Upcoming Events

Alumni Weekend

We’re excited to invite you back to campus for Alumni Weekend 2025, taking place October 9–11! It’s a perfect opportunity to reconnect with classmates, engage with current students, and celebrate the legacy of aerospace engineering at the University of Illinois. Registration is now open!

Group of alumni dressed in illinois gear

Alumni Weekend Itinerary

Thursday, October 9

Seminar by Robyn Macdonald (BS 2013, PhD 2019)  
5:00 - 6:00 pm
Campus Instructional Facility, Room 2035
 Join faculty and graduate students for a technical seminar led by Robyn Macdonald, assistant professor at the University of Colorado Boulder. Abstract will be shared soon. A reception will follow immediately, offering a chance to connect and continue the conversation.

Green Street Social Meet Up  
8:00 pm
Location TBD
All alumni and guests are warmly invited to a casual evening with students on Green Street for drinks and conversation. This is a pay-your-own-way gathering, so no registration is required. Just come as you are and enjoy the camaraderie! Location will be announced soon.

Friday, October 10

Open Session of the AE Alumni Board Meeting
8:00am - 10:30am
Electrical Computing & Engineering Building, Room 3002
Join us for the open session of the Aerospace Engineering Alumni Advisory Board meeting. Connect with new board members and faculty, and gain insights into the department’s latest developments. Department Head Jonathan Freund will present this year’s overview—including enrollment trends, program growth, graduate expansion, and the department’s strategic response to shifts in the federal landscape. Alumni advisory groups will also share annual updates on their ongoing contributions and initiatives.  

Recent Alumni Panel & Networking Session
12:00 - 1:30 pm 
Illini Union 2nd Floor Ballroom
The Recent Alumni Advisory Group will host an engaging Speed Networking Session designed to help students sharpen their elevator pitch and enhance their communication skills.

We’re calling on alumni to join as interviewers for this event. If interested, please indicate so on the registration form. Selected alumni will be contacted with further details. A brief training session will be offered beforehand to ensure everyone feels confident and prepared to participate in this session.  

Talbot Laboratory and Campus Tours
2:00pm 
Begin at Talbot Laboratory Room 103 (East entrance, first floor)
Begin your tour in Talbot Laboratory, where you'll get an exclusive look at our new cutting-edge lab facilities. From there, enjoy a guided walk through the engineering campus, showcasing the latest additions and innovations that are shaping the future of the college . 

AE Alumni Social
6:00 - 9:00pm
Alice Campbell Alumni Center
Alumni are invited to a relaxed and festive evening hosted by the Department of Aerospace Engineering—featuring everyone's favorite Papa Dels Pizza! There will be time to reconnect, share memories, and honor the 2025 alumni award recipients for the remarkable contributions they have made to the field and to the department.

Outstanding Recent Alumni: Dr. Robyn Macdonald (BS 2013, PhD 2019)
Distinguished Alumni: Christopher D’Souza (BS '83, MS '84)
Harry H. Hilton Dedicated Service Award: David R. Riley (BS '77) . 
 
Saturday, October 12

AE Annual Tailgate
Time: TBA
Kick off game day with fellow aerospace engineering alumni at our spirited tailgate! Reconnect with classmates, meet current students, and fuel up on delicious food and drinks—all while soaking in the energy and excitement of Illini football.  Registration is requested.

Illinois vs. Ohio State
Kickoff Time: TBA
Memorial Stadium
Join the excitement and cheer on the Fighting Illini as they take on the Ohio State Buckeyes. Department tickets are sold out. .

Mark your calendar, rally your fellow Illini, and get registered for a weekend to remember. We can't wait to see you back on campus this fall! 

For hotel accommodations, questions, or to request disability accommodations, please email Courtney McLearin at aero-events@illinois.edu

Contacts

Tim Cochrane

Tim Cochrane
Associate Director of Advancement

tcochran@illinois.edu

Debra Levey Larson

Debra Levey Larson
Communications and Alumni Relations

dlarson@illinois.edu

Courtney McLearin

Courtney McLearin
Event and Alumni Relations Coordinator

mailto:cmcleari@illinois.edu