When Texas transplant Brad Harris moved to C-U in 2012 for his very first faculty position, there was nothing in the job description about accompanying sound effects.
But working at the School of Labor and Employment Relations, he’d learn soon after arriving, came with its own daily playlist.
“It was my first faculty job and we were so excited to be at a major university with big-time sports, a vibrant campus life, and all of the other college town features,” says Harris, a UI assistant professor from 2012-15.
“The first time I actually sat down to write in my office, though, I was taken aback. The Marching Illini band, apparently, practiced — every day — right behind my office. It was loud and I couldn’t concentrate, so I did what every good professor does: I walked around the office and distracted every other professor that was trying to actually get work done.
“Looking back, I’m really thankful things worked out that way. I learned all the school songs — involuntarily — and made lasting friendships with some of the smartest, kindest folks I know.
“My family and I remember UIUC and the Marching Illini fondly.”
