On this day in 1868, Illinois held what might have been the first official campus party.⁣ ⁣ Nine days after Illinois Industrial University opened its doors, students and faculty gathered on the fourth floor of the original campus building, nicknamed “the Elephant,” for inaugural ceremonies.⁣ ⁣ The program featured an address from Regent John Milton Gregory, choir performances, prayers from local clergy and a dinner described as “hog and hominy gotten up in the highest style of Central Illinois.”⁣ ⁣ Campus celebrations may look a little different today, but bringing the community together has always been part of the Illinois experience.⁣ ⁣ #ILLINOISalumni #OnThisDay #LandGrantUniversity 📸: UI Archives