College of Education News

On a sunny afternoon in Champaign, current students, faculty, alumni and friends gathered in the courtyard of the Education Building for a Homecoming Barbecue. Although the Fighting Illini's results at Memorial Stadium were disappointing, attendees were treated to a magnificent post game concert by the Marching Illini, including alumni band members.

In cooperation with the College of Education Homecoming Committee, representatives from the College of Education's student organizations hosted the Homecoming tailgate event. All five College of Education student organizations participated, including Epsilon Delta, Fellowship of Christian Teachers, Minority Association of Future Educators (MAFE), Student Advancement Group for Education (SAGE) and the Student Education Association (SEA).

Josh Bodenheimer, president of SAGE, was encouraged by the number of attendees, which spanned the Education and university-wide community. Fans en route from the game stopped by, and the Marching Illini paraded past the courtyard, stopping to rouse barbecue attendees. "We bought food to serve 75 people," Bodenheimer said, adding that the actual number of attendees exceeded his expectations.

Members from the student organizations not only helped to plan the event, but also volunteered their time, including Bodenheimer, who has helped plan homecoming events for the past three years.

"Homecoming is special because it provides individuals with the opportunity to connect to the past, present and future, not only in terms of the College of Education, but also the entire university," Bodenheimer said, adding. "Homecoming is the time of year that really makes everyone passionate about wearing the orange and blue."

In bringing together the education community, Bodenheimer said the barbecue provided current students with an opportunity to network with alumni who can offer their perspectives from the workforce.

"Especially at informal events like the barbecue, alumni can serve as mentors to current students in the College of Education," Bodenheimer said. "They provide guidance and assistance and also lead the way for future teachers, as we can learn from their experiences and apply them to our own careers."

For more information about the College of Education, contact our Communications Office at 217-244-8335 or email communications@education.illinois.edu