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

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

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

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

10 a.m.- Noon and 5 p.m.-7p.m. 
Student Painting Event
Brown Ballroom, Bone Student Center

Thursday, February 19

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

Nominate a bell ringer. The nomination deadline is Monday, January 26, 2026.

The ceremony will be open to the public.

Awards to be presented include:

• Outstanding University Service Award
• Service Initiative Awards
• Outstanding University Creative Activity Award
• Outstanding University Researcher
• Outstanding University Teacher Award
• Research Initiative 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
• Esprit de Corps
• TEAM Excellence
• Stan and Sandy Rives Excellence in Undergraduate Education Award

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

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.