The Founding Celebration

Tuesday, February 17 

11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. (Add to Outlook calendar)
Milestones of Excellence Luncheon
Brown Ballroom, Bone Student Center

An exclusive luncheon honoring award recipients and employees celebrating milestone years of service. Invitations are extended to colleagues who reached a milestone year of service between January 1 and December 31, 2025.

For colleagues unable to attend the luncheon, medallions will be mailed out directly after the Founding Celebration concludes.

Noon-4 p.m. (Add to Outlook calendar)
Redbird Reflections: An Illinois State University Archives Pop-Up Museum
Circus Room, Bone Student Center

Hear from April Anderson Zorn about these historical artifacts.

• 1:30 p.m. - Flag
• 3:30 p.m. - The President

Discover archival treasures, historical artifacts, and stories that celebrate the Redbird legacy.

6-8 p.m. (Add to Outlook calendar)
Bingo Night - Hosted by Student Alumni Council
Old Main Room, Bone Student Center

Test your luck, enjoy a relaxed evening with fellow students, and compete for prizes and giveaways for Bingo winners. 

Wednesday, February 18

9 a.m.-4 p.m. (Add to Outlook calendar)
Redbird Reflections: An Illinois State University Archives Pop-Up Museum
Circus Room, Bone Student Center

Hear from April Anderson Zorn about these historical artifacts.

• 9:30 a.m. - The Women of State
• 11 a.m. - Mighty Athletics
• 2:30 p.m. - Go, You Redbirds

Discover archival treasures, historical artifacts, and stories that celebrate the Redbird legacy.

10 a.m.- Noon and 5 p.m.-7p.m. 
Happy Bird-Day Student Event
Starbuck Stage, Bone Student Center

Thursday, February 19

10 a.m. (Add to Outlook calendar)
"The Founding" Celebration Old Main Bell Ringing and Awards Ceremony
Brown Ballroom, Bone Student Center

As we celebrate one of the grandest traditions at Illinois State University, the annual Bell Ringing Ceremony, we'll also recognize faculty and staff award recipients. The ceremony will be open to the public.

Awards to be presented include:

• Outstanding University Researcher
• Research Initiative Award
• Service Initiative Awards
• Outstanding University Service Award
• Stan and Sandy Rives Excellence in Undergraduate Education Award
• Outstanding University Creative Activity Award
• Creative Activity Initiative Award
• David A. Strand Diversity Achievement Award
• Environmental Stewardship Award
• Civil Service Distinguished Service Awards
• Administrative/Professional Distinguished Service Awards
• Administrative/Professional Emerging Leader Awards
• Administrative/Professional Esprit de Corps
• TEAM Excellence

9 a.m.–2 p.m. (Add to Outlook calendar)
Redbird Reflections: An Illinois State University Archives Pop-Up Museum
Circus Room, Bone Student Center

Hear from April Anderson Zorn about these historical artifacts.

• 11:30 a.m. - Founders
• 1:30 p.m. - Old Main Building and Bell

Discover archival treasures, historical artifacts, and stories that celebrate the Redbird legacy.

If you need a special accommodation to fully participate in these events, please contact Presidential and Trustee Events at (309) 438-8790 or UniversityEvents@IllinoisState.edu. Please allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.