
We’ve grown by almost 300 students this year. I’m especially pleased that the academic quality of our freshman class continues to increase at the same time the student body is becoming more diverse. Fifteen percent of our student body this year is international – with most international students coming from India and China. Whether you came to join our academic community from across the street or from the other side of the globe; I’m pleased that you have chosen the Springfield campus to pursue your University of Illinois degree. I look forward to the contributions you will make to our academic community.