- Erica Lauren Maholmes, M.F.A. ’22, steps into the spotlight on Redbird BuzzErica Lauren Maholmes, M.F.A. '22, sheds a light on her work as a lighting designer in theatres across the country and how it led her to Broadway.
- Spring commencement 2025 recap: Best pics and postsIllinois State honored 4,481 new graduates during spring commencement on May 9–10, celebrating their achievements with five ceremonies and a flood of #RedbirdProud moments shared across campus.
- Graduating Redbirds: PULSE graduate prepared to teach, advocate for special education studentsLaura Martinez first grasped the power of teaching as a teenager growing up in Mexico. Tasked with volunteering in her community for a high school civics class, Martinez, then 15, chose to tutor more than 80 third-graders who were behind academically. Within three months, she taught most students in her Saturday-morning extra-help sessions how to
- Graduating Redbirds: Political science major Jazmine Benson finds purpose and community at Illinois StateFor graduating senior Jazmine Benson, Illinois State University wasn’t just a college choice. It became a foundation for academic growth, leadership, and meaningful connections.
- Graduating Redbirds by the numbers: May 2025Nearly 3,500 Illinois State University students will earn degrees this May, with spring commencement scheduled for Friday, May 9-Saturday, May 10, 2025, in CEFCU Arena.
- Graduating Redbirds: Cybersecurity graduate will bring energy, work ethic, and lessons learned from campus mentors into the worldTyler Bever is no stranger to hard work. Now that he’s graduating from Illinois State University, one adjustment he’ll have to make is cutting back from working several part-time jobs to a single job as he begins his career.
- Graduating Redbirds: International finance/mathematics major finds home at Illinois StateMohammed Karim Mrani Alaoui's journey to Illinois State University was shaped by courage, adaptability, and academic ambition.
- Big Red abroad: Big Red Marching Machine creates unforgettable memories in IrelandIllinois State University’s Big Red Marching Machine (BRMM) recently brought its high-energy sound and school spirit overseas, spending eight days performing and exploring across Ireland.
- Graduating Redbirds: A single mother, corrections officer, and member of the National Guard creates a new future for her familyShyanne Ellenwood, known as Shy to her friends, knew as a teenager that she wanted to be a nurse. As a junior in high school back in her hometown of Bourbonnais, she became a certified nursing assistant and started her career in health care.
- Director of Athletics Dr. Jeri Beggs discusses the changing landscape of college athletics on Redbird BuzzDr. Jeri Beggs was named director of Athletics in March 2025 and joins Redbird Buzz to share her vision for the future of Illinois State Athletics.
- Music Business Organization provides a stage for artists to showcase their talentMusic Business Organization (MBO) is a registered student organization (RSO) at Illinois State University that recognizes the impact of music, with a primary focus on providing a platform for artists and supporting live music.
- Graduate research exhibit merges design and community-engaged research practices to drive social changeDesign influences our lives in ways we often don't realize. It's present in the schools we attend, the offices where we work, and the homes we live in. Sierra Mack-Erb researches the power of design as a graduate fellow at Illinois State University and is earning their M.S. in Cultural Anthropology in the Applied Community and Economic Development sequence.
- Five questions: Dr. Vishal Midha discusses the new bachelor’s degree in data scienceIllinois State University begins a new interdisciplinary data science bachelor’s degree program in the fall of this year. When the program’s inaugural cohort arrives on campus, Dr. Vishal Midha will be ready to teach them.
- Vivian Kong Doctora ’96 takes entrepreneurship to new levels on Redbird BuzzVivian Kong Doctora ’96 joins Redbird Buzz to share her entreprenuer journey and how she shares her knowledge of opening and running businesses with others.
- Video: Gamma Phi Circus president prepares for her final home shows, April 11-12Gamma Phi Circus President Megan Koenig is preparing for her final home shows at CEFCU Arena Friday, April 11, at 7 p.m., and Saturday, April 12, at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.
- Indian and LGBTQIA+ Cultural Dinner: ALOK emphasizes that ‘joy is your birthright’ALOK shared their journey to self-discovery and living authentically with a sellout crowd of around 400 people during Illinois State University’s Indian and LGBTQIA+ Cultural Dinner.
- FirstWord: Spring 2025A message from University Marketing and Communications Executive Director Brian Beam, M.S. ’94, MBA ’10
- Behind the lens: New York Times photographer Todd Heisler ’94 captures history in the makingTodd Heisler ’94 is a New York Times staff photographer whose career has taken him all over the world with a press credential and a front row seat to history.
- Appetite for success: Entrepreneur builds community through foodVivian Kong Doctora ’96 is a community builder who connects people and culture through food.
- The lessons of Bangladesh: Dr. Ali Riaz gives voice to his native country as it fights for democracyDistinguished Professor Ali Riaz, an expert in South Asian politics, has been tapped to rewrite the constitution of his politically turbulent native country.
