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UIS Homecoming invites alumni and community to celebrate Prairie Star pride Oct. 4-10
The University of Illinois Springfield will welcome alumni, students, faculty, staff and community members to campus Oct. 4-10 for Homecoming 2026. This year’s theme, “Once a Star, Always a Star,” celebrates Prairie Star pride and the lasting connections members of the UIS community share.Homecoming events for alumni and the community include:Prairie Star soccer and Homecoming tailgate, Oct. 7: The UIS women’s soccer team will face UIndy at 4 p.m. at Kiwanis Stadium, followed by a Homecoming tailgate from
SPRINGFIELD POLICE DEPARTMENT SWEARS IN TWELVE NEW OFFICERS
Today, Springfield Police Chief Joe Behl had the honor of swearing in twelve new Springfield Police officers during a ceremony attended by Mayor Misty Buscher, city officials, and proud family and friends. Each officer officially took the oath of service, marking the beginning of their careers with the Springfield Police Department. The Springfield Police Department proudly welcomes the following officers to its ranks: Tayor Barlow, Sean Coffey, Mackenzie Durst, Zachary Frazho, Connor Goett, Dalton
UIS earns No. 1 ranking among public regional universities in Illinois
The University of Illinois Springfield has been ranked the top public regional university in Illinois for an eighth year by U.S. News & World Report. The 2027 Best Colleges rankings, released today, also place UIS 10th among public regional universities in the Midwest.“We are proud to once again be recognized as the top public regional university in Illinois,” said UIS Chancellor Janet L. Gooch. “This ranking speaks to the quality and value of a UIS education and our commitment to creating opportunities for
UIS to host open house for prospective students and families Oct. 12
The University of Illinois Springfield will host an open house for prospective students and their families from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 12, in the Student Union, located at 2251 Richard Wright Drive on the UIS campus.The event will give prospective students and their families an opportunity to learn more about UIS academic programs, campus life, student services and the admissions process.Visitors can explore campus through guided campus and residence hall tours, attend an academic fair featuring
UIS invites alumni to celebrate 2026 award recipients at Alumni Gala
The University of Illinois Springfield will welcome alumni and friends back to campus for the 2026 UIS Alumni Gala, “A Night Among the Stars,” from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, in the UIS Student Union Ballroom.The annual celebration will bring together Prairie Stars for an evening of dinner, drinks, music and dancing while recognizing six alumni and community members for their achievements, service and contributions to UIS and their communities.The 2026 award recipients are:Dolan Dalpoas,
Prostate Cancer and Men’s Health Event Set for Sept. 30
Springfield Memorial Hospital will co-host a Prostate Cancer and Men’s Health Event, in collaboration with the SIU Health D.E.P.O.T.S. (Delivering Equity Places Outside Traditional Settings) and The Springfield Project, from 5 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 30, at CAP 1908 - The Springfield Project, 1100 S. Grand Ave. E., in Springfield. The free community event is designed to raise awareness about prostate cancer and overall health, with a special focus on encouraging Black men to take proactive steps toward
University of Illinois Springfield welcomes second-largest freshman class in school history
The University of Illinois Springfield has enrolled 353 freshmen for fall 2026, a 13.1% increase from last fall and second only to the record 373 freshmen enrolled in fall 2019. Incoming transfer enrollment also increased 2.6%, from 420 students last fall to 431 this fall.The growth among new students helped increase UIS undergraduate enrollment to 2,359 students, up from 2,337 last fall.“The growth we’re seeing in new undergraduate enrollment reflects the high-quality, personalized educational experience
Kidzeum Honors The Adults And Youth Who Show Up For Local Kids
WHAT: Kidzeum of Health & Science hosts its inaugural For the Kids Awards Dinner, celebrating 24 community members nominated by the public for the extraordinary ways they show up for children across Central Illinois. Community members were invited to nominate the people they see making a difference in the lives of children, and a panel of six community judges reviewed every nomination. Award recipients will be revealed for the first time from the stage that evening.The evening also features a silent auction
UIS celebrates Constitution Day with performances of “What the Constitution Means to Me”
The University of Illinois Springfield Center for State Policy and Leadership is partnering with the UIS Performing Arts Center for the production of “What the Constitution Means to Me” in celebration of Constitution Day. There will be four performances of the show from Sept. 17-20 in the UIS Studio Theatre. There will be a post-show panel discussion on Sept. 17 featuring Ursula Phillips-Eccles, Deborah Anthony, professor of legal studies at the University of Illinois Springfield, and Carly Shank, director
UIS to package meals to help feed 15,000 people during Sept. 11 Day of Service
WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center will host a service event as part of the Sept. 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance (9/11 Day). Students, faculty and staff will partner with the Midwest Mission Distribution Center to package enough meals to feed more than 15,000 people experiencing food insecurity. WHEN: 3-6 p.m. Sept. 11 WHERE: UIS Student Union Ballroom, 2251 Richard Wright Drive, Springfield DETAILS: 9/11 Day is one of only
Bank of Springfield Appoints Jennifer Gill to Board of Directors
Bank of Springfield (BOS) has announced the appointment of Jennifer Gill to its Board of Directors, effective August 12, 2026. Jennifer retired in June 2026 as superintendent from Springfield Public Schools District 186 with 35 years in public education. She is currently an educational consultant with Hazard Young Attea & Associates and serves as a Director of Academic Empowerment for the Illinois Association of School Administrators. In addition to serving as District 186 superintendent, Jennifer was
UIS Chancellor’s Thinkers Series to feature former Congresswoman Cheri Callahan Bustos
WHAT: University of Illinois Springfield Chancellor Janet L. Gooch will host a conversation with former Congresswoman and UIS alum Cheri Callahan Bustos as part of her Chancellor’s Thinkers Series event titled “A Call to Think: Authentic Leadership.” WHEN: 5:30 to 7:15 p.m. Sept. 15 (reception to follow) WHERE: UIS Student Union Ballroom, 2251 Richard Wright Drive (visitor parking available in Lot J)DETAILS: The conversation will explore authentic leadership, focusing on what it means to
UIS Friday Night Star Parties return for fall season
The University of Illinois Springfield’s popular Fright Night Star Parties will resume this week and run through the end of October. The dates are Sept. 4, 11, 18, 25 and Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30. Friday Night Star Parties are held from 8 to 10 p.m., weather permitting, at the UIS Observatory on the roof of Brookens Library.The Star Parties are hosted by John Martin, UIS associate professor of astronomy and physics. During the events, the observatory’s telescopes will be used to view a variety of celestial
UIS and the UIC College of Nursing Springfield Campus to host a “Nurse for a Day” program for high school students
WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield and the University of Illinois Chicago College of Nursing Springfield campus will host a “Nurse for a Day” program for local high school students. Participants will explore nursing and athletic training facilities at UIS and have the opportunity to ask questions about applying to the pre-nursing program. WHEN: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sept. 1 and 2 WHERE: UIC College of Nursing Springfield (located on the UIS campus), 2399 Nelson Algren Lane,
