All are invited to join us in the Celebration of the Life and Legacy of Dean Clarence Shelley

Sunday, September 18, 2022
Krannert Center for the Performing Arts – Foellinger Great Hall
500 S. Goodwin Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801

1:00 PM  Doors Open
2:00 PM  Program Begins
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM Reception

Dean Shelley, who led the University’s first extensive effort to offer equal education opportunities to all residents of Illinois, also served as dean of students.

Clarence Shelley, a long-serving University of Illinois administrator, passed away on Jan. 17, 2022, in Champaign. He was 90.

Shelley came to the U of I in 1968 to run its Special Education Opportunities Program, colloquially known as Project 500, which was the first extensive effort by the University to offer equal educational opportunities for all the residents of Illinois. After successfully recruiting well over 500 African American students for the program, Shelley was named dean of students in 1974, and in 1984 he became assistant vice chancellor, then associate vice chancellor for Student Affairs, and finally special assistant to the chancellor.

“Dean Shelley was the kind of person people turned to when they needed wisdom, a kind word, a helping hand or the courage to drive change,” said Dr. Danita M. Brown Young, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs.

Dr. Brown Young continued to say, “Words cannot express how deeply grateful the University is that he chose to share his passion and gifts with countless students, faculty and staff members here.”