WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield invites the public to a virtual panel discussion, “From City Halls to Statehouses: Lessons from the 2025 Elections.” The event will bring together top political scholars, journalists and UIS alumni to break down key local or statewide races in New York City, New Jersey, Virginia, Minnesota, Illinois and beyond.

WHEN: Noon Nov. 20

WHERE: Zoom

WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield Active Minds student chapter, Department of Psychology, Volunteer and Civic Engagement, Capital Scholars Honors Program and Counseling Center will host the nationally touring Send Silence Packing display. The all-day display inspires action for suicide prevention and connects participants with local and national mental health resources.

WHAT: University of Illinois Springfield Chancellor Janet L. Gooch will host a conversation with Mylas Copeland as part of her Chancellor’s Thinkers Series event titled “A Call to Think: We’re All in This Together.”

WHEN: 5 p.m. Dec. 3

WHERE: UIS Student Union Ballroom, 2251 Richard Wright Drive (visitor parking available in Lot J)

The University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) Visual Arts Gallery is proud to celebrate its 50th anniversary with its annual silent auction and benefit. This annual fundraising event features a diverse collection of original art, reproductions, decorative objects and crafts donated by artists and community supporters. This year’s auction will be held both online and in person, making it easy for collectors and supporters across the region to take part.

The Samuel K. Gove Illinois Legislative Internship Hall of Fame at the University of Illinois Springfield inducted five new members during a ceremony at 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 27 at the Illinois Old State Capitol in Springfield. Prior to the awards ceremony, a reception was held at 5:30 p.m. This award honors former Illinois Legislative Staff Intern Program (ILSIP) interns whose careers exemplify distinguished public service.

WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield invites the public to a virtual lunch-and-learn panel discussion, “What You Voters Need to Know About the 2025 Government Shutdown.” The event will feature UIS faculty members Matt Geras, John Transue, Patty Byrnes and Ty Dooley, who will examine the causes and consequences of the ongoing partial government shutdown.

WHEN: Noon Oct. 21

WHAT: The Artist in Residence (AIR) program at the University of Illinois Springfield’s Therkildsen Field Station at Emiquon will debut original works inspired by the Emiquon Preserve during “Fall Projects Unveiled.” The event is free and open to the public.

WHEN: 1 to 4 p.m. Nov. 2

WHERE: UIS Therkildsen Field Station, 11316 N. Prairie Road, Lewistown, Illinois

WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield invites the public to the 47th annual International Festival, the university’s longest-running student-led event. The festival will feature live cultural performances and international cuisine. Admission is free.

WHEN: 1-4 p.m. Oct. 25

WHERE: The Recreation and Athletic Center, 2171 University Drive, Springfield

This story was updated on Oct. 14 to reflect a change in the speaker lineup.

WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield Center for Lincoln Studies will host the 23rd annual Beaumont Endowed Lincoln Legacy Lecture, “Lincoln and the Age of Disruption,” featuring Colleen Shogan, the 11th archivist of the United States, and author Jason Emerson. The lecture is free and open to the public.

Innovate Springfield, the University of Illinois Springfield’s hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, will host Founders Day on Tuesday, Oct. 7, as the kickoff to 2025 Founders Week events.

Founders Day is designed to shine a spotlight on entrepreneurship in Illinois. The event will bring together business founders, investors, government leaders and community members to share ideas, highlight local startups and discuss how to grow innovation across the state.