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a collage of drawings representing the University of Illinois

Here's to another 150 years.

In 2016, News-Gazette Media helped the University of Illinois celebrate turning the big 1-5-0 with an all-star tribute.

Now, welcome to the after-party.

On our new-look 150 Years & Beyond site, which Editor Jeff D’Alessio will be adding to year-round, you’ll find 2,159 memories of favorite people and places, as told by accomplished alumni and faculty now scattered across all 50 states and six continents.

We caught up with astronauts and authors, color barrier breakers and history makers, Olympians and Paralympians, those who’ve been honored with prestigious prizes — Nobels, Pulitzers, Oscars, Emmys — and many more.

You’ll also find 110 special video birthday greetings from alumni across the globe, as well as Lyncoln Delporte’s hand-drawn sketches of famous spots.

We hope you enjoy it as much as we have putting it together. If there’s someone you’d like us to spotlight — or you’d like to share a story yourself — we take requests. Just send an email to jdalessio@news-gazette.com.