As a high school senior in Danville, Patricia McKinney-Lewis hadn't originally planned on seeking attendance at the University of Illinois. Participating in American Legion Conferences held annually at Gregory Hall, however, caused her to develop a high opinion of Illinois early on. She viewed it as a highly prestigious institution; maybe too prestigious for her. Project 500 Recruiters convinced her otherwise, and 3 degrees later, she gives back to her Danville community by inspiring students to pursue higher education, investing in scholarships, and reaching back to help the children in any way she can. Patricia's interview includes some unique insights from her participant role in the September 10, 1968 Union Demonstration.
Paul Schroeder attended the U of I from 1964 to 1968. He was a student member of the board of the Illini Publishing Company and served in the student government. His main focus in activism was educational reform, specifically coming out of student government. He created a program called Freshman Seminar to cultivate student leaders by having students visit with professors in their homes and offices. Schroeder hoped to create a more personable setting than a classroom.
Portrait of Dr. Paula Treichler, professor of Women's and Gender Studies and African Studies at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and Dean of Students at Schools of Basic Medical Sciences and Clinical Medicine from 1977-1981.
Pauline Linebarger McClain (1907-2008) was a member of the Class of 1929. She majored in History and studied to become a teacher. Also, she joined a sorority. She said the Great Depression made it hard for her to find a job.
