Follow senior advanced marketing analytics and integrated marketing communications major Paige Tenuto for a day in her life as a student social media manager at Illinois State University's Office of Sustainability. Paige oversees social media for the Share Shop and Fix-It Friday, and takes us through Illinois State's plans for #EarthWeek.

Actual footage of us flipping out over Gamma Phi Circus. 🎪 Friday, April 17, at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.—grab your tickets in bio. #illinoisstateuniversity

Illinois State University 2026 Spring Commencement Ceremony in CEFCU Arena - College of Business@illinoisstateuniversity​

Illinois State University 2026 Spring Commencement Ceremony in CEFCU Arena - College of Applied Science and Technology@illinoisstateuniversity​

Illinois State University 2026 Spring Commencement Ceremony in CEFCU Arena - College of Education, Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts@illinoisstateuniversity​

Illinois State University 2026 Spring Commencement Ceremony in CEFCU Arena - College of Arts and Sciences Natural Sciences/Mathematics and Humanities including students in the majors of Biological Sciences; Chemistry; Communication; English; Geography, Geology, and the Environment; History; Languages, Literatures, and Cultures; Mathematics; Philosophy; Physics; and Interdisciplinary Studies@illinoisstateuniversity​

Illinois State University 2026 Spring Commencement Ceremony in CEFCU Arena - Mennonite College of Nursing and College of Arts and Sciences Social Sciences including students in the majors of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Economics, Politics and Government, Psychology, Social Work, and Sociology and Anthropology@illinoisstateuniversity​

Us when we find out you didn't buy tickets to the Gamma Phi Circus show yet. 👀 Reserve your tickets today 🔗 in bio!

Senior Ashley Strehlow didn’t arrive at Illinois State University with a plan, but she leaves with a legacy spanning academics, performance, and community.A computational mathematics and computer science double major, Strehlow is also a Bone Scholar, a member of the Honors Program, a performer in Gamma Phi Circus, and part of the Big Red Marching Machine.“I came to ISU not knowing what I wanted to study,” Strehlow said. “I took a class in computer science and really fell in love with it.”That sense of discovery carried beyond the classroom. Strehlow joined Gamma Phi Circus in her first year, without knowing how to juggle or unicycle.“I went to their open house without knowing how to juggle or unicycle, and I really just learned,” she said.Now in her fourth and final year with the student-run circus, Strehlow performs in juggling and unicycle acts and serves as the group’s academic chair, supporting fellow performers through study sessions and mentorship.“I love seeing the growth of everyone around me,” she said. “It’s fulfilling to know that I’ve had an impact on someone else’s life and their future career.”Her academic and creative worlds often intersect. Strehlow has conducted artificial intelligence research and even developed a timer system used during circus practices—bringing her coding skills directly into the performance space.“With coding, you’re really working from the ground up,” she said. “You see that with Gamma Phi and marching band, where we’re creating a show from scratch together.”As a Bone Scholar—the university’s highest undergraduate honor—Strehlow said the recognition reflects years of dedication to both academics and extracurriculars.“It truly does mean a lot to me,” she said.Now, as she prepares for her final performances with Gamma Phi Circus, Strehlow is focused on soaking in every moment.“This will be my fourth and final year performing,” she said. “I’ve been soaking in all the moments with the people I love and the passion that we share. I’m very excited to put on a show that will be my last.”For Strehlow, stepping into the spotlight inside CEFCU Arena is an unforgettable experience.“It’s just chills,” she said. “There’s no other way to describe it.”Audiences can experience those moments during Gamma Phi Circus performances at CEFCU Arena on Friday, April 17, and Saturday, April 18. Ticket info: https://go.illinoisstate.edu/GammaPhiCircus2026

Come see how good Gamma Phi Circus really is on Friday, April 17, and Saturday, April 18, at CEFCU Arena! Ticket info: go.illinoisstate.edu/GammaPhiCircus2026