“How about we describe the perfect day?” says Tom Hogan (BS ’81), CEO of mobile software giant Kony, Inc.
It’s your memory. Have at it.
“It is a fall semester. Excited to be back on campus with your friends, your freedom, the energy of thousands of curious students and the excitement of a new year of experiences and memories. It is sunny on a late Saturday morning of a home football game and a group of guys are on the front lawn of Delta Chi tossing the ball around, listening to music and swapping stories about their Friday night.
“We then head to the game, where we sit in a block, enjoy halftime with Chief Illiniwek — a tradition I still miss but a decision we have to respect — and hopefully an Illini victory.
“On the way home, we stop to catch the thunder of the Marching Illini exiting the stadium. Back to the house, clean up and order some Willy’s thick and cheesy pizza and then head to Kam’s.
“No idea who will be there. No cell phones in the late ’70s.
“Have a couple of beers, visit with old friends, make new ones and play a bit of foosball. Home safe by 1 a.m. A great day in Champaign-Urbana.
“Back to reality Sunday morning. Coffee, sweatpants and a pile of books. Still have physics and calculus nightmares.
“If you’re reading as a student, congrats on getting here and enjoy while it lasts.”
