Posted: 4/10/07 Section: Mom's Day Guide

Media Credit: Tashio Martinez

When I graduated from the University of Illinois in May 1979 I wondered what the world had in store for me.

What exactly was I going to do with a degree in Human Resources and Family Services from the College of Agriculture?

I knew I had the key necessary to unlock a great future. I had a degree from U of I and the confidence that all would turn out OK.

It did. And now I return to celebrate moms' weekend at U of I for the eighth time.

My mom and I celebrated moms' weekends together - usually my dad came along too - and I have kept the out-to-eat-and-shopping tradition going with my daughter, Courtney.

But things in Champaign have certainly changed since I went to school here.

I may be a bit biased, but I believe the University is a great place full of traditions.

My earliest memories are of my parents bringing me to Fighting Illini football games.

The beginning of my love of Illini football games was the fun of tailgating, and the excitement of the band marching across the field before the game playing the state song.

When I arrived as a freshman in 1975, I joined the Block I and will admit that I was "passed up" to the top of the west side.

Those football games are still loads of fun and yes, I was the crazy mom in the student section at the last home game this season dancing, cheering, singing the fight songs and of course thrilled to see the Chief.

When Courtney paid her visit to the campus as a junior in high school I walked down Wright Street with a group of people I had never seen before in my life and proclaimed to all "How could anyone want to go anyplace but here for college? This is the best university anywhere!"

Both Courtney and her 12-year-old sister, Cara, were shocked at my behavior. The memories were flowing.

Some things never change, like the hike from FAR to the Quad each day. Are the green houses still there? I'm sure The Morrow Plots still stand, but what about the tunnel connecting the libraries? Do Psych 101 students still have to participate in "studies" to get credit for the class? Bevier Hall, the Child Development Lab and most of the Quad buildings don't look like they have changed. (Please tell me they have been updated and the asbestos removed). And the apartments in Champaign! I believe I sat on the same couch when I was a junior that was in Courtney's apartment last year.

Continued...

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