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Voices of ACES

Discover our extraordinary community of changemakers through the voices that shape it — our "Voices of ACES" blog amplifies the narratives of current students, passionate alumni, and other inspiring individuals. Share your story at marcom@aces.illinois.edu.

 

Transfer student finds her passion in ACES

One of the most beautiful things about college is all of the different paths that people have taken to get here. No matter how you ended up at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, there is a common goal among most people here: to graduate with a degree in something they are passionate about. Olivia Messerges, who transferred to Illinois as a Junior after completing a year of community college in her hometown, did exactly that. 

For Olivia, Illinois has been the goal since the beginning, but there were some unexpected obstacles along the way. She recently graduated

Students walking and talking on the main quad.
Ben Riseman | August 21, 2024

Your first week as an Illinois student

Sunset at Homer Lake.
Jennifer Abbott | July 15, 2024

Enjoy the Central Illinois great outdoors

Sunset at Saint Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City.
Jennifer Abbott | July 8, 2024

Oh the places you'll go with ACES

Group of students in front of a GDM sign
Anna Curley, Kate Miller, and Olivia Pazerunas | June 11, 2024

Exploring Agribusiness Through A Brazilian Lens