Get Involved

As a member of the ACES Alumni Association you can be as involved as your time allows. Giving back to the College of ACES can mean a variety of things to each alumni -- speaking in a class, mentoring a student, providing internship opportunities, job shadowing, financial support or serving as a volunteer. There are many way to get involved or stay involved once you leave the University of Illinois as a student. We hope you will find the right way to "give back" and stay connected!

Top 10 Ways to Get Involved!

1. Join the University of Illinois Alumni Association to be a member of the College of ACES Alumni Association!
   There are many benefits offered to you as an alumni of the University of Illinois and the College of ACES. We want to be sure you have the opportunity to stay connected and keep up to date on campus happenings!


“When I was asked to be on the ACES Alumni Board, I thought it was a good opportunity to merge the experience of being a U of I grad with the 25 years operating my own business and the honor and complexity of propelling a world class University into 21st century.”

-Leo Kelly, ACES Alumni Board Member
2. Stay connected with the College of ACES and Illinois News.
   The University of Illinois Alumni Association and College of ACES provide regular communication to alumni through newsletters, the Illinois magazine and monthly e-alum reports to alumni with a current email address on file. Be sure to keep your address and email information up to date with the ACES Alumni Association.
3. Network at local district or campus events. Many ACES Alumni events are held throughout the year in each of the eight districts, regionally and internationally. Join over 500 alumni at the annual ACES College Connection and Salute to Ag Day weekend events in connection with a Illini football game! In the Chicago area, you can attend the monthly First Thursday Club at the Illini Center to network with Chicago area alumni. This is a great way to reconnect with friends, faculty and the College! Take advantage of these opportunities near you!
4. Add More Orange and Blue to your Organization!
   Like you, our students have ambition, motivation, and a degree from one of the top public universities in the world. Whether you’re working for a non-profit/government organization, a growing small business, Fortune 500 company, or something in between, when you’re looking for new talent, consider fellow University of Illinois graduates. For more information go to hireillini.com.
5. Share your story
   Students want to hear from you about your experiences after graduating from the College of ACES and the University of Illinois. Share your memories and advice with current students by completing the alumni profile online.
6. Stay involved with your department
   As an alumni, your experiences are valuable as you return to speak to classes or volunteer to serve on an advisory committee or volunteer your time to mentor or provide an internship opportunity for current students.
7. Nominate an alumni for an ACES Alumni Award
   We recognize many outstanding alumni throughout the year through the College of ACES Alumni awards and recognition program.
8. Provide Leadership
   There are a number of ways to stay involved by giving of your time to serve in a leadership role on the ACES Alumni Association Board or through committees.
9. Support the College of ACES with a financial contribution.
   The University of Illinois faces many challenges in today’s economic climate. Despite declining state funding, we must find a way to continue our tradition of excellence in teaching, research and scholarship. Together, gifts of all sizes help guarantee that an ACES education is everything it can be for every student, no matter where their inspiration leads them.
10. Provide feedback and suggest other ways you would like to get involved with the College of ACES
    Have an idea for an event or would you like to become more involved and still aren't sure how? Send us an e-mail at acesalumni@uiuc.edu and a staff member will be in touch with you very soon.