Winter commencement held inside CEFCU Arena.

Spring commencement

Get details about Illinois State's graduation ceremonies

Dr. Theoneste “Theo” Nzaramyimana, M.S. ’17 in greenhouse

Growing hope: Alum cultivates purpose from life marred by tragedy

From the darkest depths of death and despair, Dr. Theoneste “Theo” Nzaramyimana, M.S. ’17, discovered life in a garden.

A focus shot on a graduate wearing an ISU branded graduation cap.

Graduating Redbirds by the numbers: May 2024

More than 3,500 Illinois State students will earn degrees this May, with spring commencement scheduled for Friday, May 10-Saturday, May 11, 2024, in CEFCU Arena. Here’s a numerical look at this spring’s graduates.

Three people posing together at the Middle Eastern, Asian, Pacific Islander, and Southeast Asian recognition ceremony.

Photo gallery: 2024 cultural recognition ceremonies honor Redbird graduates

The Multicultural Center hosted cultural graduation recognition events that honor the University’s Latino/a/x, LGBTQIA2S+, and Middle Eastern, Asian, Pacific Islander, and Southeast Asian graduates, their families, and communities.

Alexandra Martil standing in front of the Multicultural Center

Graduating Redbirds: Medical laboratory science major creates legacy as student leader

Medical laboratory science major Alexandra Martil has been involved with several RSOs and Omega Phi Beta Sorority during their time on campus.

Moulton hall and flowers

Two Illinois State University students win 2024 Goldwater Scholarships

Illinois State University’s Office of Student Research has announced that two students, Amelia Korveziroska and Robert Sevik, were named 2024 Goldwater Scholars.

Dr. Erol Sozen with coffee-roasting equipment in the Food Laboratory in Turner Hall.

Dr. Drink: Assistant Professor Erol Sozen pours passion for beverages into classes

Assistant Professor Erol Sozen inspires Department of Family and Consumer Sciences students, imparting his passion for food and beverage.

In the News

More from Media Relations
A candid photo of Dr. Shaheen and two students engaged in an in-class conversation. On the table between them is a hand-crank generator, a manipulative from an elementary school science curriculum, and a computer.

ISU professor awarded $1.5M grant to improve accessibility in STEM education.

A woman leads a pair of oxen.

ISU professor receives $49K grant for sustainable ag project

Photograph of exterior of Hovey Hall

5 things to know about ISU’s strategic plan

Athletics

Redbirds Close out Day 2 of 2024 Missouri Valley Championships with Multiple Podium Finishes
Redbirds Drop 7-4 Saturday Decision to UIC
Illinois State Upend UIC in Chicago, 8-7
Visit GoRedbirds.com

Publications

Dr. Aondover Tarhule in front of Hovey Hall

Man of many hats: Illinois State University president newest title for Dr. Aondover Tarhule

Dr. Aondover Tarhule is a highly regarded professor and academic administrator, a prolific researcher and scholar, a husband and a father. Now he’s Illinois State University’s 21st president.

Dr. Katherine Ellison holding a book in a darkened library

Deeper meaning: Ciphers reveal more than hidden messages

Dr. Katherine Ellison unlocks literary history by deciphering the messages hidden in encrypted writing.

Eric Hodges, director of Emergency Management

Director of Disaster

Eric Hodges fosters campus preparedness as director of Emergency Management.

All Illinois State Publications
Student exhibit research poster at Research Symposium

Celebrating student research

During the annual University Research Symposium, more than 350 participants exhibited research posters and discussed their work with peers, professors, and the community. Nathan Ji, a graduate student in the Department of Technology, presented a research project titled “System Validation of a Virtual Reality-Based Teen Driver Training Program” at the 2024 University Research Symposium.
Student exhibit research poster at Research Symposium

Celebrating student research

Deanna Stewart, a graduate student in the School of Social Work, shared a research project titled “Examining Teacher’s Perception of Social Problem-Solving Skills in Pre-Kindergarten Children” at the 2024 University Research Symposium.
Student exhibit research poster at Research Symposium

Celebrating student research

Kwesi Blankson, an undergraduate student in the Department of Psychology, discusses a research project titled “Do Probing Dynamics Differ When Perceiving Different Properties of the Probe-Surface System?” at the University Research Symposium.
Student exhibit research poster at Research Symposium

Celebrating student research

Lily Whittington, an undergraduate student in the School of Biological Sciences, exhibited a research project titled “A Behavioral Assay for Crayfish to Determine Preferred Habitat Temperatures after Acclimation” at the University Research Symposium.
Overview of the 2024 University Research Symposium

Celebrating student research

Hundreds of Illinois State students shared their research at the 2024 University Research Symposium in the Brown Ballroom of the Bone Student Center.
student in front of campus building

Graduating Redbirds: First-generation graduate student prepares for creative tech career

International student Prince Kessie came to Illinois State determined to pursue a graduate degree in Creative Technologies.
student eating popcorn in a dark movie theater

Graduating Redbirds: International grad student with a love for films, theatre writes his own story

Gustavo Nery Dutra Guedes left his home and family in Fortaleza, Brazil, to follow his academic dreams and become a Redbird. He is graduating with a Master of Arts in theatre studies.
Avery Birnbaum wears a red t-shirt and stands in front of a fireplace with an Illinois State logo above and behind him on the wall.

Graduating Redbirds: Interdisciplinary studies major aspires to make a career out of his love for animals

Senior interdisciplinary studies major Avery Birnbaum knows exactly what he wants to do after graduating this May: become a zoologist.
Person stands in front of a brick building and tree with flowers blooming on it

Graduating Redbirds: Public relations student ready for her next step—Harvard Medical School

Emmalynne Shumard will earn a degree in communication this spring before beginning Harvard Medical School’s master’s program in media, medicine, and health.
Crain lifting the tower off of Old Main

This month in Illinois State University history: May

From Abraham Lincoln’s first reference to the founding of Illinois State University to the demise of Old Main, historian Tom Emery explores this month in Illinois State University history.