Alumni & Friends Since Jesse W. Fell founded Illinois State Normal University in 1857, tens of thousands of graduates have used the knowledge and skills acquired during their years at the University to build careers, forge reputations, and change the world. Although commencement can be perceived as the end of a relationship, it is-in reality-just the beginning of a lifelong bond between graduates and their alma mater. Once a student, forever an alum. Alumni Services Illinois State University is more than just buildings and grounds, books and equipment, classes and research. It is, always has been, and always will be about people, including alumni, a vital part of the extended University family. Alumni Services and the Illinois State University Alumni Association work with an army of volunteers to serve the needs of all those who have graduated from or attended the University through the years, regardless of their fields of study, geographic locations, or lifetime pursuits. Go to the university's alumni website for more information about current news and events. The School of Communication also maintains a on-line newsletter just for its graduates.