Join WGSS for “Rural Perspectives on Design,” a multimedia exhibition curated and designed by an ISU anthropology and women’s, gender, and sexuality studies graduate student, Sierra Mack-Erb. This exhibit is on display at the Rachel Cooper Art Gallery, located on the second floor of Rachel Cooper Hall, and is free and open to the public. The exhibition is available to view Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.This multimedia research exhibit draws from a Citizen’s Institute on Rural Design national participant study and focuses on rural communities across the country that are working to develop revitalization plans. This interactive display serves to share Mack-Erb’s academic work with community members and spark imagination about rural revitalization.The exhibit, which includes photos, oral histories, and visualizations from Mack-Erb’s master’s thesis, highlights the importance of providing support to disinvested rural communities. It will be on display through April 30 in Rachel Cooper Hall, Room 237, located at 275 S. University Street, Normal.Exhibition Reception: Friday, March 21, 2025, from 4–5:30 p.m. in the gallery. Refreshments provided.For questions or accommodations, please contact the Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Program at wgstudies@IllinoisState.edu.

Since 1974, the Student Annual has showcased new artwork produced by students at Illinois State University. This exhibition has offered many students the first opportunity to have their work reviewed by professionals outside the University. Each year, two external arts professionals determine which works are selected for the exhibition and which works receive awards.The Wonsook Kim School of Art is pleased to present the 2025 Marshall Dulaney Pitcher Award to MFA student Kitty Davies. This award honors outstanding students in the visual arts who demonstrate exceptional artistic talent, dedicated studio practice, and academic excellence. 2025 marks the 55th anniversary of this prestigious award, which was established by the Pitcher family in memory of painting student Marshall Pitcher. University Galleries has traditionally dedicated exhibition space within the Student Annual to winners of the Marshall Dulaney Pitcher Award.This year’s design juror is Heather Snyder Quinn. This year’s studio juror is Selina Trepp.

The Kankakee County Action Team meets every third Friday of the month at 8 A.M.If you are interested in attending the meeting, contact community co-leader: Phil Biage

April 4, 11, 18, 25, May 2 (Fridays) 9:30-11:30 a.m.Attend in person at ISU’s Alumni Center, 1101 N. Main St., Normal            ORWatch Online via ZoomFEES:$35 for Senior Professional members (includes all six sessions)$45 for non-members (includes all six sessions)For in-person participation, pricing is per person.For Zoom participation, pricing is one registration per household.Price includes:Five 2-hour sessions (one Academy of Seniors class).$15 single-session option available for in-person attendance (pay at door).Register online at seniorprofessionals.illinoisstate.edu or call (309) 438-2160.Zoom participants will receive a Zoom link a week prior to the start of the class(es) and again on the day of each session.Class DescriptionsASSESSING THE START OF THE SECOND TRUMP PRESIDENCYApril 4Dr. Bradley will assess whether all, some, few, or none of the campaign promises made by President Trump have been fulfilled. Have grocery prices dropped sharply? Has the war in Ukraine ended? Has the federal workforce been significantly cut? Have millions of undocumented immigrants been deported? Have the January 6th rioters been pardoned? Does the Department of Education still exist? Is Liz Cheney in jail? Is Canada the 51st state? These and other promises will be explored, including whether Americans are less polarized.Robert Bradley, Professor Emeritus, Politics and Government, ISUTHE ART OF RESISTANCE: CREATIVE OPPOSITION TO DICTATORSHIP IN CHILE (1973-1990)April 11In Chile on September 11, 1973, a military coup violently ushered in the brutal military dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet, which would last through the transition to democracy in 1990. With freedom of expression under assault, many opponents of the regime left the country, either forced into exile or voluntarily seeking asylum. The so-called “brain drain” was crucial for denouncing human rights violations and organizing international opposition to the dictatorship. So too were the efforts of those who remained in Chile, forging their own modes of resistance from within. In a context where freedom of expression is compromised and political opposition violently persecuted, creative forms of protest emerge in every sphere of creative expression: visual art, literature, theater, film, music, craft, and everything in between.Juliet Lynd, Associate Professor of Spanish and Chair of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures, ISUANIMAL WELFARE, HUMAN INFLUENCE AND THE ROLE OF REPUTABLE INSTITUTIONS LIKE MILLER PARK ZOOApril 18Each year, millions of visitors visit reputable zoos and aquariums across the nation. Tremendous activity occurs behind the scenes and on a global scale, contributing to conservation and public education. This session will include a brief history of zoos, along with their role in acting as stewards for animals and nature, while encouraging the same in everyone. Examples from our own Miller Park Zoo will be included, providing glimpses into what the future may hold for MPZ’s little accredited facility.Jay Pratte, Director, Miller Park Zoo, Bloomington, ILMADE IN KANKAKEE: AN INSIDE LOOK AT ILLINOIS’ HOME FRONT IN WWIIApril 25Few people today are aware of the range of military supplies that Illinois produced during WWII or the significant role played by the Kankakee Ordnance Plant (later, along with the Elwood Plant, redubbed the Joliet Arsenal). Drawing on recorded fact and inside stories, this presentation will offer an overview of Illinois’ contribution to home-front production. With a focus on the Kankakee plant and the explosion at the Elwood Plant (deadliest ammunition plant disaster in US history), this presentation combines history with science, offering insights not available through most sources. Learn about how vast the production was and the employees who worked there, how the sudden influx of people changed the area towns, how dangerous the work was and how it affected the lives of those who served.Mary Ryder, Distinguished Professor Emerita of English, South Dakota State UniversityTHE LEGACY OF MEDIEVAL ANTI-JUDAISMMay 2Discover the medieval origins of anti-Judaism and its connection, if any, to modern antisemitism. Until around 1050 the Jews were largely integrated into northern European society, but, paradoxically, the church’s subsequent attempt to establish on earth a society governed in accordance with Christian norms, the movement that emphasized a personal relationship with Christ, preaching, the building of Notre Dame and the founding of hospitals and universities led to the demonization, massacre and expulsion of the Jews.John Freed, ISU Emeritus of History, ISU

The DuPage County Action Team meets on the 3rd Friday of the month at 11:00 a.m.Community Co-Leaders:Jackie Rankin (Court Appointed Special Advocate)Phil Biage pbiage@niu.edu (630) 638-0855Meeting Type:Zoom Meeting

The DuPage County Action Team meets on the third Friday of the month at 11 A.M.Community co-leader: Jackie RakinMeeting type: ZoomContact Phil Biage if you have any questions or want to join the meeting.

The fourth meeting of the AI Brown Bag Series will include a panel discussion between Milner librarians: Grace Allbaugh, Maria Tudela, and Associate Director for Academic Enhancement Keenan Wimbley.This presentation will be followed by discussion on AI in research and teaching.

Emily Wiggins, a master’s student from Illinois State University Department of Chemistry, will present a seminar titled “High-Throughput, Solid Sample Analysis With Cone-Based Spectrometric Ionization Sources” at 3 p.m. on Friday, April 18, 2025, in Julian Hall, room 225. Refreshments will be served prior to the seminar in Julian Hall, room 224.

Fridays, 5:30-6:30 pmThis meeting is for college students and young adults; it moves beyond alcohol and also invites individuals who are concerned about their use of other substances. This is an open meeting, with the meeting type rotating each week of the month. The location is adjacent to the campus, just north of Bowling and Billiards Center.

Join the SPANISH CLUB for our FIESTA LATINA 2025. The party will be on Friday, April 18. The evening will entail live music by Chicago, BAMBO, All-star salsa Orchestra from Chicago, and a DJ!Admission:FREE admission for ISU students, but if you want to attend dinner (6-7:30 p.m.), ISU students must register at Redbird Life using the QR.Please sign up soon before all spots are filled!Other: Ticket is $15 (for community members, family, etc.)Children 10 years and under – free entrance (Adult must be present)Dinner and refreshments will be provided with a Latin touch!Location:Brown Ballroom at the Bone Student Center.Doors will open at 5:30 p.m.Tickets can be purchased at any Spanish Club meeting held on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. in Stevenson 401, contact Elisa Cruz at emcruz3@ilstu.edu; or contact Marinelly Castillo at mcastil@ilstu.edu.You also can send an e-mail to spanishclub@ilstu.edu. 

Student Recital

Student recital