We say U of I, Dustin Dumas says … Allen Hall.
“I lived there for three years and made great friendships,” the 1990 Gies College of Business alumna says from LA, where she’s a Fulbright specialist.
“One of the most memorable aspects of Allen Hall was having access to artists-in-residence. In particular, there was an author and artist from West Africa who lived in the dorm. He gave talks and made himself available to answer questions about his work and career.
“It was incredible to have someone in a professional creative capacity so accessible to students. His generosity with his time left a lasting impression on me. I believe it is one of the reasons I visited Accra years later.
“Another great memory was playing the violin in the Illini Symphony. Even as a business major, I was able to continue performing, which was incredibly rewarding after having played since a child.
“Performing at Krannert, with my parents and friends in the audience, remains a highlight of my time at Illinois. Being part of the orchestra was fun and allowed me to balance rigorous academic work with a creative outlet.”
