May 16, 2026 | Ethan Simmons A “theater kid through and through,” Haupert (RST ‘21) helps realize the artistic dreams of her community as Palatine Park District’s first-ever cultural arts manager. From an early age, Laney Haupert dreamed of working in the theater—not acting on stage, but managing her favorite productions behind the scenes. But […]
Tag: alumni
Full circle: Illinois alumni reunite through friendship and the U.S. Open
May 15, 2026 | Vince Lara-Cinisomo These three RST graduates “always knew” they’d be working together again someday More than a decade after their time together at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, three alumni from the Department of Recreation, Sport and Tourism have found themselves reunited in a place far removed from campus, yet deeply […]
Support swells for iPALS summer enrichment program
April 27, 2026 | Ethan Simmons This summertime enrichment program for local youth run by Health and Kinesiology at Illinois is back in Champaign A group of Illinois physical education alumni are supporting one of the College of Applied Health Sciences’ longest-running youth programs as it returns to Champaign. Three graduates of the former Department […]
The intern who turned an ejection into a career lesson
April 10, 2026 | Ethan Simmons One embarrassing moment produced viral fame and lifelong lessons for this Recreation, Sport and Tourism alum. At their best, college internships are valuable learning experiences. Derek Dye didn’t expect his to involve getting tossed out of a baseball game. That was the viral story for this University of Illinois […]
As Huff Hall turns 100, alumnus Isaacson looks back on its evolution, and his journey
Aug. 15, 2025 | Adelyn Mui How an RST alum became a Hollywood trainer to the stars Transforming John Travolta. Becoming the first fitness editor for ABC’s “Good Morning America.” Marketing customized racketball racks for the Denver Broncos. Presenting the first wearable fitness device, the Polar Heart Rate Monitor. The list goes on. “I dream […]
How Illinois helped John Preston redefine himself
Aug. 14, 2025 | Adelyn Mui John Preston had never been in an integrated environment until he came to the University of Illinois in 1967 Arriving at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in the 1970s, John Preston was among the few Black students and people with disabilities on campus. His journey through the university not […]
Tacoria Humphrey is leaping further—in sport, school and life
Aug. 07, 2025 | Adelyn Mui Tacoria Humphrey was recently named a Dike Eddleman Athlete of the Year, presented annually to the top Fighting Illini male and female athlete She races down the rubberized runway, determination pumping through her arms, energy coursing across her strides and focus blazing in her eyes. With a mighty leap, […]
Illinois Sport Psychology: A ‘once in a lifetime’ reunion
Aug. 05, 2025 | Ethan Simmons Today’s Department of Health and Kinesiology once hosted the nation’s foremost researchers of sport psychology. Nearly 50 years on, these pioneers reunited at Huff Hall for a weekend on campus. When Rainer Martens arrived at the University of Illinois in the summer of 1966, he stepped out of his […]
Alumni Spotlight: Haley Bauman
Oct. 23, 2023 | Vince Lara-Cinisomo Haley Bauman graduated from the University of Illinois in August 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in recreation, sport and tourism. She told us about her internship program this summer. This past summer, I had the wonderful opportunity to complete a 10-week internship as an activities field support agent for […]
AHS honors three outstanding alumni
Oct. 22, 2022 | Anna Flanagan Three graduates who received this year’s alumni awards from AHS have amassed impressive accomplishments for themselves while keeping a professional eye on others. A college president who thinks the best part of leadership is facilitating the achievements of colleagues. An attorney who makes sure companies that provide communications and media services […]