Jaqueza Thomas is already a leader in Chicago, and he hasn't even graduated yet. His motivation? “To be that validation to other young people...You can do absolutely anything you want in this world.”
Thomas is the founder of Chicago Emerging Stars, a youth‑centered nonprofit focused on mentorship, workforce development and expanding options for young people across the city. The UIC College of Liberal Arts and Sciences student has even been recognized by the Chicago Mayor's Office, My Brother's Keeper Alliance and former President Barack Obama.
Learn more about Jaqueza, his impact and his UIC pride on UIC today at https://today.uic.edu/meet-the-uic-student-changing-lives-in-his-community/
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UIC is Chicago's largest university with more than 33,000 students, 12,000 employees and 16 colleges.
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UIC is leading the nation's LARGEST voluntary monarch butterfly conservation effort 🦋🌱
That effort has now grown to more than 100 transportation and energy partners that adopt conservation measures on rights-of-way land. All in all, 1.3 million acres across 47 states have become spaces where monarchs can thrive.
Learn more about this milestone on UIC today at https://today.uic.edu/uic-led-monarch-butterfly-conservation-effort-surpasses-100-partners-nationwide/
⚽️🔥 Who is UIC cheering for in the FIFA World Cup?? Future Flame Nico is on the case!
[TEST] UIC ALERT: This is an ALL CLEAR notification. The UIC ALERT emergency notification system REQUIRED MONTHLY TEST has ended. Additional information about emergency situations, active threat response, and important weather announcements can be found on emergency.uic.edu and ready.uic.edu. Thank you for your participation.
[TEST] UIC ALERT: This is a REQUIRED MONTHLY TEST of the UIC ALERT emergency notification system. No action is required. This is only a test. In the event of an actual emergency, you would be given brief details and directed to the emergency.uic.edu and the uic.edu homepage. Thank you for your participation.
🎓Meet 2026 grad Quinn Basta.
Follow the student trustee on The University of Illinois System Board of Trustees, Business Student Advisory Board at UIC president and UIC Undergraduate Student Government chief of staff as he prepares to take the stage and address his peers at commencement.
Learn more and listen to Quinn's full speech at https://www.youtube.com/live/hnrvxuc14X0?t=3421s
05/28/2026
You didn't notice but...the last four years flew by in an instant ❤️
05/21/2026
Caps off to all of this year's grads 🎓📚
Tried to freeze the moment, but the school year still came to an end 🕰️
05/18/2026
To the Class of 2026: It's not goodbye, it's see you later ❤️
🎓Meet 2026 UIC grad Margarita Arango.
As president of the Student Advocacy Coalition, Margarita helped UIC students meet with legislators in Springfield and Washington, D.C. She won't be gone for long, as she will return to UIC in the fall for her master’s degree.
Learn more about Margarita on UIC today at https://today.uic.edu/margarita-arango-turning-academic-excellence-into-public-impact/
[UIC ALERT] All Clear at UIC 719 W Maxwell St. Campus administrators have declared the incident under control. It is safe to resume a normal schedule.
[UIC ALERT] There is UIC Police Activity at 719 W Maxwell St . Authorities are responding. If you are on campus, follow instructions from university officials or local authorities. If you are not on campus, stay away.
🎓Meet 2026 UIC grad Yonik Perez.
In addition to rebuilding the Running Club, Yonik was a leader for other finance students like himself. He graduated this spring with his master's degree in finance from UIC, where he earned his undergraduate degree.
Learn more about Yonik on UIC today at https://today.uic.edu/yonik-perez-finding-ways-to-help-others-succeed/
05/08/2026
💦 Graduating with a SPLASH 💦
For over 40 years, UIC Nursing's graduating class has taken the plunge into their future, scrubs and all.
Learn more on UIC today here: https://today.uic.edu/photos-college-of-nursing-seniors-make-waves-to-celebrate-graduation/
[UIC ALERT] All Clear at UIC. UIC Police and emergency responders are clear from the Wood Street Parking Structure at the staff entrance on Grenshaw Street [1830 W. Grenshaw]. It is safe to resume a normal schedule.
[UIC ALERT]
UIC Police and emergency responders are assisting with a sensitive situation near the Wood Street Parking Structure at the staff entrance on Grenshaw Street [1830 W. Grenshaw]. Please avoid the area near the intersection of Wolcott St. and Grenshaw St. There is no safety issue for the public or staff.
[UIC ALERT] There is UIC Police Activity at the Wood Street Parking Structure, 1100 S. Wood St. Authorities are responding. If you are on campus, follow instructions from university officials or local authorities. If you are not on campus, stay away.
05/04/2026
📸 Punk culture, a spider cadaver, a copper mine in Ecuador. This is UIC research.
The Graduate College and University Library’s Image of Research competition showcases the breadth of student research across campus and beyond. Explore this year’s winners and honorable mentions — plus don’t miss the moving image winners at https://today.uic.edu/see-the-winning-2026-images-of-research/
Cellulose synthesis? No problem for this 7-year-old 🧠
04/30/2026
U 🤝 UIC. As it should be.
[UIC ALERT] All Clear at UIC. Campus administrators have declared the incident under control. It is safe to resume a normal schedule.
[UIC ALERT] There is a hazardous material spill at the 932 building, Biologic Resources Laboratory, 1840 W Taylor. Please stay away from the area.
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