Nick Offerman at the University of Illinois
Before heading up the Parks Department of the fictional town of Pawnee, Indiana as Ron Swanson in NBC’s Parks and Recreation, Nick Offerman honed his acting and woodworking skills at the University of Illinois. Between 1988 and 1993, he could be found building sets in the scene shop or onstage at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts and other area theatres. He will deliver the 2017 Commencement Address during the University’s Sesquicentennial year.This exhibit explores Offerman’s time as a student at the University of Illinois through his publications, interviews, and photographs and documents found in holdings of the University of Illinois Archives.
150 for 150: Celebrating the Accomplishments of Women at the University of Illinois
Through March 31 in the Main Library North-South Corridor
In celebration of the sesquicentennial of the University, the Library has created an exhibit which highlights some of the women who have made significant achievements during their time at the University either as students, staff, faculty, or alumni. A companion website, sponsored by the Gender Equity Council, is currently being developed to showcase over 150 women and women’s organizations from the University’s past. This website will be live during the entire sesquicentennial celebration. The women and organizations featured on the website were gathered via nominations as well as consultation with experts and resources on the history of the University. For more information about the exhibit or the website, please contact Cindy Ingold, Gender Studies and Multicultural Services Librarian at cingold@illinois.edu. Information about the Gender Equity Council can be found at http://www.women.illinois.edu/. This exhibit and all of the content for the website was curated by Leanna Barcelona, a graduate student in the School of Information Sciences.
The Art of the Thesis: A Selection of Creative Theses Covers from University of Illinois Graduates 1874 – 1891
Through March 31 in the Main Library Marshall Gallery
Students have been writing theses in the pursuit of an academic degree for centuries, beginning in medieval European universities. At the University of Illinois, we’ve been writing them since 1868. This exhibit brings together examples of thesis covers highlighting the academic achievements of some of our earliest graduates. Among them are a few who went on to make great contributions to the University of Illinois itself. This exhibit was curated by Kelly Applegate, a winner of the University Library Graduate Student Exhibit Contest.