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White Illinois State University seal on a blue, gridded background, with only the letters "Illinois State rsity" and "Gladly earn each" visible (instead of "Illinois State University" "Gladly we learn and teach") because the bottom left quarter of the seal has been removed for illustrative effect of a construction blueprint.

College of Engineering welcomes inaugural class.

Volume 26 • Number 2 • Summer 2025

Illinois State University President Aondover Tarhule, top left, and College of Engineering Dean Thomas Keyser enjoy a recent tour of the future home of the College of Engineering, formerly a COUNTRY Financial office building in Bloomington.

A historic moment: College of Engineering welcomes inaugural class

On the eve of the first cohort of Illinois State University’s new College of Engineering beginning classes this fall, President Aondover Tarhule described the occasion as one that will help define the University for years to come.

Glass overflowing with beer, with Reggie Redbird on the front of the glass.

A toast to (breaking) tradition: The complicated history of beer at Illinois State University

Dry for nearly 100 years, Normal’s decision in 1973 to allow alcohol sparked economic growth, community controversy, and, most recently, Redbird-branded beers.

Katy Winge ’15 conducting a postgame interview

Calling the shots: Basketball alum scores award, fans in roles with championship team

Redbird women’s basketball alum Katy Winge ’15 still stars on the court, but instead of sinking 3-pointers, she is an award-winning NBA broadcaster.

Baker squeezing icing dollop onto large sheet cake.

The biggest restaurant in town: Around-the-clock dedication makes campus dining ‘indispensable’ to Illinois State

Preparing food for thousands of Redbirds daily requires the perfect mix of dedication, creativity, and care from Event Management, Dining, and Hospitality staff.

A woman wearing red speaks into a microphone at an Illinois State Redbirds-branded lectern.

Things that make us #RedbirdProud: Summer 2025

Here are some of the University’s top stories, which appeared in the summer 2025 edition of State magazine.

Man hits golf drive at Weibring Golf Club

Then and now: Weibring Golf Club

Weibring Golf Club is a championship-level golf course that serves as home to Redbird Golf, just a pitch and a putt from Illinois State University’s campus.

Jaci McCormack ’05 stands behind a lectern while speaking with a mircophone on a podium

Pause for applause: Summer 2025

Join us in applauding these accomplished Illinois State University alumni.

Maggee Bleyer on the TV-10 set talking to broadcasters behind a podium

Scholarship more than just financial support for Maggee Bleyer ’25

When Maggee Bleyer ’25 walked across the commencement stage in May, she thought of the family, friends, teachers, and mentors who helped her get there. Among them was a person she’d met only about a year earlier.

A group of students in the Hancock Stadium bleachers cheering.

Raise the Banner at Homecoming 2025

Homecoming 2025: Raise the Banner is set for October 13-19 at Illinois State University.

Birds of the Last Decade (B.O.L.D.) gathered at Chicago’s Emporium Arcade Bar for a night of arcade fun and a taste of Bloomington-Normal with treats from campus favorites D.P. Dough and Insomnia Cookies.

Class notes: Summer 2025

Keep up with what fellow alumni are doing in our class notes for the summer 2025 alumni magazine issue.

The old Main Bell on the Quad surrounded by flowers in summer.

In memory: Summer 2025

In memory of Illinois State University alumni, faculty, and staff who have passed away.

Pic and choose: Decorated mortarboards

For this edition of “Pic and choose,” vote for your favorite decorated mortarboard, and we’ll announce the winner in the next edition of State magazine.