Learning to love school

A male student sits on a bench outside in front of a building on the Illinois State University campus

Ruben Ramirez dreaded going to school as an elementary student. Between the ages of 8 and 11, he moved back and forth between Mexico and Chicago, which not only made school difficult, but learning English as well. At 13, he could barely speak the language.

Golden contributions: Former Redbirds made Olympic history

Cathy Boswell holds a gold medal while wearing a "USA" jacket.

More than a dozen Redbirds have represented Illinois State University at the Olympic games dating back to 1936, from Doug Collins to Charlotte Lewis. Historian Tom Emery profiles two athletes and a coach who made history at the Olympics: Tidye Ann Pickett, Dr. Nell Jackson, and Cathy Boswell ’83.

Black Colleagues Association Homecoming 2024 weekend

four photos. top left two men in chairs, top right three women holding parade banner, bottom left group of women smiling and sitting at table, bottom right group of alumni and students smiling together

The Illinois State University Black Colleagues Association (BCA) has an exciting weekend of events scheduled for Homecoming 2024: Relive the Moments and to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Black Colleagues Association at Illinois State.