While most people were packing bathing suits and sunblock into their luggage, I was packing work boots and flannel shirts. My last spring break in college was spent hiking through the woods, carrying a chainsaw and learning how to safely fell trees.

Isn’t it funny how sometimes the answer you least predict resonates the most and leaves the biggest impact? I was in a meeting recently when one of my friends and fellow College of ACES student was asked what her greatest opportunity was in the college. This friend is very involved in all kinds of clubs and experiences housed in the College, so I was expecting her to say something about one of her numerous club and committee officer roles, study abroad experiences, or sense of community through her relationships with faculty, advisors, and even the deans.

Congratulations, Class of 2019!

The big day is almost here. Your journey has been incredible.

The College of ACES is so proud of you and we can’t wait to celebrate YOU this weekend. You may have a few questions about this weekend’s festivities. Please refer to the links below to find all the info.

ACES Convocation info: https://graduation.aces.illinois.edu/may

I have always wanted to travel the world, see new places, and learn about different cultures. However, as an agricultural and biological engineering student, I was unsure if I would have the time to study abroad due to my hectic college schedule.

When many University of Illinois alumni think about their time in the College of Agriculture or today’s College of ACES, we remember the people that welcomed us, helped us through our academic career or guided us to a successful career path. To many of us, that person was Dean Charles E. Olson. 

On April 14, 2019, Dean Olson passed away. The ACES community mourned his passing and social media exploded with well wishes, memories and mentions of the impact he made on us.

After being awake for 30 hours, I’ve landed in Dar es Salaam. The occupants of the plane are herded downstairs to a hot, humid room and get in line. An immigration official looks at my entry form and asks me a few questions and makes one change to my form – my occupation is no longer “student” but “researcher.”

Dzina langa ndi Kristin Iverson. 

My name is Kristin Iverson in Chichewa, the local language in Malawi.

Known as the warm heart of Africa, Malawi has been a pleasure so far. We have received warm welcomes everywhere we have gone.

Well, I’ve been in Tanzania for another week full of new experiences! If you haven’t read my first blog post, you can find it here: https://go.aces.illinois.edu/VoicesofACES

June 29th - 30th

July 5 -7th