Illinois Sights & Sounds is one of the University of Illinois’ premier student engagement programs. It hosts the incoming freshman and transfer students under the lights at Memorial Stadium and introduces the latest class of freshmen to Illinois traditions and instills a sense of pride and loyalty in the University. This unique program has become a model event copied by numerous other Big 10 Universities.  Illinois Sights and Sounds is the capstone event of convocation weekend and exhibits performances from the Marching Illini, cheerleaders, vocal groups, and various sports coaches.

iHelp is the signature campus-wide day of service in the fall, bringing together students, their surrounding community, and university alumni in an organized effort to create a culture of giving at the University of Illinois. Each year, over a thousand students come together to assist dozens of agencies across the Champaign-Urbana area in a display of gratitude to the community we call home. The Student Alumni Ambassadors (SAA) handle the logistics of the event, advertise the availability of volunteers to service agencies, and recruit students to participate.

It is an inclusive event that brings together students from a multitude of backgrounds and generates around 4500 hours of service for the community each year.  iHelp creates a positive and clear impact on the local population, all while helping students develop the Illinois spirit of service. We strive to encourage students to realize the effect they have on the community via service in order to better not just the community, but also themselves.

In 1910, one of the first homecomings in the nation was organized by two students at the University of Illinois. After many years, the spirit of Homecoming dwindled until 1979 when the Student Alumni Association (later to become the Student Alumni Ambassadors) revitalized Homecoming and helped build up the week to what it has become today. This spirited week consists of events such as the Homecoming 5K, Spirit Day, Global Talent Show, the Homecoming Pep Rally and the Illini Comeback program.

This week long celebration aims to spread appreciation for the University of Illinois' students, campus, faculty, alumni, and donors. Our various events during the week foster school spirit, engage students and faculty, and provide a platform for students to showcase their love for the University of Illinois. 

To complement the grand welcome that Illinois students receive from Illinois Sights & Sounds, the Student Alumni Ambassadors give a grand senior sendoff with GradFest. This celebration varies year to year, but usually includes free food, giveaways and celebration space for seniors.

Senior 100 Honorary is a ceremony and reception that honors the most outstanding graduating seniors. This event recognizes not only the most successful students academically, but more heavily focuses on campus involvement and service. This highly prestigious award allows hard-working seniors to be acknowledged for their commitment to the university throughout their four years on campus.