Clark and Sparty, 2,000-pound oxen, are powering Wonsook Kim School of Art Assistant Professor Ruth Burke's pollinator-friendly earthworks that will honor the land and the Indigenous Peoples who called it home.

Illinois State University Archivist April Anderson-Zorn returns to Redbird Buzz following a semester-long sabbatical spent researching the role of women from Illinois State Normal University in World War I. In this episode, she shares the story of a handful of history-making women and their experiences on the frontlines, helping to rebuild war-torn areas of Europe following the war, and what their lives looked like once they returned home.Tune into this episode to learn about impressive Redbird women like Ellen Babbitt, who used her education background and fundamentals of pedagogy from her time at ISNU to teach hundreds of thousands of Europeans about best health practices and how to treat their sick children in a post-war world. You’ll also hear about women like Alice Smith, who joined the Army Nurse Corps and served in mobile hospitals on the frontlines during World War I, then returned home to become a renowned landscape architect.To learn more about these women and their stories, visit the Dr. Jo Ann Rayfield Archives online and don’t miss this fascinating episode of Redbird Buzz, also available as a video, where you’ll see archival materials from these Redbird women.Redbird Buzz is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts. Transcripts of each episode are available online at Alumni.IllinoisState.edu/Podcast.

The Illinois State Women’s Basketball team is set for the Credit Union 1 MVC Tournament, tipping off Thursday at 2:30 p.m. against Southern Illinois. With veteran leadership from Maya Wong and Elyce Knudsen, and a balanced team ready to make a deep run, the Redbirds are locked in for March Madness. Hear from Coach Kristen Gillespie and the players as they prepare to leave it all on the court. Watch the action live on ESPN+ and tune in to WJBC for radio coverage. #BackTheBirds

Follow School of Communication graduate student Yasmin Carrillo as she shares a week in her life during her Alternative Breaks trip to Costa Rica. Learn more about Alternative Breaks: https://civicengagement.illinoisstate.edu/students/alternative-breaks/

The Redbirds are ready to make some noise at Arch Madness, tipping off against Missouri State on March 6 at 2:30 p.m. in St. Louis. With their best season since 2017-18, Illinois State enters the tournament hungry for a championship run. Head coach Ryan Pedon and graduate-captain Dalton Banks emphasize a fearless mindset, knowing every game is a battle. Redbird fans can join the excitement with team send-offs, Redbird Rallies, and game broadcasts on ESPN+ and CBS Sports Network. This team has the talent, grit, and determination to make history. Pack your Redbird gear and get ready to cheer—it's time to #BackTheBirds!Learn more: https://newsevents.illinoisstate.edu/news/2025/03/redbird-mens-basketball-aims-for-special-run-at-arch-madness-march-6-9/

Nothing beats springtime at Illinois State!

Reggie Redbird has a special message of thanks for all alumni, employees, students, parents and friends who supported their favorite campus causes during Birds Give Back 2025. https://birdsgiveback.illinoisstate.edu

Get the first look at this year’s Birds Give Back and learn how you can make an impact at BirdsGiveBack.IllinoisState.edu.

Illinois State University leaders and community members gathered in the Bone Student Center’s Prairie Room to honor the University’s founding with the traditional ringing of the Old Main Bell on Thursday, February 20.

Christian Stoinev ’13 defies gravity with his incredible hand-balancing skills, mesmerizing crowds with strength and precision. Since graduating from Illinois State, he’s performed at nearly every NBA arena, countless college games, and even on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. A fifth-generation circus performer, Stoinev blends athleticism and showmanship to create unforgettable halftime entertainment. His return to CEFCU Arena is a homecoming filled with Redbird pride.“That arena has a special place in my heart forever,” Stoinev said.Learn more ➡️ https://news.illinoisstate.edu/2025/01/a-slam-dunk-balancing-act-christian-stoinev-13-and-scooby-set-to-wow-redbird-fans/