Illini Comeback

About Illini comeback

Purpose
Each year since 1980, the Student Alumni Ambassadors of the University of Illinois Alumni Association invite a group of prominent and accomplished alumni back to the campus to participate in various activities during Homecoming Weekend, with particular focus on providing opportunities for honorees to interact with current students, sharing information about their professional experiences and the value of their University of Illinois education.

Criteria

  • Nominations are required, and may be submitted by University of Illinois students, faculty, staff and alumni.  Submission of supplemental information (e.g., nominee's resume, articles outlining significant accomplishments) is encouraged.
  • Nominations will be considered active for a period of three years, and may be refreshed with additional information during that time.
  • Nominee must have earned a degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
  • Nominee must be an individual of such stature and demonstrated ability that current University of Illinois students will take pride in and be inspired by his/her recognition.
  • Previous recipients are not eligible for reconsideration.
  • Current members of the University of Illinois Board of Trustees; the UIAA Board of Directors; UIAA staff; Student Alumni Ambassadors; and relatives, employers or employees thereof are not eligible for consideration.
  • Persons currently holding or running for elected state or federal public office in Illinois are not eligible for consideration.
  • The recognition may not be confirmed in absentia; Comeback Guests are expected to participate in scheduled activities during Homecoming Weekend.

Selection

  • Up to five Illini Comeback guests will be selected annually. Selection will take place early in the spring semester. Guests will return to campus for Homecoming Weekend the following fall semester.
  • Prior to the annual selection of Illini Comeback guests, the Student Alumni Ambassadors will compile a list of all viable nominees, which will be available upon request.
  • Selection and invitation of Illini Comeback guests will be made by a committee of members of the Student Alumni Ambassadors. Their top 10 choices will be reviewed by selected University of Illinois staff.
  • When guests' participation is confirmed, the colleges from which they have graduated will be notified. The Student Alumni Ambassadors will handle both correspondence with the guests and their travel arrangements and itineraries, and act as their hosts while the alumni are on campus. Every effort will be made to accommodate requests from colleges and departments for Illini Comeback guests to participate in selected activities.

Calendar: Deadline for nominations is September 30.

It is recommended that nominators keep a copy of the information in the completed nomination form for their own records. Nominations become the property of the University of Illinois Alumni Association (UIAA) and information therein may be dispersed at the UIAA’s discretion. The selection committee reserves the right to consider each nominee for other UIAA recognition programs when appropriate.

Send nominations to:

University of Illinois Alumni Association
Alice Campbell Alumni Center
601 S. Lincoln Ave., MC-077
Urbana, IL 61801
Fax: 217/333-7803
E-mail: alumni@uillinois.edu