Alumni

The ACES Alumni Association serves as a dynamic network connecting graduates of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Rooted in a shared passion for agricultural, consumer, and environmental sciences, the association fosters a sense of community and camaraderie among alumni worldwide. Through a variety of events, programs, and initiatives, the association provides opportunities for lifelong learning, professional development, and meaningful connections.

Alumni play a pivotal role in shaping the future of ACES, contributing their expertise, resources, and experiences to advance the college's mission of excellence in research, education, and outreach. Whether through mentorship, volunteering, or philanthropy, the ACES Alumni Association empowers graduates to stay engaged, inspired, and impactful long after their time on campus.

Get Involved

Nomination Forms are Live!

Alumni Awards

The ACES Alumni Awards Program celebrates the outstanding achievements and contributions of our remarkable alumni community. Each year, we honor individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and service within their fields and beyond.  The 2026 forms are live!

Submit your Nomination by September 26!

ACES Alumni Board

Serving on the Board of Directors for the ACES Alumni Association offers a unique opportunity for individuals to contribute significantly to the organization's mission and impact. Board members play a role in shaping the strategic direction of the association, guiding initiatives aimed at fostering connections, supporting professional development, and celebrating the achievements of alumni.

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ACES Family Academies

Share the magic of the University of Illinois campus with the young minds in your life. Bring along your budding scientists, environmental enthusiasts, and future leaders aged 8 to 13 for a one-of-a-kind experience packed with learning, exploration, and fun! 

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ACES Alumni Association Events

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About

The ACES Alumni Association inspires meaningful engagement and advocacy to advance our college.

Our strategy rests on three central pillars of engagement:

Alumni Engagement
We provide opportunities for our alumni to develop strong relationships to each other and to their alma mater at the college, university, local, and international scales. 

Awards & Recognition
We recognize and promote excellence to inspire alumni and students. We honor recipients of our ACES Alumni Award of Merit, ACES Career Achievement, ACES Family Spirit, and ACES Outstanding Young Alumni Award annually.

Student Engagement
We facilitate alumni engagement throughout our students' academic experience. We host ACES Family Academies every summer, allowing alumni and children to explore campus while learning about the diverse experience an ACES education can provide. We also work closely with the ACES Student Leadership Committee.

History

Agricultural Alumni Association

  • The College of Agriculture Alumni Association was founded in 1956
  • They sought to promote student enrollment, foster college-wide programs and activities, and provide a system for alumni recognition, gifts, and endowments
  • Above all, the organization was needed to help renew alumni “spirit” and pride in the past history and accomplishments of the College
  • They also needed an improved capability to lobby for increased College funding and badly needed capital improvements

Home Economics Alumni Association

  • The School of Human Resources and Family Studies Alumni Association was founded in 1974

  • Many changes were taking place that called for support of alumni:

    • The Department of Home Economics changed to the School of Human Resources and Family Studies

    • State funds were available for new or replacement equipment

    • Alumni giving became increasingly important to maintain a continued degree of excellence

    • Student recruitment and job placement of graduates was a concern for faculty and alumni

College of ACES Alumni Association

In 1995, the Agricultural Alumni Association and the Home Economics Alumni Association merged to become the College of ACES Alumni Association.

Stay Connected!

Online social networking is a great tool to stay in touch with alumni and friends from the College of ACES!