"We're Loyal to You, Illinois"
Cheryl Lamm '83, David Olsen '11 and Nishant Makhijani '14, shared their reflections with us about Homecoming and what it means to be part of the Illinois alumni network. All three are members of the Student Affairs Council, an alumni group dedicated to supporting the Illini student experience.
What is your favorite Homecoming memory?
Lamm: "My favorite Homecoming memory is co-chairing the 1982 first Homecoming Parade. It was televised, and kicked off from Alpha Gamma Rho on Gregory Street to the Quad. Illini Comeback guests, dignitaries, local high school and college bands and floats from various student organizations all participated, passing by the viewing stand. It was a huge undertaking that took months and months of planning, meeting with on- and off-campus departments from police to block streets to campus security and more. It was organized by the Student Alumni Ambassadors and was a considered a great success!"
Makhijani: "My favorite memory is being part of the 2013 Homecoming Court, and enjoying the festivities with my fellow class of honorees. I will forever remember the moment when 30,000 people chuckled when my name was mispronounced during the Homecoming game half time. I continued to wave and smile awkwardly as my face was being telecast on the jumbotron. I will never forget that moment."
Olsen: "My favorite Homecoming memory was being on the Homecoming Court in 2010. For me, Homecoming is all about coming together as an Illini family.
In 2010, I was proud to stand with a fantastic group of student leaders on the Homecoming Court representing the diversity of our campus family. Having my own family there to support me (even though they are not Illinois alums) was also so special because this experience helped them feel like part of the extended Illini family."
What were you involved in on campus? How did you spend your time?
Makhijani: "I spent a lot of time at Illinois building community and empowering others to see the best in themselves and achieve their personal and professional goals. I was President of the student chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and held leadership positions in Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity, Student Sustainability Committee, and CEE Student Committee.
All these organizations focused on different elements of a student's personal and professional life. In addition to the student organizations, I interned at the Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment and helped give student leaders from sustainability focused RSOs a collective voice by starting the Student Sustainability Leadership Council and led the development and implementation of the university's first edition of the Green Office Program which engaged over 1,000 employees in its first year."
Olsen: "There's so much I was involved with during my time at Illinois, and so many treasured memories! One highlight was my time as Student Body President during my senior year (2010-2011). Working with student leaders across campus to represent student interests to administration and faculty was always a difficult job with over 40,000 students in a wide variety of programs. But I gave it my all - and we achieved some great successes in making the university more responsive to student needs.
While student government occupied a significant portion of my time, I also was committed to excelling academically (Bronze Tablet) as well as service to the College of Business through Business Council and the Council of Presidents which helped to provide additional opportunities for business students. And of course, it wouldn't be an Illinois experience without cheering on the Illini - including our 2008 Rose Bowl appearance!"
Lamm: "I was on campus from the fall of 1979 to graduation in 1983. From president of Delta Phi Epsilon Sorority (closed in 1992), and Panhellenic representative, to Student Ambassadors and Student Alumni Association, I was also a member of Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity, Illini Projects, Illini Union Board, Volunteer Illini Projects, Starcourse and more. I was more interested in student affairs than academics, and spent a great deal of time at the Illini Union for meetings, socializing and sometimes studying."
What is your favorite part about being an Illinois alum?
Olsen: "I love the Illinois community. Wherever I go in the country or across the world, I always find Illini alums. Despite differences in age, ethnicity, background or experience, we can come together over that shared identity and spirit - having attended one of the great universities. That connection helps to bring the world a little closer together - and can lead to some pretty amazing professional and personal opportunities as well!"
Lamm: "My favorite part of being an Illini alum is the pride I have in our university. Our students are amazing and inspiring. I am happy to give my time volunteering, my talent in mentoring or speaking to students, and my treasure to ensure that future students have leadership and extracurricular activities to round out their academic pursuits."
Makhijani:"I love that I have friends everywhere I travel in the world, and every time I reconnect with fellow alumni, I am taken back to a time where we were challenged and cherished by the people around us. I am grateful to be part of a community that cares about each other, and lifting each other up."
Make your own Illinois memories during the Homecoming 2024 events.