University of Illinois Black Alumni Network

University of Illinois Black Alumni Network Official Black Alumni Network at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

The BAN consists of individuals committed to promoting the welfare and interests of the University of Illinois and the mission of the BAN. The BAN is an affiliate organization of the University of Illinois Alumni Association (UIAA).

Mary-Kathleen Stalling of Homewood, Illinois, is a sophomore Psychology major at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champ...
10/08/2026

Mary-Kathleen Stalling of Homewood, Illinois, is a sophomore Psychology major at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. She is honored to receive the 2026 Zebralter Medical BAN Scholarship, which will provide meaningful financial support throughout her collegiate studies and give her greater flexibility to pursue opportunities such as research, study abroad, and volunteer missions.

These experiences will help her gain the knowledge and skills needed to support her future career as a clinical neuropsychologist. Mary-Kathleen plans to pay this opportunity forward by continuing her work as a therapeutic behavioral mentor for children with autism, ADHD, and mental and behavioral challenges while completing her studies.

Through her education, service, and future career, she hopes to expand access to mental health care, support underserved communities, and encourage younger students to pursue careers in STEM and healthcare.

Tahj McLaren is a senior from Chicago, Illinois, studying Mathematics at the University of Illinois. Receiving this scho...
10/07/2026

Tahj McLaren is a senior from Chicago, Illinois, studying Mathematics at the University of Illinois. Receiving this scholarship will provide meaningful financial support as he completes his undergraduate education and works toward his goal of becoming a mathematics educator. This assistance will allow him to focus more fully on his academics, professional development, and preparation for his future career.

Tahj is grateful for this opportunity because he understands how impactful an investment in a student’s education can be. He hopes to pay this generosity forward by becoming a teacher, mentor, and advocate for students pursuing mathematics and higher education. Through teaching and tutoring, he wants to help students build confidence in their abilities and recognize possibilities for themselves that they may not have otherwise considered.

Ultimately, Tahj hopes to make the same positive impact on others that this scholarship is making in his life.

Kiara Reid is a junior in the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois...
10/06/2026

Kiara Reid is a junior in the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois, where she is studying Human Development and Family Studies. A proud native of Chicago’s Englewood community, Kiara is passionate about supporting youth and addressing the barriers that can impact their development and educational opportunities.

This scholarship will help reduce her financial burden while providing her with a supportive community through the Black Alumni Network. After completing her bachelor’s degree, Kiara hopes to pursue a PhD in Human Development and Family Studies and build a career as a guidance counselor.

Through her involvement both on and off campus, Kiara remains committed to serving others and giving back to her community. One day, she hopes to establish her own scholarship fund to provide future students with the same support and opportunities she has received.

Anius Love-Finch is a senior from the South Side of Chicago pursuing a double major in Industrial-Organizational Psychol...
10/06/2026

Anius Love-Finch is a senior from the South Side of Chicago pursuing a double major in Industrial-Organizational Psychology and Organizational Communication within the College of LAS. A dedicated leader, he serves as Illinites Director for the Illini Union Board, Programming Chair for Men of Impact, Junior Representative for BNAACC, and Operations Manager for Success Ju**ie. He is also involved in many other RSOs.

Additionally, Anius is a member of the National Residence Hall Honorary, Phi Eta Sigma, and Alpha Lambda Delta honor societies and is a recent Dean’s List recipient.

The Ashley S.C. Walls BAN Scholarship provides critical financial support, allowing Anius to focus on academic excellence and community initiatives. As he prepares for University of Illinois’ MHRIR program, he plans to pay this support forward by mentoring students and helping them reach their highest leadership potential. Ultimately, he aims to design equitable organizations that value human dignity, foster employee well-being, and empower future leaders.

That’s a Homecoming wrap, !Thanks to everyone who pulled up to the BAN Homecoming Tailgate, celebrated members of the H...
10/04/2026

That’s a Homecoming wrap, !

Thanks to everyone who pulled up to the BAN Homecoming Tailgate, celebrated members of the Homecoming Court, and helped us honor our 2026 scholarship recipients.

This week, we’re putting our scholars in the spotlight sharing their campus impact, involvement, and aspirations.

Thank you for continuing to show up, support, and pour back into BAN. Safe travels home! 🙏🏽

Homecoming Week is here, and there’s plenty to celebrate. 🧡💙This year’s theme, Once an Illini, Always an Illini, celebra...
09/27/2026

Homecoming Week is here, and there’s plenty to celebrate. 🧡💙

This year’s theme, Once an Illini, Always an Illini, celebrates a connection that lasts long after your time on campus.

Congratulations to these NINE (record high!!) current undergraduates who made the 2026 Homecoming Court:

🔶 Morgan Cloman, Chicago IL (EDU)
🔷 Clarissa Harrington, Springfield, IL (AHS)
🔶 Da’Miya Jackson, Joliet, IL (LAS)
🔷 Gabriel Lee, Alton, IL (ACES)
🔶 Anius Love-Finch, Chicago, IL (LAS)
🔷 Madison Mullen, Calumet City, IL (ARCH)
🔶 Christiana Coco Pembele, Champaign, IL (LAS)
🔷 Dontavious Williams, Rockford, IL (LAS)
🔶 Sophia Witola Reyes, Champaign IL (ENG)

HOCO 2026 is going up!!!! 😤🏈The BAN Homecoming Tailgate is officially SOLD OUT! 🎉🔥 We’re excited to welcome everyone to ...
09/26/2026

HOCO 2026 is going up!!!! 😤🏈

The BAN Homecoming Tailgate is officially SOLD OUT! 🎉🔥 We’re excited to welcome everyone to Lot 31 for a day of food, music, fellowship, and ALL the Black Illini vibes!

Shoutout to our DJ lineup and a HUGE THANK YOU to our sponsors! Your generosity and support help make experiences like this possible for our Black Illini community.

Once An Illini, Always An Illini! 🧡💙

HOCO is almost here!!! 🎉🎉 Last chance to grab Tailgate ticks before they sell out!! Let’s goooo Black Illini 😤🧡💙 https:/...
09/23/2026

HOCO is almost here!!! 🎉🎉 Last chance to grab Tailgate ticks before they sell out!! Let’s goooo Black Illini 😤🧡💙 https://tinyurl.com/BANTailgate2026

Dear BAN Family,Homecoming is getting closer, and we want to make sure you’re ready to SHOW YOUR ILLINI PRIDE! 💙🧡If you ...
09/16/2026

Dear BAN Family,

Homecoming is getting closer, and we want to make sure you’re ready to SHOW YOUR ILLINI PRIDE! 💙🧡

If you plan on attending the Homecoming Tailgate, you now have the opportunity to pre-order your official BAN Homecoming 2026 T-Shirt!

👕 T-SHIRT PRE-SALE NOW OPEN!

📆 Pre-Sale Ends: September 22, 2026

⚠️ IMPORTANT — PICKUP ONLY!

There is NO SHIPPING for pre-sale T-shirts.

All pre-ordered shirts MUST be picked up at Registration Check-In on the day of the BAN Homecoming Tailgate — October 3, 2026. 🏈

This is a great way to make sure you have your shirt reserved before our limited onsite supply is gone!

SCAN THE QR CODE ON THE FLYER TO ORDER NOW!

We can’t wait to see you on Homecoming weekend as we come together to celebrate Illinois, our alumni, our legacy, and the Black Alumni Network!

Once an Illini, Always an Illini! 💙🧡

With Illini Pride,
Lisa Terrell
President
Black Alumni Network

Yooooo, 3 weeks until Homecoming!! 🧡💙🏈Meet us back on campus! 🗣️🗣️ Grab your tickets for the full game-day experience or...
09/10/2026

Yooooo, 3 weeks until Homecoming!! 🧡💙🏈
Meet us back on campus! 🗣️🗣️

Grab your tickets for the full game-day experience or only the tailgate. Check out our online store for BAN Homecoming merch. Come vibe with your Black Illini FamILLy!

Once An Illini, Always An Illini! Let’s goooo 😤

Tailgate Tickets:
https://tinyurl.com/BANTailgate2026

Online Store:
https://tinyurl.com/BANMerchStore

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