Illinois Sights & Sounds is one of the University of Illinois’ premier student engagement programs, making it one of Illinois’ largest new student traditions. It hosts the incoming freshman and transfer students under the lights at Memorial Stadium and introduces the latest class of freshmen to Illinois traditions and instills a sense of pride and loyalty in the University. This unique program has become a model event copied by numerous other Big 10 Universities.  Illinois Sights and Sounds is the capstone event of convocation weekend and exhibits performances from the Marching Illini, cheerleaders, vocal groups, and various sports coaches.

In 1910, one of the first homecomings in the nation was organized by two students at the University of Illinois. After many years, the spirit of Homecoming dwindled until 1979 when the Student Alumni Association (later to become the Student Alumni Ambassadors) revitalized Homecoming and helped build up the week to what it has become today. This spirited week consists of events such as the Homecoming Fun Run, Spirit Day, Global Talent Show, the Homecoming Pep Rally and the Illini Comeback program.

Introducing the Homecoming Fall 2026 Team

Abby Gniech, Vice President of Campus Affairs

Andrea Kim, Logistics Co-Director

Sidney Young, Logistics Co-Director

Johnny Baratta, Community Outreach and Promotion Co-Director

Molly Skahill, Engagement and Experience Co-Director

Join us for the Homecoming 2026 Fun Run - Hosted by Student Alumni Ambassadors

Sunday, September 27, 2026

1401 W Green St, Anniversary Plaza, Urbana, IL US 61801

Race starts at 10:00 AM

iHelp is the signature campus-wide day of service in the fall, bringing together students, their surrounding community, and university alumni in an organized effort to create a culture of giving at the University of Illinois. Each year, over a thousand students come together to assist dozens of agencies across the Champaign-Urbana area in a display of gratitude to the community we call home. The Student Alumni Ambassadors (SAA) handle the logistics of the event, advertise the availability of volunteers to service agencies, and recruit students to participate.

It is an inclusive event that brings together students from a multitude of backgrounds and generates around 4500 hours of service for the community each year.  iHelp creates a positive and clear impact on the local population, all while helping students develop the Illinois spirit of service. We strive to encourage students to realize the effect they have on the community via service in order to better not just the community, but also themselves.

Introducing the iHelp Fall 2026 Team

Tamana Ramkumar, Vice President of Outreach

Kieran Kelly, Logistics Co-Director

Avrey Nuesse, Logistics Co-Director

Nathan Moawad, Agency Co-Director

Jonah Rosales, Agency Co-Director

Sofia Alcala, Campus Outreach Co-Director

Aaron Pinto, Campus Outreach Co-Director

iHelp is October 10th, 2026!

Participate in iHelp:

FOR ANY QUESTION OR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE EVENT, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO EMAIL illinivpoutreach@gmail.com.

This week long celebration aims to spread appreciation for the University of Illinois' students, campus, faculty, alumni, and donors. Our various events during the week foster school spirit, engage students and faculty, and provide a platform for students to showcase their love for the University of Illinois. 

Gradfest is a large-scale tabling event to celebrate the seniors graduating from the University of Illinois! This celebration on the Main Quad includes free food, performances, community engagement, & more. This year, Gradfest will be hosted on April 24th from 2-5pm. Stop by with your friends anytime!

Senior 100 Honorary is a ceremony and reception that honors the most outstanding graduating seniors. This event recognizes not only the most successful students academically, but more heavily focuses on campus involvement and service. This highly prestigious award allows hard-working seniors to be acknowledged for their commitment to the university throughout their four years on campus.