First-generation ACES alumna dedicates career to welcoming students like herself
Diana Rodríguez vividly remembers what it’s like to navigate the complex and daunting U.S. college admissions process as a racially minoritized, first-generation college student. Raised by Mexican immigrant parents in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood, Rodríguez’s family valued education but had little access to guidance for first-generation college students and their families.
GFAJ elects inaugural Board of Trustees, including ACES faculty member and alum
The Global Foundation for Agricultural Journalism (GFAJ) has reached a milestone with the election of its first full board of trustees, which includes two representatives associated with the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Enivironmental Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
This marks an important step forward for the newly established charity as it embarks on its mission to enhance and promote agricultural journalism and communication on a global scale.
Where technology, agriculture and young minds meet
This summer, the Center for Digital Agriculture (CDA) hosted the largest cohort of students yet in the four-year history of the CDA Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program. In 2023, seven students interned in the 10-week program. This year, that number has tripled to 22 students.
Centenarian entrepreneur, philanthropist Evelyn Brandt Thomas awarded prestigious Order of Lincoln
Evelyn Brandt Thomas turned 100 on her last birthday, and just over 100 days into this year, she was awarded the prestigious Order of Lincoln by the
What this chocolate scientist got to learn from — and teach — cacao farmers in Trinidad and Tobago
Editor's note: This article was written for The Hershey Company by chocolate scientist and College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences alum Allison Brown, Ph.D., who volunteered to help cacao farmers and business owners in Trinidad and Tobago maximize the value of their crops.
Illinois partnership with the JJK Foundation in St. Clair County set to provide more than $32 million in labor income creation throughout the state by 2026
A study conducted by a University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign economist found that the activities of the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation in St. Clair County, Illinois, will provide $32 million in labor income creation, 474 new jobs and $10.7 million in new tax revenue throughout the state of Illinois by 2026.
ACES research team helps Illinois Conservation Police prevent spread of aquatic invasive species
A group of 150 Illinois Conservation Police Officers (CPO) gathered in Decatur for a hands-on workshop on aquatic invasive species (AIS) during their annual meeting this spring.