This summer, families from across the country gathered at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to explore agriculture, science, and campus life during ACES Family Academies. This is a beloved annual tradition hosted by the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, and it serves as an opportunity for ACES alumni to share a piece of their college experience with their families. From discovering food science to immersive activities with grilling and barbecuing, young learners and their family members got hands-on experiences with discovery. 

Each year, ACES Family Academies invites ACES alumni to bring youth ages 8–13 for three days of immersive, on-campus learning. Participants choose from a variety of courses that are all taught by Illinois faculty, staff, and students. The program offers Illinois alumni and families the chance to reconnect with the college in a way that’s both educational and meaningful. 

Among the dozens of participating families, two returning students reached major milestones in the AFA "degree" program: Yuli Small from Seattle, Washington, earned his AFA “master’s” diploma, celebrating three consecutive years of participation. Landon Quimby from South Dakota was the first ever to earn an AFA “Ph.D.” diploma, recognizing five years of attendance. Both have become familiar faces on campus each July, bringing with them a love of learning and family legacies deeply tied to the U. of I.. 

Earning a “Phd” in Curiosity 

Landon’s love for the academy has inspired him and his family to consistently make the trip to campus, engaging in new courses year after year. “Not only is it cool to eat and sleep on campus, and see the stadium, but I get to do it with my family,” Landon said.

Unsurprising to his family, Landon said his favorite AFA course is “What’s Poppin,” which teaches principles of plant breeding using popcorn. Landon has attended the course, hosted by Department of Crop Sciences professor Anthony Studer, for four consecutive years.

“You never know what you’re going to experience in the course. It is always something new, and it is always something exciting,” Landon said. “Plus, you get to eat the popcorn, which is a win.”

Landon attended his first Family Academies in 2019. Each year, he makes the trip from South Dakota with many of his family members, including his mom Rachel, younger cousin Gwen, and his grandfather Jim Endress (ACES ’74, EDU ’77).  

Jim helped shape the early vision for the Family Academies program as a member of the ACES Alumni Board, and he volunteered as a chaperone before his grandkids were old enough to attend. And, in 2021, Jim received the ACES Alumni Association’s Award of Merit, which is the college’s highest recognition.

“The academy is a great way to bring young people to campus and give them a taste of campus life,” Jim said. “It allows me to share a part of my college experience with my family. I can show them where I went to school and connect my family to my education. It is really special.” 

Mastering the Family Academies Experience 

At the opposite end of the country in Seattle, the McCluskey/Small family has made ACES Family Academies a staple in their summer vacation plans — driving over 2,095 miles one way! Yuli Small is the son of Lisa Rae McCluskey (ANSC ’98) and Kevin Small (Grainger ’98, ’02, ’09). 

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“We sacrifice quite a bit of time to make it happen, but it's worth it,” Lisa said. “The academy makes sure every child feels supported and recognized. It makes it more enjoyable knowing that ACES meets students where they are, and gives them unique learning opportunities.” 

Yuli took part in several courses this year, including Cooking with an Air Fryer, Future of Farming: Ag Robots, and Secrets of the Rain Garden: Nature, Insects & Hidden Wonders. 

During Future of Farming: Ag Robots, he learned how the future of agriculture is growing through technology. The course focused on past, current, and future uses of robots on farms, with the opportunity to build a small robot at the end of the session. 

“My favorite part has always been the robotics,” Yuli said. “I look forward to coming, seeing my family, and doing more with robots!”

“ACES Family Academies offers the chance for alumni to supplement their stories with an engaging and impactful experience,” says Meghan Brockamp, the coordinator of alumni engagement, who organizes ACES Family Academies. “Sometimes, Family Academies is the first opportunity in years that alumni have had to return to campus, so they get to explore right along with their family members.”   

Starting next spring, keep an eye out for more information about the 2026 ACES Family Academies. If you are a U. of I. alumni and want to share your college experience with your family, check back in with AFA next year.