Graduation Day
At left, the Commencement procession with two lines of graduates being escorted by a military officer in 1930. Today, a much larger and more diverse Illinois undergraduate student body graduates in iconic blue robes. You can often find robed students waiting in line for hours for their turn to participate in the Illini tradition of taking a photo at the Alma Mater.
Recreation
At left, Coleman Griffith, faculty in educational psychology, and researcher of psychology of coaching, rides an exercise bike in the 1920s. Today, recreation facilities are all over campus, and exercise bikes are now ubiquitous, such as those at the Activities and Recreation Center (pictured on the right).
Athletics
Illini athletics teams have been filled with great athletes for decades. Illinois students have always loved wearing their school colors and supporting their teams, such as the 1943 men’s basketball team, nicknamed the Whizz Kids, at left. Recently, the State Farm Center (previously Assembly Hall, built in 1963) has begun renovations, which will provide an even more exciting atmosphere for students to come watch our basketball team!
Alma Mater
The Alma Mater, designed by alumnus Lorado Taft (pictured at left) and originally located behind Foellinger Auditorium in 1929, has always served as a welcome symbol to Illinois students. From August 2012 through April 2014, Alma left campus to undergo restorations. The statue is now back on campus, and in her original bronze state.
Transportation
When automobiles began to rise in popularity, there was much debate over whether cars should be allowed on campus. They were restricted on campus until the 1950s. Now the issue is congestion, and it is common to ride the CUMTD buses—or bicycles and skateboards—to navigate around campus.
Dancing on Campus
The photo on the left shows dancers in the 1910 May Pole festivities, which was common in springtime on campus. Traditions have changed over the years, and now the most prominent dancers on campus may be the Illinettes, who perform at sporting events and other functions.
Green Street
Green Street has long been a place for students to venture for food and entertainment. Since this 1922 photo was taken (on the left), many new stores and restaurants have been built, and students still love to shop, eat, and have fun on this popular Campustown street.
Greek Life
Greek life has been an important part of campus life since the early 1900s. The photo on the left shows sorority women in the 1930s gathered around a grand piano in their lounge. Today, the University of Illinois has one of the largest Greek communities in the country, with almost 100 sororities and fraternities.
Homecoming
Homecoming has always been a time to show our immense Illini school spirit. In fact, the U of I’s Homecoming football game in 1910 (a 3-0 victory over the University of Chicago), was one of the earliest Homecoming games in the country. The photo on the left shows a float that students made in 1937 in preparation for the big game against Michigan. Today, an Illinois staple is the designs made by the Block-I section (which had its origins in the first Homecoming game) at home football games.
Dorm Life
Dorm life has progressed over the years at Illinois. The first residence hall, Busey Hall, opened for women in 1918, and the first men’s dormitory was approved in 1939. Today, University Housing, by allowing co-ed dorms, choosing your roommate, renovating and building new residence halls, is trying to provide the best experience possible for new students.
