing to more substantial leadership positions. Nikolas Hartke, cadet in the Air Force ROTC and senior in Engineering, said that the leadership responsibilities he attained through the program helped transform him. His ROTC involvement helped him understand the art of delegation and that a true leader knows

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PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRIS GEIER

Chris Geier, cadet in the Army ROTC and senior in ACES, poses for a photo with Jacob Gringeri, senior at Norwich University; Matthew Behrmann, senior at the University of Delaware; and Felipe Nino, senior at the University of Notre Dame, while at Fort Knox, Kentucky, on June 27.

when to step down. “Previous to ROTC, (I) was very much a ‘I’ll get it done myself, I can do it myself’ kind of person,” Hartke said. “But after going through all these group leadership projects and having more hands-on leadership as a flight commander and a wing commander, I’ve learned … when to say, ‘No, I can’t do all of this,’ and learning how to figure out who should do it or who could do it better than you is very humbling.” Initially joining the program on a whim, Hartke continued with ROTC thanks to the valuable lessons he learned and people he’s met. Now as a wing commander, Hartke is responsible for overseeing an entire wing for the semester. According to Hartke, reaching his current level of responsibility reshaped his perception of how a leader should act. “ROTC taught me that there’s much more to being a leader than just being in charge,” Hartke said. “One of the things we’re taught very early on is (to) make sure your people are cared for before you are cared for. If there’s food, you eat last.

If you’re the leader … if bedding needs to go around for an overnight thing, you get bedding last. It’s all about caring for your people, and if you care for your people, it’s much more easy to inspire them.” Cadet Ishrak Jalaluddin, senior in LAS in the Air Force ROTC Space Force program at the University, described his early days in the program as rocky. According to him, he hadn’t quite figured out physical fitness yet. Confronting that weakness head-on helped Jalaluddin realize that taking active measures is better than passively waiting for a problem to improve on its own. “We all have some sort of shortcoming, and we all need to really recognize that,” Jalaluddin said. “ROTC really got me to take that more seriously and treat it more like a continuing effort … You can always be better, and you should have the mindset of always striving for better.” For cadets, what they’ll remember from the program isn’t just the 6 a.m. alarms or crawling through training but the leadership skills and life lessons the program has given them.

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The DI || August 2026

Quarterback Katin Houser embraces new home at Illinois SENIOR SPORTS REPORTER

LAURA MENDES

“

laurafm2@dailyillini.com

It’s an honor being the quarterback at Illinois,” said senior Katin Houser, Illinois’ newest quarterback. While Houser may be a new face for the Illini, he comes to Champaign with four years of collegiate experience. He spent his first two seasons at Michigan State, where he only played one game in 2022 before exploding in his position the year after. Houser then spent the next two seasons at East Carolina, where he continued to grow and develop. Now, his journey will end back in the Big Ten as an Illini. Houser called it an honor to lead Illinois at his new home. “Illinois was one to reach out to

PHOTO COURTESY OF TNS

Fifth-year quarterback Katin Houser speaks to media on July 28 during the 2026 Big Ten Football Media Days at the Hilton Chicago.

me, and I felt like it was a really good place for me to go develop and make a run in the NFL and also go win some games and go play against the best competition in the Big Ten,” Houser said. H ouser’s career is a mixture of different schools and programs, but head coach Bret Bielema said he saw something in Houser that could be a fantastic representation of Illinois. “To bring Katin Houser (to Big Ten Media Days) as one of our player representatives, I wanted him to be known as the quarterback at the University of Illinois going into

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the season,” Bielema said. “I think he’s a great representative of not just who he is but what we represent at Illinois. I think that’s why we’ve got him.” Other than Illinois being a good fit for him to play in one of the nation’s top conferences and develop into an NFL quarterback, Houser also shared how Bielema’s success in developing transfer quarterbacks factored into his decision to come to Champaign. Some notable transfers Bielema has coached throughout his career include Super Bowl champion Russell Wilson, Tommy DeVito and, most recently, Luke Altmyer. Since Houser is filling Altmyer’s shoes, he mentioned how his decision became solidified through wisdom the Altmyer family shared. The relationship between Altmyer and Houser didn’t just cut off there, though, as Houser said he got to talk to Altmyer during Pro Day in the spring. “I just think my parents spoke with his parents, and I talked to his parents as well, and we had a similar experience just dealing with adversity transferring to a different school and just want to get their perspective on how Luke’s experi-

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ence was,” Houser said. As for similarities they both have, a big one Houser mentioned is dealing with challenges. He said being able to surpass his hardships was one of the biggest things that helped him learn. “Dealing with adversity and then being the starting quarterback on a rough team with a rough situation, I think it was just a lot of learning moments for me,” Houser said. Houser noted that his move to ECU positively impacted his career. He came to ECU after it had a 2-10 season in 2023. In his first year there, he took the Pirates to an 8-5 season in 2024 and a 9-4 season in 2025. In the end, his time at ECU helped him more than it hurt, and it is how Houser became the player he is today. Now at Illinois, that means being a leader at the core of the team. “You’re the quarterback,” Houser said. “You want to be the leader of the team, and you take that, and you go head first with it. You go out and reach out to the players, and when you have an opportunity to go speak in front of the team, you do it. And

when there’s time to lead, you lead, and when there’s time for other people to lead, you step back and let them lead.” While quarterbacks typically are the core of a program, Houser steps into that role in a locker room he said is nearly 50% new, giving him the space to get to know his teammates on a more personal level. “Just going up and meeting people and getting to know them personally and knowing their story, and then from that step, going and understanding that I’m the quarterback, and I have to go and hold people accountable, I think it comes from a place of love,” Houser said. Houser said he was a quiet kid his freshman year, and being a vocal leader isn’t a trait that came to him naturally. Through what he experienced at his past schools, Houser sounded like he is getting more accustomed to the role, and it’s one that Illinois will need him to take on this season. Outside his vocal leadership, the Illini will need Houser to tap into the qualities of his playing style that stick out

among the crowd of quarterbacks in the Big Ten. “I think the biggest thing that separates me is just my anticipation and being able to get the ball to my hands at an efficient rate,” Houser said. “I think with the offensive line around me and the receivers and the weapons I have around me, I’ll be able to do that.” As important as Houser is to the team, he can only do so much to help the Illini score points. The rest comes from his teammates and the plans of offensive coordinator Barry Lunney Jr., who Houser said he has faith in. “I have so many guys I can get the ball to,” Houser said. “All I have to do is get them the ball in their hands and let them do the rest. And I feel confident doing that with coach Lunney’s offense.” With Houser playing such an important role for Illinois, he had three words to sum it up: leader, passion and love. Houser will make his Illini debut at the season opener on Thursday at 8 p.m. against the UAB Blazers.

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The DI || August 2026

Illini 4000 rides for cancer research SENIOR ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT REPORTER

JORDAN FIKIS jfikis2@dailyillini.com

his summer, Illini 4000 completed its 19th bike ride across the country. The annual journey is part of Illini 4000’s greater mission to raise funds and awareness for cancer research. Illini 4000’s first ride took place in 2007 after two University students set out to do something greater with their summer. Since then, Illini 4000 has cross-country cycled for a cause. For members like Micah Yoder, vice president and senior in LAS and Engineering, being part of Illini 4000’s mission is highly impactful. “For almost everyone I know, (this) has been about the most meaningful experience of college,” Yoder said. “It’s both getting to build a lasting community with all your other students (and) just the experience of getting to see the country and how different communities deal with challenges like cancer.” While the route varies yearly, recent trips have lasted over two months, starting in New York and ending in San Francisco. As riders pass through communities, they learn and share stories of people affected by cancer as part of the Portraits Project. The Portraits Project, according to Yoder, is one of the driving purposes behind the ride. “If they want to share the stories, we’ll share them … to help raise awareness for cancer research and make people feel like they’re not alone if they’re going through an experience like this,” Yoder said. While the organization is working to share the stories of those affected by cancer, each member of the riding team also has a fundraising goal of $4,000. The money is donated to the organization’s four beneficiaries: Cancer Center at Illinois, Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation, Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation and Prairie

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Dragon Paddlers. According to Riddhima Patllollu, co-president and senior in Information Sciences, Illini 4000 directly gives back to the University by donating to the CCIL. Through this donation, the organization funds long-term cancer research initiatives. Illini 4000 also donates to the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation. The foundation funds high-risk, high-reward cancer research, which, according to Patllollu, is one reason Illini 4000 supports the foundation. For Patllollu, Illini 4000’s purpose is fostering hope within communities. Through working with beneficiaries, Patllollu has gained much faith in the cause and hopes future members will feel the same. “You get to see hundreds of thousands of people working every single day to do amazing things, and then it gives you hope, which I think is so important today, especially for people of our age,” Patllollu said. Illini 4000 is also giving back within the community through its other beneficiaries. According to Kevin Murphy, co-president and University alum, Illini 4000 was paired with a B+ hero through the Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation. The B+ hero is a local child

battling cancer whom Illini 4000 fundraised for and kept in contact with. “It’s sweet to be able to have someone that we are specifically working with maintaining a relationship with that is going through cancer and just sending him little dinosaur drawings that we made at a team meeting or sending him updates along the way,” Murphy said. Illini 4000 has also connected with Prairie Dragon Paddlers, a local organization empowering breast cancer survivors. According to Yoder, Illini 4000 has formed a close bond with the Paddlers, so much so that the women will take the cyclists for a ride on dragon boats during their final training session. Over the past 19 years, Illini 4000 has worked to help fight cancer, and members won’t stop cycling until they do. Murphy recently spoke with founder Jon Schlesinger, who said the ultimate goal for Illini 4000 is not to exist. “In many ways, we hope our organization doesn’t exist in 50 years because cancer research has gotten to the point in which it is cured,” Murphy said. “We want our organization to continue to have an impact on people, but we also want the organization to not have to exist because of its impact … on cancer research.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF FRED ZWICKY

The 2026 Illini 4000 riders pose for a photo on a country road as they ride into Champaign on June 7.

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The DI || August 2026

EDITORIAL

Student media speaks volumes WPGU PROGRAM DIRECTOR

AMELIA BENSON ameliab8@dailyillini.com

ILLIO YEARBOOK EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

REEM KHARFAN rkhar2@dailyillini.com

or most students, college lasts only four years — just enough time to join a student organization or two, make friends within them and even rise to an executive board position or simply become a role model for new members. And then, in the click of a camera shutter, it’s over. Fortunately, student media like the Illio Yearbook, The Daily Illini and WPGU preserve these memories to last a lifetime. Created by students, for students and the community, Illini Media Company tells the stories that have defined the college experience in every era, from pop culture to the current political climate. Students make up a large portion of Champaign-Urbana’s population, and their voices are represented by student media when they might be overlooked by other local media outlets. Media made by students offers unique coverage and perspective for its audience, no matter who is consuming it. Regardless of one’s major or background, student media has opportunities for anyone studying at the University. All three branches of the company are constantly in search of writers, designers, photographers and on-air or on-camera personalities. Like an RSO, Illini Media allows you to meet people you wouldn’t normally meet in your major-related classes. Involved students are brought together by their love for the University, their fellow students and the C-U community. The most important role of the Illio’s editor-in-chief is planning coverage of events, businesses and protests and choosing who to highlight in a story. In the Illio’s 2026 yearbook edition, “Echoes of Us,” the goal was to amplify the voices of the people by putting a spotlight on those who strengthen expression and allow the world to hear

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ANSH AGGARWAL THE DAILY ILLINI

WPGU Program Director Amelia Benson and Illio Yearbook Editor-in-Chief Reem Kharfan read the 2023 edition of the yearbook in WPGU’s studio on Aug. 21.

students’ voices. It focused on stories that affect our students and community the most, spotlighting the behind-thescenes and organization of events and protests within our community. The impact of the voices and actions of the students on the C-U community is huge, and the Illio makes it its goal to feature as many of them as possible. What many students don’t realize is how easily C-U can begin to feel like home, if only they give it a chance and leave the boundaries of Campustown. By reading and writing articles for The DI’s Best of CU or WPGU News during restaurant week, students experience what it is like to live, eat and explore all that C-U has to offer. In turn, it is just as important that the community understands what’s new and exciting on campus. Student media fills in any gaps in local coverage as an entity that acts independently from the University while simultaneously consisting of University students. Down the line, leaders in student media hope that their work will help to accurately connect the dots from the University’s beginning to wherever it ends up. The goal is to report any shortcomings plainly and objectively, allowing the high points to shine through and inspire further growth.

For example, as an independent media outlet, WPGU News can report on protests and rallies, interview attendees and offer them space to speak their mind freely, especially when the University or local government might not agree with a statement. On the other hand, WPGU News also highlights small-business growth and ways that the community comes together to support one another. With a new episode every weekday, WPGU News keeps listeners up-to-date regarding what is going on in municipal government, local events, high school and collegiate sports and more. Looking back on these episodes shows listeners how far C-U and the University have come and reminds them that it is still expanding and improving. For students aiming for future careers in journalism, communication or media, what better way to put the hard and soft skills you learn in class to the test than in a real, collaborative student newsroom? However, what sets student media apart is also the breadth of its coverage. Because it concentrates on a smaller area, like a college campus and the surrounding city, reporting is specialized, focused and always relevant to the reader. Coverage from the paper, yearbook

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and radio includes anything that would pique the interest of a college student — sports, local events and popular music; University policy and updates; and the opinions and ideas of student writers. But the most meaningful stories and memories made have been those where the relationship between the student body and the C-U community has been highlighted, like when the Illio interviewed Ben Joselyn, director of Channing-Murray Foundation, and Jenny Shima, owner of The Literary. Channing-Murray offers students a third place to build community on campus and to meet and organize for issues centered around justice, peace and community joy. The DI’s interview with Shima focused on The Literary’s efforts to provide for people after Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program funding was cut for many. WPGU’s staff has been present at staple Champaign events, like the Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend and concerts at The Canopy Club and the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts. The DI and Illio share the highs and lows of Illinois sports with the community, Uni-

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versity alumni and Fighting Illini fans across the country. One of the biggest events that the Illio, The DI and WPGU have covered in recent years was the Spring 2024 Palestine encampment. During that time, students at Illini Media worked day and night to provide live coverage of the encampment after the University cut the live footage of the Alma Mater that is typically available for public view 24/7. On the other hand, all three branches of Illini Media cover arts and entertainment, with events like local concerts, house shows and art galleries. Through this coverage, Illini Media connects students with the community and gives creators in the local art scene publicity. The social aspect of being involved in student media is not to be overlooked. Working with other students toward the goal of documenting your shared experiences results in creating other shared experiences, whether a chat in the office, grabbing food after long hours of production or an organized party, trivia night or dinner out. Relationships created in the office continue through one’s entire time in

college, offering support emotionally, educationally and professionally. Being part of the voice that represents the University’s student body to the world is an opportunity that only comes around during your time in college. Illini Media allows future students and alumni to look back and see the legacy that our students have left on the community in their limited time here, as well as their voices over the years. It captures the bridges built between the University and C-U. Flipping through print editions of The DI, rifling through the pages of an Illio and tuning in to WPGU years after graduation remind alumni of what it was like back when they called C-U home in a way that cannot be replicated by anyone other than fellow students. Students can get involved with student media by simply becoming part of its audience or even by joining the team. All University students are welcome to apply for a position in all three branches of Illini Media, and it is the constant involvement of new voices that keeps content accurate, entertaining and enduring.

The DI || August 2026