Strategic Communications and Marketing News Bureau

Deaths

Alonzo Juan “Beets” Mitchell, 73, of Urbana, has died. In 1973, he became the head of the University of Illinois’ Oasis Graphics. For more than 20 years, he worked directly with the local community bridging gaps with the university.

William Dean “Bill” Morrison, 70, of Champaign, died April 18 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana. He worked as a food service administrator/unit manager at the university from 2000 to 2010, when he retired. Memorials: American Macular Degeneration Foundation or Carle Hospice at Carle Center for Philanthropy, 611 W. Park St., Urbana, IL 61801.

Frank “Wright” Neely, 77, of Urbana, died April 13 at Champaign County Nursing Home. He taught philosophy at the university for 40 years before retiring. A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Friday, May 5, at Renner-Wikoff Chapel and Crematory, 1900 S. Philo Road, Urbana. A reception at the funeral home will be from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Memorials:  Krannert Center for the Performing Arts.

Susan M. Schmidt, 91, of Champaign, died April 23 at her home. Susan began working for the university in 1967 as a temporary office assistant. She retired in 1993 as a section head in the Grants and Contracts Department. Memorials: Champaign County Humane Society, 1911 E. Main St., Urbana, IL 61802.

Read Next

Life sciences Portrait of the research team posing together.

Minecraft players can now explore whole cells and their contents

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Scientists have translated nanoscale experimental and computational data into precise 3D representations of bacteria, yeast and human epithelial, breast and breast cancer cells in Minecraft, a video game that allows players to explore, build and manipulate structures in three dimensions. The innovation will allow researchers and students of all ages to navigate […]

Arts Photo of seven dancers onstage wearing blue tops and orange or yellow flowing skirts. The backdrop is a Persian design.

February Dance includes works experimenting with live music, technology and a ‘sneaker ballet’

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — The dance department at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign will present February Dance 2025: Fast Forward this week at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts. February Dance will be one of the first performances in the newly renovated Colwell Playhouse Theatre since its reopening. The performances are Jan. 30-Feb. 1. Dance professor […]

Honors portraits of four Illinois researchers

Four Illinois researchers receive Presidential Early Career Award

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Four researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign were named recipients of the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers, the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government on young professionals at the outset of their independent research careers. The winners this year are health and kinesiology professor Marni Boppart, physics professor Barry Bradlyn, chemical and biomolecular engineering professor Ying […]

Strategic Communications and Marketing News Bureau

507 E. Green St
MC-426
Champaign, IL 61820

Email: stratcom@illinois.edu

Phone (217) 333-5010