Undergraduates and friends of the humanities—you're invited to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s first ever Humanities Open House! Join us on Saturday, October 4, 2025, when we’ll be highlighting the best of the humanities on our campus, including academic departments, student groups, research, resources, and alumni stories.
All events are free and open to the public. Visit the Open House website for full details, locations, and schedule.
SCHEDULE OVERVIEW
11:00–11:50 a.m. - Resource Fair
Location: Illini Union, Illini Rooms B and C
1401 W. Green St., Urbana
Come for interactive info about humanities courses, majors, minors, certificates, student organizations, and career and other services, as well as a performance by special guests No Strings Attached a cappella group. Brunch will be provided!
12:00 – 1:50 p.m. - Interactive Department Events
12:00–12:50 - Location: Literatures, Cultures & Linguistics Building ("LCLB")
707 S. Mathews Ave., Urbana
See a printing press demo and wellness robot, try a virtual reality language game, watch student lightning talks, and more. Note: the Moo Mobile ice cream truck will be parked near LCLB from noon to 1:50 p.m.!
1:00 – 1:50 p.m. - Location: University Library
1408 W Gregory Dr., Champaign
Catch some creative writing student readings, visit a pop-up library, have a virtual conversation with philosophers, see a Sappho exhibition, and try other immersive activities.
12:00 p.m. - Humanities Stage
Location: Foellinger Auditorium Forecourt (outside; rain location: Foellinger Auditorium lobby)
Take in performances of York plays by the Medieval Studies Program acting troupe at 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m., and the student group What You Will Theatre Company at 12:30 p.m.
2:00 – 3:30 p.m. - Alumni Event, Video Prize Announcement, Drawings, and Closing
Location: Lincoln Hall Theater
702 S. Wright St., Urbana
Hear from keynote speaker State Senator Celina Villanueva (Latina/Latino Studies, Spanish and African American Studies minors '08), who will also join a panel of alumni with career experiences ranging from DC Comics to first generation student advocacy: Jessica Berbey (English and Creative Writing '19), Ben Branham (English '01), Christina Brodbeck (History '01), and Jennifer Mendez (East Asian Languages and Cultures '14). Professor Natalie Lira will moderate.
Also during this culminating session: student video screening, awards, and prize drawings!