In summer 2025, Student Affairs had the pleasure of welcoming alumnus Dan Mitchell (GIES ’79) back to campus for a visit centered on student success at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Mitchell was joined by Domonic Cobb, Acting Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Success, Inclusion, and Belonging; Nancy Geubelle, Director of Gift Planning at the University of Illinois Foundation; and Cari James, Chief Advancement Officer for Student Affairs.
Mitchell toured the Michael L. Jeffries Center for Access and Academic Success (Jeffries Center), led by Jennifer Mendez, Director, First Generation Student Initiatives and Associate Director for the Jeffries Center and Roxanne Patiño, Student Success Advisor, First Generation Student Initiatives. Mendez and Patiño shared how the Jeffries Center supports first‑generation students in advancing their academic success through programs and resources. Throughout this discussion, Cobb shared some historical context about how the Jeffries Center’s mission has evolved as the center has grown.
The visit served as a powerful reminder of the role alumni play in strengthening Illinois’ commitment to belonging and student success.
