The Story of Orange and Blue

  Written by Ellen Swain From its founding in 1867 until fall of 1894, the University of Illinois struggled to commit to school colors. Professor Winton Solberg writes in his history of the University: For years, uncertainty existed as to the University colors. Many different color combinations had gained recognition,... Read More

The Gizz Kids: Athletics for Students with Disabilities

Written by Caitlin Stamm The Division of Rehabilitation-Education Services (DRES) records have been made available due to the generous support of B. Joseph White and the President’s office. DRES records were processed and selectively digitized for online exhibition in 2008-2009. The Gizz Kids program was created in 1948 by Timothy Nugent... Read More

The Founding of Disability Resources at the U of I

Written by Caitlin Stamm This month commemorates the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), which ensures and protects the civil rights of people with physical and mental disabilities. In honor of this important legislation, we are celebrating the work of Illinois’s Disabilities Rehabilition-Education Services (DRES).... Read More

Campus Memories: Boneyard Creek

“Through the shady Arboretum,/ By the Balm of Gilead tree,/ gently flows the Bone-yard/On its journey to the sea./ In the summer, little violets/ ‘Midst the greenest mosses bloom,/ And their sweetest fragrance mingles/ With the Bone-yard’s own perfume.“[1] While there are many aspects of life as a U of I student that have remained the... Read More

I’m Documenting Student Life, and You Can Too

Written by Nick Hopkins The University of Illinois Student Life and Culture (SLC) Archives maintains documents spanning the entire history of the university. It is particularly focused on the experiences of students. Its collections include documents and photos of student organizations, Illio yearbooks, and sorority and fraternity publications, as well as... Read More