The 1969 Breakthrough
Signed into law on June 10, 1969, Public Act 76-131 officially created this original predecessor institution to UIS.
What is Sangamon State University (SSU)?
This major milestone year marked the arrival of the university's very first traditional incoming freshman class.
What is the early 2000s (2001)?
This major campus library serves as an intellectual anchor near Lake Springfield.
What is Brookens Library?
UIS is uniquely situated right in the backyard of this Illinois governmental seat.
What is the Illinois State Capitol (in Springfield)?
This Illinois governor signed the legislation that brought the new campus into existence.
Who is Richard Ogilvie?
This strategic shift in 2006 rebranded the school as a small public liberal arts university, prioritizing teaching over research.
What is recasting the university's identity/strategic plan?
This prominent performing arts and public affairs facility hosts major cultural events on campus.
What is the Public Affairs Center (PAC)?
Local SSU faculty and alumni famously influenced civic groups in Springfield, including local chapters of this civil rights organization.
What is the NAACP (or the ACLU / League of Women Voters)?
This dedicated group of local business leaders formed in 1960 to lobby for a local campus because Springfield was one of the few capital cities without a university.
What is the Springfield Committee for Higher Education?
Opened in the modern era of expansion, this prominent multi-use building became a central hub for student life and dining
What is the Student Union?
This historical figure is honored by a prominent campus statue and a dedicated center for academic studies.
Who is Abraham Lincoln?
Opening around the same early 1970s era as SSU, this medical institution completely transformed Springfield's professional landscape alongside the university.
What is the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine?
SSU held its very first classes in this unorthodox location in January 1970 before permanent structures were built.
What is a storefront presence in downtown Springfield?
Established on campus in the early 2000s, this prominent public-interest initiative investigates wrongful convictions in Illinois.
What is the Illinois Innocence Project?
Named in honor of the 16th U.S. President, this prominent campus residence hall accommodates first-year and sophomore students.
What is Lincoln Residence Hall?
Embracing its public affairs mission, the campus long housed this public radio station delivering local and national news to central Illinois.
What is WUIS?
This original governing board oversaw the establishment of SSU during its early progressive years.
What is the Board of Regents?
UIS marked a major athletic milestone in 2008 by officially joining this competitive NCAA division
What is NCAA Division II?
This philanthropic couple's estate gift established a distinguished professorship supporting academic excellence at UIS.
Who are Wilbur and Margaret Wepner?
This flagship UIS honors program for high-achieving undergraduates features a required senior seminar and capital-focused internships right in Illinois' seat of government.
What is the Capital Scholars Honors Program (CAP)?