Deaths – News Bureau

Donald D. Dodson, 80, died Nov. 10 at the Hospice House in Wausau, Wisconsin. He was an instrument maker for electrical engineering from 1995-96. Memorials: American Cancer Society

Charles Woodrow Higgins, 91, died Nov. 10 in Clearwater, Florida. He was an instructional technical operator II for the Center for Teaching Excellence for 10 years, retiring in 1997.

Edwin W. Vernon, 88, died Oct. 31 at his Champaign home. He was an extension communication specialist for ACES Information Technology and Communication Services for the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences for 31 years, retiring in 1997. Memorials: Edwin W. Vernon Scholarship Fund in the College of Education.

At 250 years after Jane Austen’s birth, why do her novels remain so popular?

This week marks the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth — she was born Dec. 16, 1775 — and fans of her novels have been celebrating with tea parties, brunches and balls. Her novels — including “Sense and Sensibility,” “Pride and Prejudice” and “Emma” — enjoy immense popularity. They are the subject of numerous academic […]

Expert Viewpoints Headshot of Shannon Mason, standing outside in front of a tree and wearing a hot pink blazer.

What can we learn about our country’s origins from ‘The American Revolution’ documentary?

Filmmaker Ken Burns’ new documentary — a six-part series on the American Revolution — aired on PBS in November and is now streaming. The documentary describes the American Revolution as “a war for independence, a war of conquest, a civil war and a world war,” and it aims to provide “an expansive, evenhanded look at […]

Announcements Alma Mater statue

Illinois announces first dual-credit initiative, bringing courses directly to high school students

The Learning Accelerator initiative offers the university’s popular general education courses to high school students across Illinois in the form of dual credit — at no cost to those students.

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At 250 years after Jane Austen’s birth, why do her novels remain so popular?

What can we learn about our country’s origins from ‘The American Revolution’ documentary?

Illinois announces first dual-credit initiative, bringing courses directly to high school students