Illinois State University

It's time to blackout Hancock.🖤

Illinois State Football is headed back home Saturday for a Top 10 FCS showdown under the bright lights of Hancock Stadium. Pack the house. Wear black. Bring the Redbird noise! 📣 🏈

For tickets or info on how to watch or listen to the Redbirds ▶️ https://go.illinoisstate.edu/blackoutgame

What if the future of ceramics isn’t just in the studio, but in the lab? Illinois State researchers and students are combining art, engineering, and emerging technology to reimagine what ceramics can do. Through the C-Innovate project, an interdisciplinary team is developing lithium-free flameware and new silicon carbide glazes while providing students with hands-on experience at the intersection of creativity, science, and innovation. Read the latest issue of to see how the Wonsook Kim School of Art and Design at Illinois State University and College of Engineering at Illinois State University, in collaboration with College of Education at Illinois State and Business ISU, are reshaping ceramics and creating new possibilities along the way. ▶️ https://go.illinoisstate.edu/3UJ01xt

More than a million meals and a thousand helping hands later ...🤝 ❤️

In partnership with State Farm and U.S. Hunger, volunteers from the Redbird community and beyond were able to pack an incredible 1,005,264 meals at CEFCU Arena last Saturday for the third annual Million Meal Pack, helping fight food insecurity across Illinois. The meals will be distributed through Midwest Food Bank, with packs also supporting the School Street Food Pantry on campus.

To everyone who came out to lend a hand, thank you for showing what’s possible when a community works as one to serve others. Together, we’re making a lasting impact for our neighbors across Illinois.

Familiar places, unfamiliar perspectives.

Junior Liliana Kwong found her place at Illinois State University almost by surprise. After her mother encouraged her to tour the campus because of a special education scholarship, Kwong said she immediately felt at home. A special education major in learning and behavior from Chicago, she was inspired to pursue the field through her high school best buddies program.

“I grew so close with all of the people there and quickly knew it was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life,” Kwong said.

Outside the classroom, Kwong is a member of the ISU Cheerleading team, supporting Illinois State University Athletics at football, volleyball, basketball, soccer, and gymnastics events. The team also competes in Division I at UCA Nationals in Florida. She is also part of Golden Apple, a teacher preparation program that prepares future educators to teach in low-income, high-need schools after graduation.

One of Kwong’s favorite experiences at Illinois State was traveling with the cheer team to last year’s football championship. Selected as one of 12 of 50 cheerleaders to attend, she performed the opening flags, cheered throughout the game, and connected with the opposing cheer team.

“I got to run the opening flags, cheer my heart out, and have the most fun ever,” Kwong said.

For Kwong, her teammates are a major source of motivation. She said they push each other to improve while celebrating one another’s accomplishments. Looking ahead, Kwong hopes to make an impact simply by bringing joy to the people around her.

“I hope to make people smile,” she said. “I always try my best to make my friends, teammates, and family laugh.”

Before even starting her freshman year, Daisy Lopez had already found a sense of purpose in nursing. Now studying at the Mennonite College of Nursing at Illinois State, she’s preparing to bring empathy, representation, and greater accessibility to health care with every patient she serves.
▶️ https://go.illinoisstate.edu/DaisyLopez

You’ve seen Illinois State online. Now come see it for yourself. ❤️ Tour campus, meet current Redbirds, explore your academic options, and get your questions answered at an upcoming Open House, October 12 or October 30. Register here ▶️ https://go.illinoisstate.edu/4aJh5Yj