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The University of Illinois System @uofilsystem.bsky.social · 18h

Developments in AI and the future of the workforce were focal points at today’s final 2025 #UofILStateTour stop with the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce. The panel entertained attendees as each leader shared how their campuses are helping students graduate with AI resources in their skills toolbox.

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The University of Illinois System @uofilsystem.bsky.social · 22h

Ties between a Chicago school and higher education grew even stronger when the #UofILStateTour visited DRW College Prep yesterday.

A student-led tour reminded all in attendance of one shared goal: expanding access and opportunity for every learner in Illinois.

students and system leaders having a discussion at a long table

students sitting at a table in front of a large piece of machinery

the entire U of I System delegation with DRW College Prep staff

The University of Illinois System @uofilsystem.bsky.social · 1d

Day 4 of the #UofILStateTour started at UL Solutions
in Northbrook, where the system and Discovery Partners Institute shared about new ways to expand Illinois’ tech workforce. UL Solutions supports apprentices working toward competitive positions in the state’s growing economy.

System leaders and students/apprentices smile in front of a glowing UL sign

The University of Illinois System @uofilsystem.bsky.social · 2d

Last night in Rockford, alumni and industry leaders explored new ways to keep great job opportunities here in Illinois. Framed by the system’s $24.9B annual economic impact, the evening highlighted how research, workforce development, and partnership fuel a thriving state economy. #UofILStateTour

Sign that says Illinois Manufacturing Association and U of I System joint reception

Four-person panel with U of I System President Tim Killeen with the microphone

Five-person group photo with U of I System banner in background

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The University of Illinois System @uofilsystem.bsky.social · 2d

At P&P Industries, system leaders joined with partners from the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association and IMEC, the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center, to convey one powerful message. When higher education and industry work hand in hand, Illinois moves forward together. #UofILStateTour

Man speaks at a podium in front of the Makers on the Move bus covered with signatures and logos

Large group photo in front of the U of I System bus

U of I System leaders pose in front of bus in an oversized manufacturing-focused photo frame held by two men

The University of Illinois System @uofilsystem.bsky.social · 2d

Seamless partnerships. Stronger pathways for Illinois students. On day #3 of the state tour, the University of Illinois System connected with leaders at Ottawa Township High School and Illinois Valley Community College about how collaboration expands access to higher education. #UofILStateTour

State tour participants outside Ottawa Township High School

University of Illinois Springfield Chancellor Janet Gooch speaks with event participants

Students listen to speakers in the auditorium

Man gestures during discussion while seated at a table

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The University of Illinois System @uofilsystem.bsky.social · 2d

Last night at the Peoria Riverfront Museum, we celebrated alumni achievements and the system’s partnership with Caterpillar. The palpable energy of the reception underscored the ongoing positive impact of University of Illinois System alumni in community leadership and global reach. #UofILStateTour

U of I System president talks with state representative amid others conversing

Event participants at the museum connect under a large replica of the moon

Caterpillar representative speaks at a podium with U of I System messaging in the background

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Chancellor Charles Isbell speaks at a podium with U of I System messaging in the background

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The University of Illinois System @uofilsystem.bsky.social · 2d

At OSF HealthCare in Peoria, we interacted with University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria students who shared their experiences providing healthcare in underserved areas of both the United States and Brazil through our Brasillinois partnership, one of many essential global collaborations.

Speaker at podium with microphone in front of Welcome U of I System Leadership! Signage

Wide shot of state tour panelists and participants at multiple tables

U of I System president and tour participants smile for a group photo

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The University of Illinois System @uofilsystem.bsky.social · 3d

A leader in EV, Rivian partners with the U of I System, Heartland Community College and the Illinois Innovation Network to strengthen the talent pipeline.🔌We appreciated the opportunity to look under the hood (literally) at the nuts, bolts, and volts that make these cars go! ⚡ #UofILStateTour

Two smiling tour participants during seated discussion

Speaker with a microphone during seated discussion

Speaker near a podium under McClean County Farm Bureau Agricultural Lab signage

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The University of Illinois System @uofilsystem.bsky.social · 4d

In Woodlawn, #UofILStateTour participants saw how Cover Crops for a Cause boosts soil health and fights food insecurity. With the stop’s hosts, system leaders also harvested turnips and explored ways to expand the program across Illinois. 🌱

three people walking and working in a turnip field

a woman addressing the roundtable at a farm

a man smiling while holding turnips as a sitting woman smiles

the U of I System State Tour group holding turnips in front of their tour bus

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The University of Illinois System @uofilsystem.bsky.social · 4d

Accessible education and upward mobility anchored today’s #UofILStateTour kickoff at Olney Central College. Leaders stressed the power of collaboration to expand access and opportunity across the region and state.

President Tim Killeen pointing and speaking at a conference table

U of I System leadership departing their tour bus

U of I System leadership being greeted off their tour bus

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The University of Illinois System @uofilsystem.bsky.social · 5d

The 5th Annual State Leadership Tour kicks off today! 🚌🚙🚗

Stops in Olney, Woodlawn, Edwardsville, Springfield, Rockford + Chicago spotlight $24.9B impact + 225K jobs statewide: https://ow.ly/wGAC50X767u #UofILStateTour

University of Illinois System Leadership State Tour 2025

The University of Illinois System @uofilsystem.bsky.social · 7d

Want to get back in the flow with what's happening throughout the University of Illinois System? Check out the latest edition of Stay Connected — and subscribe below to get the monthly update in your inbox!

🛶 Latest edition: ow.ly/Qo7O50X6cW6
📩 Subscribe here: ow.ly/GJa750X6cW5

Stay Connected

September 2025

University of Illinois System

The University of Illinois System @uofilsystem.bsky.social · 9d

From agriculture to workforce, health, local economies, and global innovation — five reasons that our annual Leadership State Tour matters. Illinois progress starts in every community: https://go.uillinois.edu/econimpact

#AltogetherExtraordinary

A collage featuring students in different settings

Measurable Returns for Illinois

University of Illinois System

Altogether Extraordinary

The University of Illinois System @uofilsystem.bsky.social · 11d

$24.9B annual impact. 225,000 jobs. $7 return for every $1 invested. Impact starts with people—one student, one researcher, one provider, one alum. Together, they fuel a system that strengthens Illinois in every region—a collective force for the public good.

economicimpact25.uillinois.edu

One System. Statewide Impact.
In every corner of the state, the University of Illinois System expands opportunity, fuels the economy, and builds community strength.
University of Illinois System

Talent Grows Here – And Stays Here

74% percent of our graduates choose to stay in Illinois – building careers, families, and futures right here at home.

University of Illinois System – Altogether Extraordinary

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The University of Illinois System @uofilsystem.bsky.social · 14d

On Wednesday, the first-ever University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign-led NASA mission launched from Cape Canaveral. 🚀

The Carruthers Geocorona Observatory will use ultraviolet imaging to explore how Earth interacts with the space environment.

www.wcia.com

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The University of Illinois System @uofilsystem.bsky.social · 15d

While live clinical training remains essential, simulations can expose nursing students to many scenarios they might not encounter in the field. At @uicnursing.bsky.social, the Learning & Simulation Laboratory gives instructors and students the opportunity to prepare for any scenario imaginable. 👩🏾‍⚕️👨‍⚕️

Nursing shows its newest teaching tool during Simulation Week | UIC today

today.uic.edu

The University of Illinois System @uofilsystem.bsky.social · 16d

The University of Illinois System and the São Paulo Research Foundation (@agenciafapesp.bsky.social) recently awarded $520,000 to 13 research teams in its first round of funding under the Brasillinois Collaborative Research Grant program. 🤝🏼

Learn more about the new projects 👇

U of I System, FAPESP announce projects funded by inaugural round of Brasillinois research grants

The University of Illinois System and the São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) awarded $520,000 to 13 research teams recently in its first round of funding under the Brasillinois Collaborative Resea...

news.uillinois.edu

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The University of Illinois System @uofilsystem.bsky.social · 17d

Did you know that the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign can claim the oldest continuous homecoming tradition in the country? 🔶🔷

Learn more about the first homecoming — back in 1910! — and the tradition through the decades, as the Orange and Blue celebrate Homecoming 2025 this week.

University of Illinois Alumni

There would never be another Homecoming game like it. On the 80-degree afternoon of Oct. 18, 1924, some 67,000 raucous fans, jammed into a newly dedicated Memorial Stadium, waited in suspense for t…

uiaa.org

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The University of Illinois System @uofilsystem.bsky.social · 18d

This weekend, @uisedu.bsky.social held its annual Alumni Gala and recognized four distinguished graduates for their professional achievements, service to the university, and contributions to society. 🏅

Learn more about the 2025 honorees: ow.ly/oVq850X0lHU

Joyce A. Nardulli, Mallory E. Westcott, Robert L. Carter, Tami S. Silverman

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The University of Illinois System @uofilsystem.bsky.social · 21d

Q: How do you deflect a civilization-threatening asteroid from impacting Earth? ☄️

A: Very carefully.

If we ever need to nudge an asteroid out of our way, we must ensure that we don't accidentally send it into a new orbit that'll impact Earth at a later date.❌

How To Park A Dangerous Asteroid So It Doesn’t Bite You Later

As a society we’re very good at just kicking problems down the road, but we should probably make an exception for planet-threatening space rocks.

www.iflscience.com

The University of Illinois System @uofilsystem.bsky.social · 22d

Today, our Board of Trustees honored the vision and generosity of Larry Gies by approving the naming of Gies Memorial Stadium. This milestone recognizes their lasting impact and the powerful role philanthropy plays in shaping our future and collective impact. 🏟️

More: ow.ly/O6tQ50WYXhE

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The University of Illinois System @uofilsystem.bsky.social · 23d

The University of Illinois Board of Trustees will meet tomorrow morning at 8:00 a.m. in Champaign. 🕗

To follow along with the proceedings, please use this livestream: uis.edu/uislive 🎦

The University of Illinois System @uofilsystem.bsky.social · 24d

Two summers ago, nine inches of rain fell on Cicero, causing widespread flooding across the near-Chicago suburb. Community leaders looked for help — and Discovery Partners Institute got involved.

A DPI researcher helps understand flooding in Cicero, IL | Discovery Partners Institute

Volunteering as a community scientist for the American Geophysical Union’s Thriving Earth Exchange, DPI Postdoctoral Researcher Abhinav Wadhwa worked alongside community residents and Thriving Earth E...

dpi.uillinois.edu

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The University of Illinois System @uofilsystem.bsky.social · 25d

Anthony Wong, a Carle Illinois College of Medicine student, won last week's Falling Walls Lab Illinois competition with his presentation, “Breaking the Wall of Safer Childbirth,” in which he shared his team’s novel device to assist with difficult births. 🏆

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign student wins Falling Walls Lab Illinois

Anthony Wong, a fourth-year student at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s Carle Illinois College of Medicine, won the Falling Walls Lab Illinois competition recently to earn the title of Il...

news.uillinois.edu

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