On Thursday, July 18th, the University of Illinois held "Illini Fest."  This first ever event, initiated by the Chief Marketing Officer, Eric Minor, was designed to showcase the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in Chicago.  It was a way to "wake up" the city of Chicago and announce to the over 150,000 + alumni in the Chicago area that the University of Illinois is here and is better than ever.

The Neuroscience Program staffed a booth highlighting the Program, providing brochures, but also made available materials such as "Brain Facts" and "Mindbogglers" which are often available during the Brain Awareness Day.  Neuron building with Stephanie Pregent utilizing pipe cleaners provided tactile and visual learning opportunities for the young and old alike.  Both she and Sam Beshers enjoyed chatting with many about the various aspects of the Program and options for undergraduates and graduates students to become involved in neuroscience learning and research on the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign campus.  

There was music, sunshine (heat...), and entertainment.  To see an overview video, click here.  Don't forget to catch a glimpse of the guy walking across the screen at 1:49.