Upcoming Events

Alumni Weekend

We’re excited to invite you back to campus for Alumni Weekend 2026, taking place October 22-24! 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 opens soon!

Alumni Weekend Itinerary

Thursday, October 22
Step Through the Artemis II Presentation from 5:30 - 6:30pm. Reception following. Campus Instructional Facility, Room 0035 Join Artemis program contributors Blaine Brown (BS 1981), Orion Spacecraft Mechanical and Avionics Systems Director and Paul Boehm (BS 1988, MS 1989) , Orion Crew & Service Module Office \| Crew Support and Thermal Systems for an insider's look at NASA's Artemis II mission, the first crewed flight of the Artemis program. Beyond the engineering and technology that make deep-space exploration possible, this presentation will explore the human factors of spaceflight. Learn how human-centered design and operations are helping prepare the next generation of explorers.
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 23
Open Session of the AE Alumni Board Meeting 8:00am - 11:00am Electrical Computing & Engineering Building, Room 3002 Join us for the open session of the Aerospace Engineering Alumni Advisory Board meeting.
Recent Alumni Panel & Networking Session 12:00 - 1:30 pm Details to come.
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. There will be time to reconnect, share memories, and honor the 2026 alumni award recipients for the remarkable contributions they have made to the field and to the department. Outstanding Recent Alumni: Grant Kramer, BS 2016 Distinguished Alumni: Kendra Sharp, BS 1993 Harry H. Hilton Dedicated Service Award: John Soldner, BS 1977, MS 1979

Saturday, October 24
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. Oregon State Kickoff Time: TBA Gies Memorial Stadium Join the excitement and cheer on the Fighting Illini as they take on the Oregon Ducks. Department tickets will be available later this summer.
Mark your calendar and rally your fellow Illini 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
Associate Director of Advancement

tcochran@illinois.edu

Debra Levey Larson
Communications and Alumni Relations

dlarson@illinois.edu

Courtney McLearin
Event and Alumni Relations Coordinator

mailto:cmcleari@illinois.edu