THE
DI
Homecoming Edition October 6, 2021
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NEWS
The DI · Wednesday, October 6, 2021
Tailgating returns for Homecoming By Alex Chang Staff Writer
Throughout Homecoming Week, multiple departmental tailgates will be scheduled by colleges along with tailgates hosted by Greek life and Illini Athletics. Homecoming makes a strong return this year after a hiatus put in place by the COVID-19 pandemic, with the University planning to resume as much of the regular homecoming programming as possible. This year, the Grange Grove tailgate will begin at 7 a.m. on Saturday and will continue until 3 p.m. Judging by past years, tailgating will most likely continue well throughout the game and after. High vaccination rates were a primary motivator for the University in allowing Homecoming to be hosted in person this year. With vaccination rates among undergraduates currently above 90%, the
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University is confident that Homecoming Week can be hosted in a COVID-19 conscious and safe manner. The athletics tailgate coming back means that the massive crowds and spectacle of Homecoming will return as well. Grange Grove has already brought out tents in preparation for the festivities throughout the week. “Our annual tailgate may look a little different this year with sanitizer and masks, but we have proven that our sense of community, Illini pride and excitement … is steadfast,” Paul J.A. Kenis, department head of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering said. University colleges hosting tailgates during Homecoming Week include the College of Law and Applied Health Services, which will be hosting tailgates for current students, faculty and alumni. The College of Law will be hosting its tailgate in Cribber Field on Saturday from The Daily Illini is the independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The newspaper is published by the Illini Media Co. The Daily Illini does not necessarily represent, in whole or in part, the views of the University of Illinois administration, faculty or students. All Illini Media Co. and/or The Daily Illini articles, photos and graphics are the property of Illini Media and may not be reproduced or published without written permission from the publisher. First copy is free; each additional copy is 50 cents.
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Online: If you have a question about dailyillini.com or The Daily Illini's social media outlets, please email our editor at online@dailyillini.com. LANIE HIBEL THE DAILY ILLINI
Illinois fans tailgate in Grange Grove before the football game against Nebraska Aug. 31. Numerous tailgates will be hosted during the Homecoming game against Wisconsin Oct. 9.
noon until 2:30 p.m, directly in front of the Law Building. Applied Health Services will be hosting its tailgate noon to 3 p.m. in Lot 31, directly west of Grange Grove. alexrc2@dailyillini.com
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NEWS
The DI · Wednesday, October 6, 2021
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Downtown Champaign debuts Thursday Night Live By George Phelan Staff Writer
On Thursday, the University will be celebrating the local community with its first ever Thursday Night Live event in downtown Champaign. The event will feature live music, work by local artists and special deals at local businesses. The event, which replicates the City of Champaign’s series of Friday Night Live events over the summer, is a collaboration between the Illinois Alumni Association and 40 North, the Champaign city arts council. Because the Homecoming theme for Thursday is community, explained Kelly White, executive director of 40 North, the Alumni Association reached out to 40 North to bring the Homecoming celebration into the wider ChampaignUrbana community. “What would be cool is if we could go downtown and have kind of like a Friday night live event,” White said. “So you know, having bands outside and things and different activities.” White also elaborated on the welcoming atmosphere that she hopes the event will foster. “The whole point of this is community, so I want a lot of the community to come,” White said. “I would love if current students would come down because it would be great to draw them to downtown and celebrate Homecoming out with the community.” Jennifer Dillavou, president of the University of Illinois Alumni Association, also expressed her intention to see this year’s Homecoming emphasize the University’s ties to the ChampaignUrbana community. “I think that the connection between Illinois and the Champaign-Urbana community has never been better,” Dillavou said. She also expressed an admiration for everybody who was involved in planning Homecoming this year. “(Homecoming) shouldn’t just be seen as an Alumni Association endeavor,” Dillavou said. “Everyone on the committee has played a role.” The key feature of the event is the musical performances of bands 90’s Daughter and New Souls. 90’s Daughter will perform on Market and Taylor streets, outside of the Pour Brothers and Seven Saints. New Souls will perform on Neil Street and Park Avenue. Both bands cover a broad range of musical styles, with a focus on 90’s and 80’s covers. White was confident of their ability to
JAMES HOECK THE DAILY ILLINI
Director of Marching Illini Barry Houser (front left), head football coach Bret Bielema, Director of Athletics Josh Whitman, president of the Alumni Association Jennifer Dillavou and others celebrate the annual homecoming tradition of dyeing the Alice Campbell fountain on Sunday. As homecoming week is underway, the C-U community is encouraged to attend Thursday Night Live. appeal to both the community and the campus for Homecoming Week. “They both have proven track records of being very huge audience pleasers and big high entertainment, which is what we wanted for this event,” White said. Alongside the bands, which will be performing in one-hour sets, the Marching Illini is also going to be in the city for this event. The live music, however, is only one part of the event. Local artist Scott Barber, known as “Scobar,” will be
completing a chalk mural on the city street throughout the course of the event. Different establishments will host over 13 Block I statues all over the city, decorated by local artists. “From the few that I’ve gotten sneak peeks at, they’re going to be remarkable and very, very cool,” White said. While aimed toward the entire campus community, White also expects Thursday Night Live to play a special role in welcoming alumni back to the campus, either to visit the city itself or in preparation for the homecoming
game on Friday. She expressed her hopes that alumni visiting for other homecoming events would stop by to begin the celebration. “A perfect introduction to Homecoming festivities is to be able to come down here for this, and of course a lot of alums live locally; I’m an alum, so hopefully we’ll get some longtime alumni that will come down and not only enjoy live local music but celebrate Homecoming as well,” White said. georgep2@dailyillini.com
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The DI · Wednesday, October 6, 2021
LIFE & CULTURE
The DI · Wednesday, October 6, 2021
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Students worry over COVID-19 transmission in classes By Olivia Orlandi Staff Writer
In-person classes have resumed this semester, but with COVID-19 continuing to spread, many students do not feel safe in their classes under current University guidelines. Even with the mask mandate in University buildings, students are still able to attend bars and other social gatherings as they would be pre-COVID-19. Many students said this is exciting for them since there haven’t been many in-person classes since the start of the pandemic. Students are also able to attend RSO meetings and University activities like in-person sporting events. Many students have at least one person in their classes that has tested positive for COVID-19. Abby Svenson, senior in Business, said that her professors haven’t been canceling class because of positive tests from students. “Most of my professors are just saying ‘If you get COVID-19, don’t come,’ and continuing on with classes as normal,” Svenson said. Nicole Koruna, senior in Engineering, feels as though the responsibility to cancel classes to keep students safe falls on professors. “I have smaller classes, but we do group projects, and I kind of feel like if someone gets COVID-19, the professors should have some sort of concern for students by canceling classes for two weeks,” Koruna said. “Or even just giving us an online option to make our own decisions.” Many students said their Safer Illinois apps are not checked as frequently as the University says they will be. “I walk in half the buildings and they don’t check it,” Koruna said. “It doesn’t exactly make me feel great, especially when people are walking around the buildings without their masks on.” Similarly, Svenson said her building access gets checked about one-fourth of the time she enters a University building. “Masking is also a huge worry for students,” Svenson said. “Some kids will eat during class, and the professors will tell them to put it back on afterwards, but it just feels like ‘Well if they’re going to have it off half of the class, what’s the point?’” Koruna thinks there should still be some mandated form of testing. “Students might just think they have a cold and not go get tested or still come to classes because it’s been so ingrained in our brains that we can’t miss class,”
CAMERON KRASUCKI THE DAILY ILLINI
Amy Malak, junior in Media, works on a project in Gregory Hall on Tuesday morning. Students said they feel as if current University policy doesn't protect them from COVID-19 transmission in classes. Koruna said. “Leaving it up to the discretion of the students kind of makes me nervous.” Lauren Bulak, senior in LAS, expressed her surprise at the lack of online options for classes. “I think it should be up to the students to decide whether or not they feel comfortable attending classes in person,” Bulak said. “Some people have families that are still at risk and going in person could put them in danger — that’s why I think there needs to be some
more online classes.” Koruna had similar thoughts on protecting families. “Students could have family members unable to get the vaccine and in-person classes, where someone could test positive, could be really bad,” she said. While there has been no talk of moving online this semester, Koruna thinks after Thanksgiving break that might be the best option. “I didn’t even know cases were spiking until my roommate told me,” she said. “It
honestly might be the best option to go online after the break since most people will be traveling.” Bulak, on the other hand, thinks that the University will be sticking out the semester. “I think with the system they’ve implemented of requiring the vaccine and if you’re not yet fully vaccinated required testing, we’ll end up in person all year,” Bulak said. odo3@dailyillini.com
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LIFE & CULTURE
The DI · Wednesday, October 6, 2021
Students remain critical of UGL conversion By Liz Gremer Staff Writer
Since the University announced its plan for the library renovation project in spring 2021, the closure of the Undergraduate Library has faced great criticism and disapproval from students. While the library was initially planned to close in January 2022, this has recently been delayed to fall 2022 as architectural plans and town hall meetings will be held regarding the project. The news of this project has been public since spring, but many students are still finding out about the plan. “It’s pretty frustrating to hear that one of the places you’ve been to the most is going to be shut down right as you were getting comfortable there,” said Austin Shwatal, sophomore in LAS. Freshmen and sophomores find the news of the proposal interferes with their future plans of using the study space. “I love the atmosphere and the selection of different books and games they have. I planned on studying there more than the ACES library, even though
backyard
that library is closer to my dorm,” said Maddie Fenili, freshman in ACES. Shwatal said that since COVID-19 began, students have found it challenging to study in environments such as their dorms or bedrooms and enjoy the change in the scenery libraries bring. “As a sophomore, my freshman year was certainly quite the unique experience, and I know it was challenging for everyone,” Shwatal said. “One of the biggest challenges for me was trying to study, work, sleep, eat and relax in the same tiny room all day, and I probably was a lot less productive than if I had the chance to just hang out at UGL or another library for a few hours.” The major question students have raised upon the announcement has been the purpose of turning UGL into the home of Rare Books and Manuscripts Library when the money being allocated could have gone to another building to store these works. Given UGL’s history of flooding, many students question the motives for the University’s decision and reasoning for the conversion. “I don’t understand why the University doesn’t build a separate building for their archive’s unit, especially one
mowments
MADELINE PIERCE THE DAILY ILLINI
Students study on the second level of the Undergraduate Library on March 12. Many are disheartened after finding out that the UGL will close for renovation in fall 2022.
that isn’t underground in a building that has flooded before,” said Kay Tetlak, UGL assistant. According to Tetlak, it doesn’t make
sense to displace patrons when the archives are already being housed. While students can acknowledge they will not be able to overturn the decision and must accept the fate of the UGL, the reasoning and transparency of the decision have been a point of contention for students. “I’m not one to judge exactly how the money should be spent, but again I think it would be possible to at least try to find and/or construct an alternate location that would have all the amenities for preserving these archives,” Shwatal said. Until the project and conversion begins, students will still be able to use the UGL for the remainder of the 2021-2022 school year. “I think that the fact that money is being allocated to the library alone is fantastic,” Tetlak said. “However, I do wish that the priorities of this project were flipped. Instead of prioritizing spending a bunch of money on an archives unit that serves a very niche population, they should focus on creating a new space for patrons to study in and rent technology from.” egremer2@dailyillini.com
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The DI · Wednesday, October 6, 2021
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Alumni return to campus to tie the knot By Aidan Finn Staff Writer
It’s the big day. The cake has been ordered, the dress and tux selected. The uncles, godfathers, the weird cousin from Iowa, the whole family has RSVPed. However, one detail remains crucial: the venue. Many alumni of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign come back to campus to get married. The Illini Union has a variety of rooms to hold meetings, conferences and wedding ceremonies that are frequently used not just by alumni but local couples of the ChampaignUrbana area as well who want to tie the knot in Illini fashion. Olivia Chavez, the student lead at the Union’s guest services, described her enjoyment in helping facilitate the unique occasion in such an unconventional environment for a wedding. “It’s really fun interacting with the different clients,” Chavez said. “It’s really cool to be able to interact with someone who is having this special time in their life. It’s really fulfilling.” Chavez said the Union only holds weddings on break periods, during the summer/spring/winter windows. Hosting several weddings across her four years in the position, she said lots of alumni want to host their wedding at the Union. “I think it’s really cool, especially if they met their spouse at the University, to be able to go back to where I guess it all happened, and have their special event there.” Chavez said. Reverend Michelle Baker, an officiate of Forever Enchantment Wedding Ceremonies, helped serve several alumni wedding ceremonies on campus and at the Union. “It’s a historic building — beautiful!” Baker said when describing weddings at the Union. “There is a lot of history in it and surrounding it. I enjoyed uniting couples in the Illini Union. It’s the history that gets me.” Baker also helped put together ceremonies at the University’s Arboretum, which she went on to describe enjoying. “Nature is beautiful,” Baker said. “There are so many different areas there that couples can get married as well as have beautiful photo opportunities.” The Arboretum provides students and locals a large, outdoor space
PHOTO COURTESY OF UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS LIBRARY
Wedding attendees gather at the edge of the Union ballroom on Sept. 25, 2012. Some University alumni return to campus to get married. for events, and many fine flower arrangements and beautiful Japanese garden works a fitting venue for their wedding. The University doesn’t just supply the venue space. University Catering Services out of the Housing
department offer extensive services for wedding events, with its many culinary experts able to provide dishes for waiter-served dinners and floral arrangements available to order. With Homecoming Week, many students and alumni far and wide
take momentary pause to reflect on their time at the University. With such, many are able to turn and see their time here as positive enough to make it the centerpiece of their special day. aidanf3@dailyillini.com
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The DI · Wednesday, October 6, 2021
The DI · Wednesday, October 6, 2021
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Homecoming is essential for campus involvement Illini aim to replicate 2019 Homecoming magic By The Daily Illini Editorial Board Illini will soon enjoy a rejuvenated Homecoming. Canceled last year due to COVID-19, this year’s celebrations will surely electrify students, alumni and families experiencing the regenerated commemorations. Likewise, this year’s festivities are best illustrated by the event’s theme, “Close or apart, we’re Illini at heart.” With last year’s canceled activities embodying the anguish of leaning remote, merely the presence of everyone on campus is a vast improvement. Aspiring for the “close” aspect of Homecoming’s motto, Illini ought to revel in all that is to arrive this week. Furthermore, at the center of this
year’s Homecoming sits anticipation and the opportunity for unity. For over a year, Illini alike have endured through a bitter pandemic and strenuous circumstances. Whether it be the pressure returning to in-person classes presents or the anguish of prolonged isolation, Illini are due for united cheer. Unlike those of the past, this year should be particularly interesting for those who have lacked a proper Homecoming. A semester thus far marked by numerous “firsts” for freshmen and sophomores — and many more — these celebrations for Illini hold special value for those especially affected by COVID-19’s sequestering qualities. Although the pandemic lingers, the
University shows promise with case numbers diminishing from their early September highs. Moreover, with 91% of undergraduates vaccinated, the University and its inhabitants merit and should utilize the impending joy campus will offer. Safety, certainly, remains a priority, yet Homecoming is a worthy moment for amalgamation amidst this “new normal.” It will be beneficial for Illini to research and discover the week’s entertaining events preceding the titular football game and Homecoming parade Sunday. Subsequently, participation is paramount for those wishing to extend involvement in campus traditions. Every Illini is within their right
to participate as extensively or as little as possible. However, for the objective of a consolidated campus of amusement — and the fundamental responsibility to collegiately engage — Illini should consider partaking in Homecoming activities. In this age of ambiguity for what lies tomorrow, appreciate the pleasures which lie ahead. As such, Homecoming is the occasion for which campus involvement is generously rewarded. For this and all Homecomings, acknowledge the trials and tribulations fulfilled over distress and enjoy the approaching high spirits.
By Jackson Janes Sports Editor
Oct. 19, 2019 seemed like just a normal Homecoming game day for Illini fans across the nation: One of the top teams in the conference, No. 6 Wisconsin, would come to Memorial Stadium, win by a handful of touchdowns and fans would leave the building embarrassed and confused at the performance they just saw on the field. The year prior, Illinois fell to Purdue, 46-7, in the Homecoming game, allowing over 600 yards of total offense and 46 unanswered points. It seemed inevitable that something of that scale would happen again with a conference opinions@dailyillini.com powerhouse coming to town. But that didn’t happen. When the Illini trailed by 13 following a Jonathan Taylor 5-yard touchdown run, it seemed like the visiting Badgers would run away with the game. Yet, Illinois put up a fight, ultimately winning on a 39-yard James McCourt field goal as time expired. Nothing is official yet about any of these As soon as the ball sailed through options, and who’s to say when or if they the uprights in front of the student will ever be. section in the north end zone, the In the meantime, Charlie is like the stands quickly emptied as fans rushed school’s “unofficial mascot.” He dances, the field, celebrating arguably the most chants and hypes the crowd for an Illini impressive victory of the Lovie Smith victory. Sure, I do the same at games in era and one of the most shocking wins the student section, but nowhere near the of the college football season. level of Charlie. He’s the Chief without When Wisconsin heads to Champaign any Native American regalia or disreon Saturday for this year’s Homecoming spect toward tribal communities. game, the first one since 2019 with fans At the end of the day, Charlie will after last season was played behind always be who he is, and no one can ever closed doors due to the COVID-19 change that. No, he will probably nevpandemic, things will be different. er be an official school mascot but to us, Not only are the Badgers not the same students who enjoy Illini football games caliber team as the squad the Illini faced with a passion, he will always be “our” two seasons ago, but it will be the first mascot. time since leaving Wisconsin in 2012 that He’s found his place in the world, at current Illinois head coach Bret Bielema least right here at the University. Take will be facing off with his former team, Charlie’s story as a dose of inspiration which he coached for seven seasons. that if you want to find your place too, Bielema isn’t the only coach on his there’s nothing wrong with wanting to be staff with ties to Wisconsin, as several heard and seen. coaches have either coached or played Sometimes, it’s the best way to go — and, on some occasions, both — under through life: living it to our fullest and him in Madison prior to joining his team making each day count. He’s changing in Champaign. the world one game at a time and impactFour members of the defensive ing everyone around him, even when he coaching staff — defensive backs coach doesn’t know he is. Aaron Henry, defensive line coach To Illini fans everywhere, Charlie may Terrance Jamison, linebackers coach not be a part of your history with the Uni- Andy Buh and associate head coach/ versity, but he’s a part of ours. For that, outside linebackers coach Kevin Kane we are forever grateful and our time in — all have ties to this week’s opponent. the North Endzone will always be memoHenry played under Bielema at rable because of him. Wisconsin, earning All-Big Ten firstteam defensive back honors, winning Noah is a senior in Media. two Big Ten titles and making the Rose noahen@dailyillini.com Bowl in consecutive seasons while
`Unofficial mascot' Charlie Foster bleeds orange and blue NOAH NELSON COLUMNIST Finding your place in the world can sometimes be one of the most difficult tasks anyone can do, especially when you attend a school like the University with over 50,000 students. Many students do find where they fit into the molds of campus life, including athletics, art, academics, fraternities and sororities, church, music and so much more. One student, in particular, has found his place too. Meet Charlie Foster, senior in Engineering and a fellow member of Block I, the student section for Illini football. Every day, he’s just a regular student attending classes and spending a great amount of time in Grainger Library. But at every home Illini football game, he’s our biggest cheerleader and the school’s “unofficial mascot.” If you ask any student who attends Illini games, they probably know who Charlie is too. It’s easy to do when he wears the same outfit at every game similar to that of a cartoon character who dresses the same in every episode. At games, Charlie sports orange and blue bib overalls over a morph suit of similar colors over an Illini Pride shirt. He tops his outfit with an orange and blue wig making him look like Sideshow Bob from “The Simpsons.” But Charlie isn’t out to murder Bart Simpson. He’s determined to make the
LANIE HIBEL THE DAILY ILLINI
Senior Charlie Foster pounds on his chest during a game against UTSA football on Sept. 4. His iconic look has made him the "unofficial mascot" for the University. most out of every home football game possible. He does so by running around the north end zone student section highfiving fellow students, dancing like no one’s watching (even though we all are) and leading everyone in the famous “I-LL” chant as much as he can. All of this and so much more has made Charlie a small celebrity at the University — a mascot if you will. Most people know him from his game day antics, and he soaks it all in like a nice hot shower.
His game day escapades, in large part, made him who he is; I’m proud to say he’s one of my best friends on campus as well. In 2007, Chief Illiniwek retired from an 80+ year reign as the University’s mascot. Since then, nothing has replaced him at Illini sporting events. Over the years, there have been several suggestions for a new school mascot like a Galloping Ghost in tribute to Illini legend Red Grange, an orange and blue Kingfisher bird and even Illinois state’s own Abraham Lincoln.
THE DAILY ILLINI FILE PHOTO
Bryce Barnes, Blake Hayes, James McCourt and Griffin Palmer (left to right) celebrate McCourt's game-winning, 39-yard field goal in Illinois’ upset win over No. 6 Wisconsin on Oct. 18, 2019. The Illini hope to replicate that magical win for the second time against the Badgers Oct. 9. playing for the Badgers from 2007 to 2011. Jamison also competed under Bielema, competing as a defensive lineman before injuries sidelined him and ended his playing career. He also has coached at Wisconsin, taking positions as a student assistant, graduate assistant and defensive quality control coach. Though Buh didn’t play for the Badgers, he was the linebackers coach under Bielema in 2012, helping the Badgers secure the Big Ten Championship title in his lone season in Madison. Like Buh, Kane never took the field for Wisconsin, though he found himself on the sidelines at Camp Randall from 2008
to 2010, serving as a graduate assistant and quality control coach during his three years in Madison. On the offensive side of the ball, offensive line coach Bart Miller also coached under Bielema against the Illini’s upcoming opponents, serving as a graduate assistant in 2011 before being promoted to offensive line coach in 2012. With lots of ties to the Badgers and with several members of the Illini’s 2019 team still competing in Champaign, Saturday’s matchup should bring lots of intrigue despite the records of both schools. Illinois enters the matchup with a 2-4 record and is coming off a 24-14 win over
Charlotte last week in Champaign, with running back Chase Brown rushing for a career-high 257 yards in his first game back from injury. Wisconsin sits at 1-3 and comes to Memorial Stadium off a 38-17 loss at home to Michigan. Their record is somewhat deceiving, though, as they have played Penn State, Notre Dame and Michigan, three teams ranked in the top 25. Homecoming festivities are scheduled all week, while the game is scheduled to kick off at 2:30 p.m. @JacksonJanes3 janes6@dailyillini.com
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The DI · Wednesday, October 6, 2021
Homecoming Week features hybrid events By Thomas DeMouy Staff Writer
The Homecoming celebration will feature in-person as well as virtual events following last year’s wellattended virtual celebration. The transition to a hybrid format will capitalize on the broad accessibility of virtual events while also offering alumni an opportunity to return to Champaign and take in the traditional homecoming experience. Jennifer Dillavou, associate vice chancellor for Alumni Relations, expects this year’s celebration to be a success, combining many of the traditional in-person events with the virtual components of the 2020 celebration. “I think that we’re gonna see a lot of excitement,” Dillavou said. “Our numbers are looking good. The preregistrations that we’ve taken are consistent with what we were looking at two years ago, and (2019) had some record numbers.” Dillavou also noted that the 2020 Homecoming celebration was very successful in drawing larger numbers of international alumni and that future homecoming celebrations will continue to offer virtual components. David Bambrey, assistant vice chancellor for Alumni Relations, noted the wide reach of the virtual components. “The offerings are up this year as well,” Bambrey said. “As we’ve brought in this big virtual component, the number of ways to engage for our alumni has increased over past years.” However, the five-person Homecoming Steering Committee has also emphasized doubling down on ties with the Champaign-Urbana community. “I grew up in the Champaign community, and it’s very important to me that the Champaign-Urbana community sees the University’s Homecoming as their Homecoming as well,” Dillavou said. The new Thursday Night Live event on Oct. 7 will be held in downtown Champaign and feature a variety of bands performing on two different stages. Friday’s events will include a band concert in the Krannert Center featuring the Illinois Wind Symphony, Wind Orchestra and the Marching Illini. The homecoming parade will follow a different route this year, taking place at 11 a.m. on Saturday rather than Friday evening. It will begin at the Alice Campbell Alumni Center and move past the tailgating areas along
JAMES HOECK THE DAILY ILLINI
The Alice Campbell fountain is dyed orange to kickoff homecoming week on Sunday. This homecoming is themed around the C-U community coming together in light of the pandemic. First Street before ending at Memorial Stadium. Mary Henson, wife of recently deceased former men’s basketball coach Lou Henson, will serve as the grand marshal of this year’s parade. The parade will be livestreamed from a variety of different camera angles, solidifying the committee’s aim to make popular events such as this more accessible to alumni across the world. “I don’t think we’ve ever live
streamed a parade before ... not all alums can come home to Illinois, but we can bring Homecoming to their homes,” Dillavou said. Class of 2018 alumna Julia Ghering is set to travel back to Champaign for homecoming to participate in the Alumni Band. She is a former member of the Marching Illini trumpet section who majored in interdisciplinary health. “I’m really excited to come back and see my band friends,” Ghering said.
“We’re all in different places now and Homecoming is always a great opportunity to get back together.” The return of in-person events to Homecoming is certainly important for groups of friends such as this. At the same time, virtual components expand the reach of Homecoming, giving those who can’t return to Champaign a chance to enjoy the celebrations. tdemouy2@dailyillini.com
OPINIONS
The DI · Wednesday, October 6, 2021
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Graduate early, rescue yourself from debt By Chiara Awatramani Columnist
Thirty thousand dollars is an entry-level salary for one year, enough money to buy three cars or enough to pay a down payment on a house. It’s also how much in-state full-time students pay for one year at the University. Seeing that over 85% of undergraduates at the University graduate within six years, the range of total cost for attendance at the University is $120,000-$180,000. This rate increases with out-of-state and international tuition. There are various methods of decreasing the cost to attend college, but my most recommended method is graduating early. This method — unlike certain other methods such as FAFSA and scholarships — is completely within students’ control and can save a person up to $30,000. Graduating early seems daunting at first glance because it condenses an already difficult curriculum, which can be overwhelming. What many people don’t realize is that there are countless ways to make graduating early manageable including summer classes and winter classes at local community colleges and taking a slightly higher course load. These options don’t seem fun or manageable at all. Who wants to take summer classes? Those interested in saving thousands of dollars. This is because community college courses cost around $500 whereas
KATE OATES THE DAILY ILLINI
courses at the University cost around $1,100: calculated by dividing the average tuition ($12,254) by the average number of classes (5). This means a student saves around $500 per class taken at community college. Assuming a student takes five classes a semester, they would have to complete five summer
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classes to graduate one semester early. These summer courses would include the summer before starting at the University and the summer after. One or two classes a summer is not too demanding and leaves time for well-needed breaks as the classes can last from three weeks to eight weeks. I find the three-week classes at Oakton Community College to be the most efficient way to squeeze in some extra summer classes and electives. In total, by doing five classes at a community college such as Oakton Community College, students pay $2,500 as opposed to $6,127 for a semester of college. The savings are even higher for out-of-state students because these classes cost a flat rate that is not dependent on location. Additionally, during these summer courses, a student can live at home and save upwards of $2,000. Finally, students can take classes worth up to 18 credits per semester if they feel comfortable. This is a smart strategy because the tuition rate does not change beyond 12 credit hours or above 18 credit hours. This means students pay the same amount of money for taking four or six classes. These two ways of expediting the college pathway — taking community college courses and additional classes throughout the year — help to save a pretty penny and allow students to overcome debt more easily. Chiara is a sophomore in LAS. cawatr2@dailyillini.com
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OPINIONS
The DI · Wednesday, October 6, 2021
Utilize advisers to avoid academic rabbit hole AXEL ALMANZA COLUMNIST Last semester, I declared a minor in communications because, like many anxious liberal arts students, I felt as though studying creative writing wasn’t good enough for me to get a job after graduation. This semester, I officially declared a double major with a minor in music but canceled communications. Before I declared my minor in communications, I spoke with my adviser and came to her with my concerns about job prospects after graduation. She told me that people in the English field would still be able to get a communications job, but I felt undeniably anxious that I didn’t have a communications minor for credibility and lacked the necessary skills to get a job in the field. I ignored my adviser’s statements and undertook the communications minor, which would soon evolve into regret for the future.
JULIA EVERSMANN THE DAILY ILLINI
For the first three weeks of the fall semester, I was in COMM 101: Introduction to Communications. I perceived the course not to be rigorous enough, and motivation wasn’t within my possession. One morning at 4 a.m., I resolved to drop the course and abandon my minor. It was a bold decision considering I committed to it when I was drained,
but rooted in me, it felt virtuous to promptly take this action. Another critical piece of information, likewise, is when I dropped the course my credit hours went from 16 to 13 hours — adjacent to a harrowing financial aid cutoff. As a result, I possess two majors: creative writing and Spanish, with a minor in music. I realized that I don’t
want to exhaust myself with many tasks, which is why I kept the favorable ones. When the moment arrives to graduate, I yearn to withdraw from school’s stress and observe what life has to offer. I find a blue-collar job acceptable and I would want to apprehend a position as a flight attendant. This opportunity offers good benefits like a threeday weekend and my family could get free rides — a spectacular perk. Subsequently, I could utilize my degree to become a high school Spanish teacher — exploring a new career path. From this experience, I comprehended the power of listening and understanding others. I heard my adviser but didn’t recognize what she was saying to me. I ventured forward with my advice but disregarded her counseling — i.e., her life’s work. Next time, my ears will be open and enjoy the directions provided to circumvent an unnecessary academic detour. Axel is a sophomore in LAS. aalman21@dailyillini.com
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SPORTS
The DI · Wednesday, October 6, 2021
13
Fahey's faith: Illini aim for outbreak from offense Illinois adjusts to roster, coaching changes By Angelle Cortes Assistant Sports Editor
The Illinois women’s basketball team has seen a lot of changes in the offseason, but fifth-year head coach Nancy Fahey is ready to turn things around. From last year’s starting five, the Illini have lost two with Kennedi Myles going to Marquette and Jeanae Terry moving east to Purdue. Looking at the team overall, even more players moved away from Illinois with J-Naya Ephraim (George Mason University), Aaliyah McQueen (Oakland University) and Nancy Panagiotopoulou Andritsopoulou (California State Fullerton) adding to the list. But, as always, a new season brings in new recruits to add to the everchanging roster. It’s only day one of official season practice, but Fahey said the freshmen are already performing well. “Jayla Oden is a freshman from Maryland that is probably the quickest and longest point guard that I’ve had since I’ve been here,” Fahey said. “Could really disrupt play, could get through the basket from one end to another and can score.” Fahey also added that one of the issues that has needed to be resolved is scoring and that Oden has that mentality. Oden was a three-star recruit out of high school and the No. 33 point guard by ESPN. She also was nominated as a McDonald’s All-American and was a top player hailing from Maryland. Along with Oden, Fahey mentioned Adalia McKenzie and Keanna Rembart are shooters as well. “All these kids can score; all these kids are very offensive minded and we can teach defense, but needed to put points on the board,” Fahey said. With freshmen embracing the mentality to score, Fahey is looking to turn around the scoring struggles the Illini have been plagued with. “We’re putting a half hour of our first part of practice to shooting, just to make sure that we’re doing game-style, game-type shots,” Fahey said. “When we do drills right now, and we look over at the board and see how many points we’re scoring better. If you don’t see the scoreboard light up that’s our problem and I think we’re starting to solve that.”
PHOTO COURTESY OF MARK LEBRYK / FIGHTING ILLINI ATHLETICS
Head coach Nancy Fahey at the gameplay looks from the sideline as the team plays in the Big Ten Women's Basketball Tournament on March 10. While there have been transfers out of the program, there also have been incoming transfers with seasoned experience. Sara Anastasieska is coming into her seventh year of college basketball after spending time at UTSA, Cal-Berkeley and Duke. Although Anastasieska occasionally gets called “grandma” by her teammates, Fahey says the character she has brought into the locker room was needed. De’Myla Brown is coming in as a junior college transfer from Chipola College, where she helped lead the team to a final four appearance and was named an NJCAA first team AllAmerican as a sophomore. For Kendall Bostic, the Big Ten is nothing new to her, as she has already played a season at Michigan State.
Fahey also mentions the abilities that Bostic, Anastasieska and Rembart bring are going to help in the four spot offensively. Even on the coaching side, Illinois has seen changes once again. Fahey brought in both Corry Irvin and Hernando Planells as assistant coaches. “What we’re trying to do offensively, we need someone to stretch the four and hit those outside shots and rebound, and that combination … will kind of give us that combination we’re looking for,” Fahey said. When it comes to Irvin, Fahey says she has a successful history as a coach at Whitney Young Magnet High School in Chicago and was a winner at St. Xavier University. “That has made an immediate impact on our recruiting already,
and the knowledge she has is not just from recruiting and is confined to the state of Illinois,” Fahey said. “She has a perspective that is unique, that has really helped us draw some, not only regional, but national ties in recruiting.” As for Planells, he was a head coach at William Jessup University and, before that, was an integral part of the Duke women’s basketball team during his seven-year tenure as an associate head coach. “He’s also added a nice dimension to our recruiting process,” Fahey said when talking about Irvin and Planells. Illinois will open its season on Tuesday, Nov. 9, against North Carolina Central at State Farm Center. @AngelleCortes acorte37@dailyillini.com
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SPORTS
The DI · Wednesday, October 6, 2021
Plummer legitimizes deep threat for Illini basketball By Christian Jones Staff Writer
Illinois’ infamous loss to Loyola last season left a bad taste in everyone’s mouth. The Illini struggled throughout, and as head coach Brad Underwood put it at media day on Friday, “They simply outplayed us.” The Illini struggled, particularly from the 3-point line that day. In that final game, the Illini shot 4-14 from deep, 29%. That’s where senior Alfonso Plummer comes in. “He’s one of the best shooters I’ve coached, period,” Underwood said. “He’s always in the gym, he’s always working on his game, and I love that about him.” Plummer, who committed to Illinois after entering the transfer portal this offseason, has already built a reputation as a deadly shooter. He played two years at Utah and once set a Pac-12 tournament and single-game record by hitting 11 threes in a game. For the season, he averaged nearly 14 points per game and connected on 38% of his threes. “Since day one, they showed me love,” Plummer said. “The chemistry was really good. Curbelo is like a brother; he’s
always by my side. This team is special. I know we can do really big things because we’ve connected already.” Although he has been with the team for less than a year, he is far from an outsider. There was no question who his roommate would be, as Trent Frazier chose him, Plummer says. It seems like a natural pairing between the two lefties known for getting hot from deep. They could be an exciting duo, but on paper, playing them at the same time poses questions. Neither is known for distributing the ball at a high level, and both stand under 6-foot-3. But this may not hold them back. “Trent is for sure one of the best defenders I’ve played against,” Plummer said. “He don’t care about scoring; he just cares about winning, and if he thinks I’m hot, he’s gonna give me the ball for sure.” The whole team is on the same page when it comes to Plummer’s role: He’s going to be shooting. In fact, Plummer says Underwood has given him the “green light” to shoot whenever and from wherever. The Illini even added a new wrinkle into their practices: a four-point line. This is all part of Underwood’s plan to take and
PHOTO COURTESY OF FIGHTING ILLINI ATHLETICS
Alfonso Plummer, one of the incoming transfers, brings a dangerous threat from three, something the Illini desperately need.
make more threes this season. “Last year’s team was an elite, elite two-point field goal team,” Underwood said. “I think we were 33rd in the country in 3-point field goal percentage, but I think we were 320th in attempts. This year’s team is going to be a better shooting team than last year’s team from the 3-point line.” It won’t be all on Plummer to produce
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from three either. In addition to Frazier, the Illini can count on seniors Da’Monte Williams and Jacob Grandison, who have both shot 35% from three over their careers. “The Pac-12 is more like a systematic conference, but this conference is pace,” Plummer said. “Everybody runs; everybody is athletic. It’s way better for me because I’m a shooter, and I have to find shots. I have to be moving constantly on the court.” Plummer adds shooting that the Illini desperately needed over the past two years. Other than Frazier, all of the Illini’s major offensive weapons have done most of their work inside the paint or right outside it. In hindsight, it’s somewhat surprising the Illini had the success they did with so few reliable deep threats, but if Plummer can fill that role, he could be the team’s x-factor. “You make 11 three’s in a game at the highest level, you’ve got some ability,” Underwood said, “He’s gonna be a fun guy for me to coach.” @JonesChristianT ctjones3@dailyillini.com
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BUZZ
The DI · Wednesday, October 6, 2021
15
CU comedy returns with weekly open mic nights By Isabelle Bertolini Contributing Writer
C-U Comedy is back with “The Open Mic,” featuring two stand-up nights a week in both Champaign and Urbana. Hosted by the Tuttle brothers, the shows were previously held at Clark Bar for the past six to seven years, but they lost it during COVID-19 when the owners wanted to go in a different direction. Now, open mic nights are held 8:30 p.m. every Wednesday night at Pizzeria Antica in downtown Champaign and 8:30 p.m. Thursday nights at NOLA’s Rock Bar in Urbana. Jesse and his brother Justin Tuttle have been in the comedy game for the past 12 years. “It started as something that was just a hobby and something to do, and I’m absolutely incapable of having hobbies without making them my job,” Jesse Tuttle said They came up with the C-U Comedy Facebook page around 2010, Tuttle said. He said originally, they were just doing open mics here and there, which is why they started C-U Comedy branding. Austin Douglas, who grew up in Champaign, has been performing since June and has since become a regular performer at the open mic nights. He said he typically talks about being a pre-med biology major, the 12 surgeries he’s had, parents, being half Vietnamese and other unique aspects of his identity. The first time Douglas performed happened a day before he was scheduled to perform. He decided to volunteer for a friend who wasn’t feeling it, and, of course, it was the first day a documentary crew was filming, he said. He said that although performing was anxietyinducing at first, it was exciting. “Jesse, he does this sometimes just for fun, ” Douglas said. “He’ll have the person going up first for their first time, go up, and open the show. And I did that. And it was a really great experience.” He explained the Tuttle brothers have grown their brand beyond the C-U area. Their comedy community is connected on Facebook, and they keep each other posted on upcoming shows. “The Tuttles have a great home base, and they run a great show that people from towns a couple hours out will come down to,” Douglas said. They’ve brought attention to the comedy scene in Champaign, as well as made a name for themselves. “They have a very interesting role to fill, so to speak, in the Midwest,” Doug-
PHOTO COURTESY OF CU COMEDY FACEBOOK
A performer entertains the crowd at NOLA's Rock Bar. C-U Comedy is bringing back its open mic nights to NOLA's and Pizzeria Antica. las said. “If you go to any of those spots, and any of the regulars ‘know you,’ it’s like, ‘Oh, I’m from Champaign,’ ‘Oh, you know the Tuttles then!’ They kind of are well-known in the Midwest.” Tuttle said that summer attendance at C-U Comedy open mics was terrific and that he's hoping it continues throughout the fall and winter season. There are typically 11 performers, which Tuttle said he feels is the sweet spot for timing. As the nice weather holds up, C-U Comedy will continue hosting outside on NOLA’s patio (Thursday nights) with seats close to 80 to 90 people. “I think both rooms have a different feel to them. Where Pizzeria Antica is more intimate because it’s smaller and inside, NOLA’s has been out on the patio
where it’s much bigger in terms of how much we can reach,” Jesse Tuttle said. Douglas said he feels both venues are home to two different scenes. “I think they both bring in different kinds of crowds,” he said. “So it’s good to get practice in each environment.” When asked what advice they would give to those who are interested in trying stand-up comedy, Tuttle and Douglas both agree: You just have to go out there and do it. “The biggest time you grow is when you go up on stage and you completely bomb,” Douglas said. “It’s a really big ego check. It really forces you to grow, and it really thickens your skin those times. So, worst-case scenario, if you bomb, it's not a big deal.”
Tuttle said performers at C-U Comedy don’t really have any problems. He said everyone who performs consistently is nice and supportive of everyone when they come out. “I'm 12 years in, and I still have a bunch of misses on jokes sometimes, and I'm supposed to be a professional that’s done this for 12 years,” he said. Those who are interested in performing can email Jesse in advance to reserve show time at their next open mic. For more information about C-U Comedy and upcoming shows, visit their Facebook page and their website. Also, check out @CUComedy on Instagram. ib5@readbuzz.com
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The DI · Wednesday, October 6, 2021