12.9.25

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,

As the holiday season draws near, I have been reflecting on what makes me proud to be a Prairie Star. It is not just our accomplishments, though we have many to celebrate. It is the spirit of this community.

That spirit shows up in our classrooms and labs, in our campus activities, in the stories our alumni tell and in the belief that what we do matters. I see it in the small moments and the big ones, and I carry immense pride in this community because of it.

As we close out the year, I hope you will take a moment to watch the 2025 UIS Holiday Video. It highlights just a few of the many reasons I am proud of what we achieved together this past year.

Thank you for the many ways you contribute to making UIS a special place to learn, work and grow.

I wish you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season!

Janet

Janet L. Gooch, Ph.D.

Chancellor

University of Illinois Springfield