Programs

Throughout the year, Student Alumni Ambassadors plans several events for students, alumni and the community, including:

Illinois Sights & Sounds — August

At the beginning of the fall semester, Student Alumni Ambassadors, the Alumni Association and the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics hold a welcoming program for incoming freshmen at Memorial Stadium. SAA coordinates the event by arranging for the football team, cheerleaders, Marching Illini, vocal groups and other student groups to perform. The program introduces the latest class of freshmen to Illinois traditions and instills a sense of pride and loyalty in the University. For more information, please contact SAA.

Homecoming — October

One of the first homecomings in the nation was organized by two students at the University of Illinois in 1910. Little did they know that their hard work and planning would grow into SAA's largest and most recognized program. This spirited week consists of events such as the Homecoming Kickoff Celebration, the Homecoming Pep Rally and the Illini Comeback program. For more information, please contact SAA.

Class of 2014 freshmen form the Block I at Illinois Sights & Sounds

iHelp: A Homecoming Volunteer Project
iHelp is a volunteer project organized by the Student Alumni Ambassadors that unites more than 1,200 undergraduate and graduate students. iHelp participants meet for a complimentary breakfast and registration on the Main Quad, then disperse to volunteer at more than 40 separate volunteer projects in the surrounding community. In 2008, iHelp assisted 38 agencies and offered 3,600 hours of community service throughout Champaign-Urbana.

Homecoming Kickoff
As the official start to Homecoming, this event specifically targets Illinois students. Located at the corner of Green and Wright streets, Homecoming Kickoff features live entertainment, opportunities to break world records and a chance for students to partake in the Homecoming experience.

Homecoming Pep Rally
The Pep Rally takes place on the Quad immediately following the Homecoming Parade. The purpose of the Pep Rally is to promote the Homecoming weekend and bring out the excitement from the campus community. This event consists of evaluation of the Homecoming Parade floats, several performances by student dance teams and an appearance by the football team.

UIAA President Loren R. Taylor, Bob Epstein '74 MEDIA, Bob Hillman '72 MEDIA, Laura Rowley '87 MEDIA, Jon Khachaturian '78 ENG, UI President Mike Hogan and Chancellor Bob Easter

Illini Comeback Program
llini Comeback, a program begun in 1980 by the University of Illinois Alumni Association, honors prominent and accomplished alumni of the University. Guests are invited to return to campus at Homecoming and interact with students, staff and faculty through formal programs, classroom visits and social activities. Highlights of the weekend for Comeback guests include participating in the Homecoming Parade, Pep Rally and halftime ceremony at the football game. The program's purpose is to stimulate greater identity and activity among successful alumni, students, the University of Illinois Alumni Association and the University. To read about the Comeback guests, and for more information regarding the application or selection process, see the Comeback page or contact Danielle Wilberg .

Senior 100 Honorary — Spring

Student Alumni Ambassadors recognizes outstanding graduating seniors through the Senior 100 Honorary. 100 students from the graduating class are selected and recognized. The honorary is based 20 percent on academic standing and 80 percent on involvement, initiative and leadership in campus and community activities. Senior 100 students also select a faculty member to be recognized for his or her outstanding achievements, and the selected students and faculty member are honored at a luncheon hosted by SAA and the UIAA. For more information, contact SAA.

"What you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. Only engage, and then the mind grows heated - begin it, and the work will be completed." — GOETHE