On April 28, 2026, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Danita M. Brown Young welcomed a group of Illinois alumni to the Columbia Club in Indianapolis for an evening rooted in connection, reflection, and a shared commitment to students. Representing different generations, majors, and campus experiences, the alumni gathered around a common purpose: supporting the future of Student Affairs and ensuring today’s students have the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.
As conversations unfolded, alumni reflected on the moments that shaped their own Illinois journeys, including the mentors who encouraged them, the communities where they found belonging, and the experiences that prepared them for life beyond campus. Vice Chancellor Brown Young shared how Student Affairs supports students today and responds to evolving needs, grounding the discussion in the 4‑3‑2‑1‑0 framework, which emphasizes key elements of student success:
4: Strive to graduate in 4 years—because every extra year costs money and time.
3: Aim for at least a 3.0 GPA—it keeps options open for internships, scholarships, and graduate school
2: Study 2 hours for every credit hour—that’s how students stay ahead, not just caught up
1: Join 1 organization or leadership opportunity—engagement is the key to confidence, growth, and support
0: And work toward graduating with 0 debt—be smart, ask questions and use every resource available
Vice Chancellor Brown Young also spoke about CARES, a values‑based framework that guides how Student Affairs approaches its work with students and campus partners, shaping how the division communicates, collaborates, and remains student‑centered in everything it does. Discussions touched on student mental health and well‑being, first‑generation student support, inclusion and belonging, and the importance of leadership development.
As the evening concluded, one alum shared, “The University of Illinois is an amazing campus, school, institution for learning and anchor of education in the State of Illinois, Midwest, and World! The value of an education at Illinois and the lifelong relationships developed while attending and afterward have continued to influence me throughout the decades.” Throughout the evening, one message remained clear: the Illinois experience extends far beyond graduation. Through mentorship, advocacy, and philanthropy, alumni continue to invest in the next generation of Illini, strengthening the student experience for years to come.
To learn more about how you can make an impact on the student experience, contact StudentAffairsAdvancement@illinois.edu.
