For junior elementary education major Josue Rivera, each day at Illinois State balances education classes with campus life. From preparing for his future classroom to playing pickleball with friends and staying involved with Encounter Ministries, Josue’s experience highlights the work–life balance that ISU offers its students.

The Redbird community came out to CEFCU Arena to celebrate an unforgettable Illinois State football season. Players, coaches, families, and fans gathered for a hometown celebration recognizing the dedication, resilience, and teamwork that defined the Redbirds’ run to the championship game.

Proud is an understatement. ❤️ From road wins to the national championship stage, our Redbirds showed what belief and hard work can accomplish. Thank you to our student-athletes, coaches, staff, and fans who made this run unforgettable.Despite a late comeback that saw Illinois State outscore Montana State 14–0 in the fourth quarter to force overtime, the Redbirds fell just short in a 35–34 finish at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville. Unseeded Illinois State capped a historic run as the only team in FCS history to win four road playoff games, backed by a relentless second-half effort and record-setting performances. “They’ve fought through a lot to get here,” head coach Brock Spack said. “This is a really good football team. I’m just really proud of them.” Read the full story and see why we’re #RedbirdProud of this team. ➡️ https://go.illinoisstate.edu/4jvzBHK

Campus may be quiet, but the vibes are still warm. Reggie and Pawfficer Korg are here to keep you company all winter break.

An Illinois State winter tale with our favorite mascot, Reggie Redbird.

Asking graduating Redbirds what their plans are post-graduation.

Learn how Illinois State University Creative Technologies (CTK) grad student Zander Karp mentors students through hands-on audio production in Redbird Studios. As a 2024 CTK graduate now pursuing his master’s degree, Zander helps students record music, learn production tools, and collaborate on real projects inside ISU’s state-of-the-art recording space.

Illinois State University became home because of you. The friendships you formed, the mentors who guided you, the memories made in between it all—that’s the heart of this place. You leave behind a legacy that will always be part of Illinois State. Now it’s time to step forward and write your next chapter. We’re so proud of you, and we’ll miss you. ❤️

Snow was falling outside, but inside CEFCU Arena, the focus was on celebration as Illinois State University honored its newest graduates during winter commencement Saturday, December 13. More than 1,300 students earned degrees during two ceremonies, marking the end of their time at Illinois State and the beginning of what comes next. Graduates walked across the stage surrounded by family, friends, and fellow Redbirds who made the day feel special despite the cold weather. Throughout the weekend, graduates shared moments from commencement, from crossing the stage to celebrating afterward. Take a look through the photo gallery below for highlights from winter commencement and see why Illinois State is #RedbirdProud of the Class of 2025.Learn more: https://about.illinoisstate.edu/news/2025/12/a-wintery-sendoff-best-photos-videos-that-highlight-the-class-of-2025/

Illinois State University 2025 Winter Commencement Ceremony in CEFCU Arena - College of Applied Science and Technology, College of Business, and Wonsook Kim College of Fine ArtsChapters: 0:00:00 - Processional 0:32:04 - Welcome 0:42:28 - President's Address 0:48:10 - Conferral of Degree Candidates 0:52:18 - Master's Degree Graduates 0:58:13 - Bachelor's Degree Graduates - College of Applied Science and Technology 0:58:30 - Bachelor's Degree Graduates - College of Business 0:58:44 - Accounting 0:58:51 - Agriculture 1:01:41 - Criminal Justice Sciences 1:05:01 - Business Administration 1:06:11 - Family and Consumer Sciences 1:09:37 - Health Sciences 1:10:14 - Finance, Insurance, and Law 1:11:43 - School of Information Technology 1:15:26 - International Business 1:17:12 - Management 1:19:56 - Marketing 1:22:38 - School of Kinesiology and Recreation 1:26:47 - Bachelor's Degree Graduates - Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts 1:27:04 - School of Creative Technologies 1:28:31 - School of Music 1:30:52 - Technology 1:30:57 - School of Theatre, Dance, and Film 1:34:46 - Wonsook Kim School of Art 1:40:30 - Alumni Induction and Closing@illinoisstateuniversity​