Illinois State University

Everyone has a reason they chose Illinois State. ❤️ Whether it was the people, the campus, hands-on learning opportunities, or student life, Redbirds have always found a home at ISU. Now it's your turn, . Applications for fall 2027 are officially open. ▶️ https://go.illinoisstate.edu/4fsq8Rf

Between the applause and curtain calls, there are moments like these. These moments from Ewing Manor deserved their own spotlight—from summer rain on the gardens to the quiet buzz before the house fills for another evening at the Illinois Shakespeare Festival. ✨

In less than two weeks, we'll welcome our newest Redbirds to campus as they move into their residential halls. We're excited to see where their Illinois State story takes them. Alums, take us back—what's one thing every first-year Redbird should know? ❤️

There are just two chances left to catch The Two Gentlemen of Verona before the curtain falls on the 2026 Illinois Shakespeare Festival season.

Join us tonight or on August 1 as we celebrate the final week of the festival. ✨ While you're here, don't miss Our Town, Get, Set, Romeo and Juliet!, and the Courtyard Music Series before another summer of Shakespeare comes to a close. Ticket info ▶️ https://go.illinoisstate.edu/4wazkzg

Millie Thornton turned a childhood interest in crime scene investigations into a state championship, a top-10 finish at the national SkillsUSA Illinois Crime Scene Investigation competition, and a place in Illinois State's new forensic investigation sequence. This fall, she'll continue building on that experience as she prepares for a career in crime scene investigation. Read how hands-on learning helped shape her path ▶️ https://go.illinoisstate.edu/4wjLDtg

One last chance to experience Get, Set, Romeo and Juliet during Illinois Shakespeare Festival's final week! Join us Thursday and Saturday at 10 a.m. for this free outdoor performance that brings Shakespeare's classic tale to life for audiences young and young at heart. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy the show at Ewing Manor Cultural Center!

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🚨🚨 WE'RE IN! 🚨🚨

ISU Solar Car Team has qualified for the American Solar Challenge and will be coming back through campus July 26-27 as Illinois State University serves as a checkpoint in the cross country challenge from Minneapolis to Amarillo, Texas! Check out americansolarchallenge.org/ for all the details on when and where you can see ☀️🚗 coming through Central Illinois!

The College of Engineering at Illinois State University is opening the doors to its permanent home this fall. The new Campus East facility features classrooms, specialized labs, a makerspace, student collaboration areas, and spaces designed to support hands-on learning and innovation. After welcoming its first cohort of students last year, the college is ready for its next chapter. Read more about the new home for Redbird engineers ▶️ https://go.illinoisstate.edu/4wOzTyI

Illinois State University has set a new record, surpassing $52 million in private support during fiscal year 2026. Donor generosity is creating opportunities for students through scholarships, investing in academic excellence, and supporting programs that meet critical workforce needs across Illinois. More than 4,500 scholarships were awarded last year thanks to philanthropic support. Learn more about the impact of giving at Illinois State ▶️ https://go.illinoisstate.edu/4b72dnK