A Few of Your Favorite Places
In Jim Moore's weekly message on October 15 he asked advancement staff to recall their favorite or most memorable place on the campus of any one of our three universities. You will find some familiar places (and some great photos) below.
My favorite campus location is the State Farm Center, because I have a lot of unbelievable memories there. As a U of I student, I was a member of the Orange Krush, and I always cheered on our men's basketball team whenever there was a home game. The atmosphere in there is unbelievable, they did a fantastic job with the renovations a few years ago. Growing up, I have gone to many games as well, and I still do as an alum of this great university.
Ryan Eggenberger, Marketing Segmentation Analyst
Of all the spots, my favorite is the Quad in Urbana. I have so many memories, from my days as a student to my life here as a staff member. Homecomings, Quad Days and Ferris wheels; my toddlers traipsing through the grass; the farmer’s market and lunches on the patio; and watching open expression and ideas in all forms unfold. It’s a wonderful, vibrant place and truly special. (My photo is of my senior year in college with my now husband, Matthew, during Homecoming week on the Quad. If you look closely, you can see Harker Hall over my shoulder!)
Jacque Schweighart, VP Board and Donor Relations, UIF
My favorite campus location is Krannert Center for the Performing Arts. I was fortunate to spend many years working in that building, but more importantly, I had the opportunity to get to know so many amazing colleagues that continue to support me in my career and see some of the most amazing pieces of art throughout the years. I have been transformed so many times in the spaces there through concerts, plays, dance, and much more. I have met some amazing creative minds and had the opportunity to perform there as well. I am so grateful that Krannert exists on this campus.
Ranae Wilson, Program Coordinator for IT Governance
It’s hard for me to pick only one spot, since every time I walk across campus, I am inspired by the brilliance of those who have been here, as well as the young people still here who will contribute to our society. That being said, the Quad and the Illini Union still look remarkably similar to the way I recall my days on campus as a student. Amazing!
Donna Greene, Director Community Relations, UIF
Altgeld Hall — specifically the bell tower and chimes. I took a tour of the chimes years ago and got to play Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star with Amy Braghini. I had a great view of the bell tower from my office in Harker!
Mary Millage, AVP Trust Services, UIF
Memorial Stadium is my favorite spot on campus as it has had many family memories over the years. Over the years, we have been a part of many events. My enjoyment started in 6th grade when we went on a field trip. At that point, the bubble was over the field and we got to run and play on the field and tour the locker room. From there it went to selling concessions as a teenager with the youth choir. As an adult, taking my kids to games, fan days and sitting on a blanket on the 50-yard line watching a movie were relaxing events. It has also been a spot where I've seen my oldest son in his element, with helping coach his youth football team as they played in their youth football championship game, watching him at U of I band days and watching him when his high school band played for their team’s football game. It is a place that has been a consistent in life. A place of highs and lows, and a place where I have had great times, win or lose, with the people most important to me.
Mark Owen, Office Manager
The Armory/Huff Gym. Back in the day, these spaces were much less structured in who could use them and pickup games of frisbee and touch football were common on the Armory floor during the winter. Basketball was fun at Huff and you could get between the two buildings through the tunnel that connects them. I'm not sure if they are still there but I seem to remember racquetball courts that were free to use under Huff. No scheduling necessary, just go down there and turn on the lights and play. Anyway, these were just great indoor spaces to play games and sports during the winter months.
Jim Runyan, General Manager, Alice Campbell Alumni Center
My favorite campus location is Memorial Stadium. From football games (and tailgates) to celebrating my marriage to my college sweet heart — it truly is my special place!
Javonda Pelman, Director of Advancement, University Library
Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, hands down! Here, I have repeatedly experienced world-class music, dance, and theater performances, which transported me out of the daily grind to a place both profound and beautiful! It's also where I got to watch my oldest graduate high school and hear my middle child perform on a clarinet with a world-class orchestra--proud moment!
Siv Schwink, Communications Coordinator, Department of Physics, UIUC
I love the Quad. As a student, my friends and I always spent time there and called it "Quad sitting." The photo I'm including is from summer 2020 when I went with a friend to pick up their new puppy.
Mike Nelson, Assistant Director of International Constituent Engagement, UIUC
Houlihan's at the iHotel outdoor restaurant space, brings me peace, and seeing the SFC all lit up in orange lights at night is VERY cool.
Jim Lukeman, Senior Director of Advancement
Allerton Park - we've been going out there for years, even before we had kids, to meet friends from Springfield to cook out and hike. It's such a hidden gem!! (Favorite pic, from 2011.)
Christy Devocelle, CFO, UIF
The Arboretum as there is always something neat to see and explore. They continue to add to the trails and landscaping. Plus, it's an easy 15-minute bike ride to get there. My son and I went out there in April 2021 to see the cherry blossoms in full bloom which was neat. The wind was blowing so hard it looked like it was snowing flower petals.
Justin Seno, Director of Gift Planning, UIF
There are too many to list — but one of my favorites has always been State Farm Center (Assembly Hall to me!). From sporting events, concerts, tailgating around the exterior, to my graduation day — Assembly Hall will always be special to me. Here I am in my cap and gown on my graduation day, May 1996. Long live big hair and Aqua Net!
Meg Cline, Vice President for Gift Planning & Trust Services, UIF
As a student, I was in the Marching Illini Color Guard and loved every second of it. While Memorial Stadium is very special to me, so are the steps of the Education Building, where we would do post-game concerts. That's where we'd meet up with our families who came to visit and it was always a happy time and place for me. To this day, every time I drive by it makes me smile.
Jen Foss, Associate Director, Board and Donor Relations, UIF
Either the Harding Band Building or Memorial Stadium. I spent many happy hours in band rehearsals in the Harding Band Building while I was an undergrad. Also, taking my kids to Memorial Stadium to experience the pageantry and traditions surrounding an Illinois Football game is also a wonderful memory. I've attached a picture of my youngest son at Memorial Stadium in 2016.
Ernie Noa, Data Integration Developer, UIF
I love so many places on the Urbana campus, but one of my favorites is The Eternal Flame. It is the pillar and half moon bench you see between Lincoln Hall and the English Building on the main Quad. I think it was built in 1912 and I like to think of all the people who have sat there over the years and the legends and lore surrounding it.
Sue Johnson, Director, Marketing & Communications, UIF
The ACES Library, Information and Alumni Center is my favorite location on the Urbana campus. A continual reminder of the generosity of individuals, families and organizations to bring the building to fruition, its interior is warm and welcoming to all. I have memories of watching its location transition from a parking lot to the "Jewel of the College of ACES" while a student and revel the opportunity to attend meetings and events in the space as a professional.
Marla Todd, Director of Advancement Operations, ACES, UIUC
My favorite spot on campus is Memorial Stadium, but not for the regular reasons. As a former DIA employee, I spent hours on the stadium field as part of my responsibilities on game day and loved the up close and personal experience of watching the game from the sideline. I've also had the opportunity to be on the press box roof during games, and the sweeping view of campus from there is stunning, especially in the fall when the trees are changing color.
Julie Herman, Communications Specialist, UIF