Upcoming Events

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.

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. 

Alumni Spotlight with Kendra Sharp
1:30pm - 2:30pm
Beckman Institute Room 1005
Join us for an engaging career talk with Kendra Sharp (BS '93), Dean of the School of Engineering at Santa Clara University and the Department of Aerospace Engineering's 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient. From aerospace engineering to academia, national science policy, and university leadership, Sharp has built a career by embracing new opportunities and pursuing work with meaningful impact. She will share lessons from her unique professional journey, discuss how engineers can lead across disciplines, and explore the important role of engineering and AI in creating a more humane, just, and sustainable world. Whether you're planning your first job or your next career move, you'll leave inspired to think broadly about where an engineering degree can take you.  

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 

Illinois vs. Oregon State
Kickoff Time: TBA
Gies Memorial Stadium
Join the Party on the Patio and cheer on the Fighting Illini as they take on the Oregon Ducks. The department has secured premium seating in the northeast patio of Gies Memorial Stadium for the game this year. This exciting new experience will be exclusively available to Aerospace Engineering and includes an amazing view of the game and all-inclusive upgraded food and beverages.  

Pregame Pancake Breakfast*
10:00am - 12:00pm
Location TBD
Before heading to the stadium, Aerospace Engineering students, faculty, staff and alumni are invited to a pregame pancake breakfast. Enjoy a hot breakfast, reconnect with old friends, meet new members of the Illinois Aerospace Engineering community, and get ready to cheer on the Fighting Illini together.

Location will be determined after game time is announced. Registration is requested to ensure we can accommodate everyone. 

  *The pancake breakfast will happen if kickoff is 2:00pm or later. 

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! 

Hotel rooms are available!! For lodging, questions, or to request disability accommodations, please email Courtney McLearin at aero-events@illinois.edu