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UIS will welcome alumni and friends to the 2026 UIS Alumni Gala, “A Night Among the Stars,” from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Oct. 10 in the Student Union Ballroom.
Rashad Austin earned his Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Operations & Supply Chain Management from the University of Illinois Springfield in 2025.
Once a Star, Always a Star is the theme for UIS Homecoming 2026, taking place Oct. 4-10.
UIS Alumni Gala: A Night Among the Stars
Get ready for the ultimate UIS celebration! The UIS Alumni Gala is returning with the same incredible atmosphere you love, plus a few exciting updates to make the night even more memorable. Think great food, flowing drinks, music that keeps you moving, and a dance floor full of familiar faces—all set beneath a night among the stars. The night will also feature a special presentation of the Alumni Awards, honoring outstanding members of our community for their achievements and contributions.
My journey into public health began with my clinical training as a dentist and medical officer in India. Wanting to move beyond treating individual patients and address health challenges at the population level, I pursued an MPH in Environmental Health and a Certificate in Epidemiology at the University of Illinois Springfield. UIS provided me with a strong foundation in epidemiology, biostatistics, program evaluation, environmental health, and public policy. More importantly, the program connected classroom learning with meaningful, real-world public service opportunities.
Hometown: Mason City, IL
Current Location: Athens, IL
Hometown: Clarendon Hills, IL
Current Location: Washington DC
Hometown: Bluffs, IL
Current Location: Springfield, IL
Hometown: Kansas City, MO
Current Location: Springfield, IL
Hometown: St. Louis, MO
Current Location: Chatham, IL