Alumni and students from the Windy City do not have far to go for a campus connection, as the University continues to maintain a Chicago office in the downtown area.
Opened in 1990 through the Illinois State University Foundation, the office at 150 North Michigan Avenue was established to serve the high concentration of Chicago Redbirds. It remains a valuable resource that is instrumental in recruiting students and appreciated by alumni networks.
Located in the heart of downtown Chicago, the sophisticated office is an ideal meeting place where faculty, staff, alumni, and students regularly gather. The space is perfect for business or social gatherings.
There is also a private office available for use by drop-in visitors. Traveling alumni especially appreciate this convenience, as the suite is a peaceful location with computer resources needed to stay in touch with work or home.
A fine art gallery is also housed within the office space. Through a partnership with the College of Fine Arts, a variety of striking pieces are on loan for display. Each work is created by alumni or Illinois State faculty. The pieces are on loan to the Illinois State University Foundation. Images of the display are available on the office website.
“We are very happy to offer this resource to our alumni, students, and faculty,” said Lindsay Vahl ’06, M.S. ’09, director of Alumni Relations for the greater Chicago area. “Whether it is providing space for alumni volunteer groups to meet, prospective students to visit, or faculty to share educational sessions—we always have something going on, and would love to have more visitors.”
The office is open from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Full-time staff are on hand to assist guests during their visit. To hold a meeting or a social event at the Chicago office, contact Jackie Marshall, office manager, at (309) 438-3500. She can answer questions of availability. Additional information can be found on the Illinois State University Chicago office website.
