Illini Loyalty in Phoenix

Aspiring scholars in Phoenix show their Illinois pride

Video used with permission.

They may live and go to Palomino Intermediate School in Phoenix, but this spirited group of children can sing the words to the “Illinois Loyalty” song word for word, as you can see. That’s because, thanks to the “No Excuses University” program, kids around the country are getting excited about college.

“No Excuses University” began in 2004 in California as a way to help grade-school pupils living in disadvantaged areas aspire to higher education – no excuses accepted. A number of Illinois alumni and the Alumni Association itself have sponsored various classrooms in Illinois and around the country in support of the program, providing learning materials and University memorabilia. The kids at Palomino chose to learn all about the University of Illinois, and to show their appreciation, they decorated the classroom in Illini paraphernalia and learned the University’s fight song – which they sing every Friday – and presented it on video, which we’re pleased to show you!  

For more information about “No Excuses University,” read the “Early Learners” article from the March/April 2007 issue of Illinois Alumni magazine.