150 years of Illinois

150 years of Illinois My junior year of college is especially awe-inspiring because it marks the 150th anniversary of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. This year, I have realized the rich and storied history of the university that I attend. I realize that there are so many renowned graduates that have come from Illinois and achieved big things. It is inspiring to think that I am going to the same classrooms and walking the same sidewalks as the amazing alumni of the last 150 years. Many of the alumni have went on to make discoveries, be leaders, and help contribute to the world that we know today. All of this has been greatly aided by the University of Illinois and its rich heritage of building leaders for tomorrow. Each exam, project, and community involvement at our university is another opportunity for the leaders of tomorrow to build on the progress of their dreams. Whatever your major is while at Illinois, it is safe to say that there will always be a pathway to success for your dreams. This is why The University of Illinois has stood out so often over the last 150 years. We are the home of the leaders, innovators, and champions of progress for positive change. This legacy that we carry with us to class each day is at the cornerstone of what we are all about at Illinois. This isnt just another university or campus, this is a place for the personal  growth of extraordinary people who want to make an impact. 150 years is a long time for anything and Illinois has never lost sight of why students have excelled here. The same values that helped found this university are still with each of us today. This is why there has always been consistent innovation coming from the University of Illinois. As I look back at what Illinois alumni have achieved through the first 150 years of this institution, I am excited to see what the next 150 years will bring. Jacob Class of 2019 I’m an Advertising student within the College of Media. My hometown is a place called Fairmount, Illinois, which is about 30 minutes from campus. I began my Illinois journey in the Division of General Studies.