**********WE ARE LOOKING FOR SOMEONE WHO CAN UPGRADE OUR WEBPAGE **********

September 26, 2009...

We have two events coming up soon.

On Wednesday, Sept. 30, we will have our next Big Ten Happy Hour @ Morton's, at the SW corner of Broward Blvd. and Federal Highway. Come early, as they have extended HH from 5-7pm for us. They have specially priced beer, wine and spirits starting at $4 and excellent 'Bar Bites' starting at $5. Las Olas is only a block away if you want to extend the evening with your friends.

Big 10 Happy Hour

Date: Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Time: 5: 00 p.m.- 7: 00 pm

Location: Morton's Steakhouse in Fort Lauderdale, Florida (500 East Broward Boulevard) http://www.mortons.com/fortlauderdale/ RSVP: By September 29. **************

For all you golfing enthusiasts, on Sunday, October 4th, we will have our 2nd Annual Big Ten Alumni Golf Challenge at the Boca Country Club, where we had 72 people last year, followed by a chicken and ribs buffet dinner at a very nice "The Grille on Congress" restaurant a few blocks away, for prizes, drinks and dinner.

You and your friends can play in this "4-person Scramble" outing and everyone, whether they play or not, are welcome to join us for dinner.

If you know of anyone that would like to donate a prize for the raffle, that would be most welcome too.

Golf is $50 and the buffet dinner is $25, inc. tax & tip. Please email or call me at 954-435-7333 to confirm. The restaurant will need a head count by the 1st. You can pay at the registration table for golf and/or dinner.

Boca Country Club telephone: 561-447-3520

Address: 17751 Boca Club Blvd. Boca Raton

Directions: Just north of Clint Moore and just west of Congress, (the entrance is across the street from Costco). From the south, take 95 to Yamato west. Take a right at the light at Congress. Just past Clint Moore, take a left at the light at Boca Club Blvd. Drop your bag and park; from the north, take 95 to Atlantic west, Congress south, right on BCB... If you want the turnpike... from the south, take Glades east to Jog. Go north to Yamato east. Then take Congress north to BCB... From the north, get off at Atlantic east; take Congress south; take a right at BCB. "The Grille on Congress" telephone: 561-912-9800 Address: 5101 Congress Ave. Boca Raton Directions: On the NW corner of Yamato and Congress. From the Boca CC, take a right on Congress. Go about three blocks south and just before hitting the light for Yamato, take a right into their parking lot.

Drinks will be at 530pm. Dinner should start around 6pm. ************

Coming attractions:

March 27, 2010: "Jersey Boys" at the Kravis Center, WPB, (for those of you who missed them at the Broward Center this year).

May 8, 2010,(tent.),: Annual Dinner, honoring a famous alum, or person from Illinois. Boca Raton, (centrally located for the four county area).

September 18, 2010: Annual CUBS-Marlins Game, 5pm tailgater, 7pm game. We had 150 for this year's tailgater and 100 tix sold for the game. It should be bigger and better next year and in the midst of the pennant race.

Enjoy the football season and we will hope to see you again soon.

****************

Here's our May 2009 newsletter

Dear Illini & Friends,

If you are in the Boca area this Wednesday evening, May 6th, you and your friends are welcome to join us for a Big Ten Happy Hour , from 630-930pm, at Gigi's, in middle of Mizner Park. There's plenty of free parking in the area.

Our annual CUBS-Marlins game will be on Saturday night, August 1st, 7pm. Tix are $28. We expect that both teams will be fighting for 1st place in their divisions. Thanks to our friends from Purdue, we will be having another tailgate party starting at 5pm before the game. For $5, you can have beer/soft drinks and dogs off the grill.

Send your checks to: Illinois Alumni Club, 1201 SW 141 Ave. #104, Pembroke Pines 33027

If you'd like to get more involved with our club, please call me at 954-435-7333. We can always do more with more people involved.

Today, Frankie Valli turned 75 and Saturday night, our group went to see "Jersey Boys". "Oh What a Night" it was, seeing the show which has been sold out on Broadway since it started and won a Tony award. We now know the story of The Four Seasons and heard some great music. Keeping in theme, we can also recommend Limoncello, where we had a nice Italian dinner just a few blocks away.

Please keep an eye on our website, www.illinoisalumni/oocities.com , for updates. We might even have one of our own running for the state legislature someday soon.

SAVE THE DATE... OCTOBER 4 will be our next Big Ten Alumni Golf Tournament, at the Boca Country Club at 1pm. We're finalizing the post-game show and will send you an update soon.

*************************

In case any of you are runners, or just looking for a good cause to get behind, a very good friend of mine, named Donna Singer, is helping to organize this Saturday's annual ALS Run in Miami. Here's a note from her that I thought was worth passing on...

Dear Friends, On Saturday, May 9th, I am taking a break from my regular weekend routine to give back to the community. Come walk or run with me for a great cause at the 8th Annual Lou Gehrig's Disease 10K Run and 5K Run/Walk in Coconut Grove. This annual event was conceived in part as a tribute to my late husband, Dr. Robert J. Singer, a wonderfully kind and dedicated husband, father and physician and an avid runner whose crowning achievement was his participation in the 100th running of the Boston Marathon in 1996. Bobby was diagnosed with ALS in 1998 and died just two years later in 2000. Shortly thereafter, I became actively involved as the Executive Vice President of the ALS Recovery Fund, an all volunteer, 501(c)(3), non-profit charitable organization providing funds for patients in need and supporting important ALS scientific research. The ALS Recovery Fund is now committed to funding an endowed chair for ALS Research at the University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine. That goal is already more than half fulfilled. 100% of all proceeds from this event benefit the ALS Recovery Fund and our programs. Please bring your family and friends and join me for a fun-filled morning on Saturday, May 9th. If you are a serious runner, you will be happy to know that this event is chip-timed. If not, come and walk, we'll have great music and great food. It may be early but we even have a Starbucks van so you can get your morning cup of coffee and a Krispy Kreme donut too. If you want to participate but just can't make it, you can still help. Just register as a "Sleep in for the cure" participant and feel free to stay in bed on race day. To register for the race, visit our website:www.alsrecovery.org To make a donation, visit my personal fundraising page:http://fundraising.alsrecovery.org/alsr/participants/participantpage.asp?fundid=537&uid=934 No amount of support is too small, every donation is important and equally appreciated. I hope to hear from you soon. Warmest regards, Donna Donna Singer Executive Vice President ALS Recovery Fund 1 Grove Isle Dr. #1602 Miami, FL 33133 P:305-285-9808 C:305-632-5006 donnamsing@gmail.com

**************************

Considering the times, it seems appropriate that we take a more active role in networking. We are always being contacted by alums and friends who are looking for opportunities in the workplace. If you, or people you know, have openings or anticipate them someday in the future, please let us know as we are keeping a file.

Some of our alums and friends, (all experienced and trustworthy), also offer services which may be of use to you someday. Feel free to contact them directly.

Scott Windmiller Licensed Mortgage Broker 800-597-0239 swindy4@bellsouth.net Joe Feller CPA & Tax Specialist 954-726-9078 jnfcpa@comcast.net Meryl Cromarty Certified Long Term Health Care, Annuities & Financial Planner 561-886-3373 mcromarty@sofla.nef.com Donna Swenson Certified Meeting & Event Planner 561-414-3692 dswensoncmp@aol.com ***************************

Illini Sports Fans... over the next three years, if all of our prospects honor their commitments, Coach Weber has the potential for the best recruiting classes in our school's history !!! Coach Zook should have us bowl bound again this year too ! Stay tuned, as we may get the coaches to visit someday too.

Go Illini, long live The Chief and we will hope to see you again soon.

Doug Maran

******************************************************************************

February 12, 2009... Here's our February newsletter.

Illinois Alumni Newsletter February 2009

February 12-14: Our Illini men’s golf team is at Heron Bay Country Club, Coral Springs to play in a Big Ten tournament from the 13th-14th. Admission is free. There will be a dinner and an opening ceremony on the 12th, at 7pm. Price : $30. Call Jeff Hunt, tournament director, to pay in advance. 954-796-2011.

February 19: Chicago Blackhawks, making their first appearance here in years and having their best season in years, will be at the Bank Atlantic Center in Sunrise to play the Florida Panthers at 730pm. Tix are: $28, $43, for seats only; and $53, for all-u-can eat and drink in their restaurant while you watch the game. NU and other BT schools will be present. Email or call Doug Maran at 954-435-7333 if you’re interested in tix for the game, and specify which ones. We’ll sit where the majority wants to be. (Thursday).

March 12-15: World Golf Championships@Doral. The Illini’s Steve Stricker, who was the comeback player of the year in ’06 & ’07, finishing #3 in the world, will be there, as will the top 50 in the world. Tiger could make his comeback there too. We are being offered $50 tickets for $30, which can be used any day from Thursday to Sunday. As a group, Sunday will be the day that most people go.

March 21: Annual Big Ten Picnic, at TY Park, just west of 95 on Sheridan, shelter #8. 12-4pm. $10 for adults and $6 for kids over 10. We always have 120-140 people attending from most of the BT schools. (Saturday).

May 2: “Jersey Boys “ at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts in FTL. 8pm show. Dinner before TBA at 530pm nearby. Tix: $85 in rear orchestra, (first 5 rows), and $75 in the mezzanine, (3rd row). We only have a few left so hurry. (Saturday).

August 1: Chicago Cubs make their annual trip to play the Florida Marlins at Dolphins Stadium. Game time is 7pm. The tailgater starts at 5pm. Our friends from Purdue put on quite a pre-game show for us all last year, for all of $5pp. Tix: $28, (it’s one of the Marlins’ premium weekend games). (Saturday).

FYI… We are working on an annual dinner, possibly in May or June and a trip back to Champaign for Homecoming weekend, October 9-11, with a game vs. Michigan State. Please let us know if you are interested. Stay tuned.

Also, The Chief is still very much alive, as his “Next Dance” in the Assembly proved following the Ohio State football game. Let’s hope that the new Governor and, someday, an elected Board of Trustees, brings The Chief back for good.

Your friends and family are always welcome to join us at all of our functions. The rest of the Big Ten is being invited to join us too.

Keep an eye on our webpage, www.illinoisalumni@oocities.com , for the latest updates. NCAA basketball game watches will be announced there too.

For tickets, please send your checks to: Illinois Alumni Club 1201 SW 141 Ave. #104 Pembroke Pines 33027

If you have a question, suggestion or want to get more involved in our chapter, please call Doug Maran at 954-435-7333.

GO ILLINI !!!!!!!!!!!

*******************************

December 1, 2008... We have until December 9 to finalize our order for the December 20 Cirque du Soleil show.

October 16, 2008... The Annual Big Ten Picnic will now be on March 21, 2009, back at TY Park, on Sheridan, just west of 95.

October 15, 2008... The Big Ten Club of South Florida was created last night at a meeting of our club leaders, so you can expect more opportunities for us to get together in the future.

October 9, 2008... We have just secured 50 tix for Cirque du Soleil's "Corteo", coming to Miami's Bicentennial Park at 8pm. Tix are $59. We'll have drinks and dinner nearby at Bayside before the show. Deadline: November 9.

August 27, 2008... The Big Ten Network has finally come to COMCAST in SFLA on Channel 742. It is currently part of their Sports & Entertainment package for $5/mo., which includes several college sports channels and the NFL, NBA, NHL and Tennis networks. Call 954 or 561-COMCAST for details.

August 24, 2008... Our #20 Illini are playing #6 Missouri this Saturday night at 830pm EST. Please let us know if you'd like to attend a Game Watch party.

August 8, 2008... The Bulls are coming to Miami on Friday, Dec. 26 at 5pm and Monday, March 9, at 730pm. We'll take a survey and if Christmas time doesn't work, we'll get tix for the March 9 game.

July 23, 2008... Our group got the first call and selected May 2nd, the final Saturday night of the run, as the day we'll be seeing "Jersey Boys" at the Broward Center.

******* ILLINI ALUMNI CLUB OF SOUTH FLORIDA (for Dade, Broward, Palm Beach & Martin Counties) *******

2008-2009 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Saturday, August 16, 2008 Annual Cubs-Marlins game, 7pm. Tailgater at 5pm. Dolphins Stadium. Our friends from NU, PU, IU and IA are joining us too. Tix are $26 in Section 110 overlooking the Cubs bullpen.

Sunday, October 19, 2008 1st Annual Big Ten Golf Tournament. Boca Country Club, (private); Congress & Clint Moore. 1pm shotgun. Dinner & prizes to follow. $56. Scramble format so anyone can play. 144 players max. Sponsored by the Illinois Alumni Club.

Saturday, December 20, 2008 We have 50 tix to see "Corteo", the new Cirque du Soleil show coming to Bicentennial Park in Miami, at 8pm. Tix are $59. We'll have drinks and dinner before the show at Bayside nearby too. Deadline: November 9.

Saturday, March 21, 2008 Annual Big Ten Picnic, TY Park, just west of 95 on Sheridan. 12-4pm. $9, (at the door).

Saturday, May 2, 2009 “Jersey Boys” at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. 8pm. We’ll have dinner before too, 530pm, (optional). Tix are $85 downstairs in the first 8 rows of the upper orchestra, or $75 in the 3rd & 4th rows of the front mezzanine upstairs. These are the best available seats, as all of the lower orchestra seats have been sold out. Deadline: December 15.

In the spring, we are planning to have an annual dinner for one of our distinguished alums or University staff.

Saturday August 1, 2009... The Cubs return to play the Marlins. Thanks to the Boilermakers, we had a great tailgater last year, so we'll do it again, starting at 5pm.

After having a Rose Bowl game watch party, we are looking for places where we can watch the games this season. If you know of fun places owned or run by people from Illinois or Chicago, please let us know.

Breaking News…

Victoria Dutra, from Miami, is our first scholarship award winner and will be starting classes in the fall.

The Champaign News Gazette has published a hardcover tribute to Chief Illiniwek. 128pgs. We’re taking orders for the $15 book.

Want to be kept informed ? Send us your email address and we’ll take care of the rest.

To order tickets, books, register for golf or for further information, please contact: Doug Maran, Illinois Alumni Club, 1201 SW 141 Ave. #104 Pembroke Pines, FL 33027. Tel: 954-435-7333. Email: illinoisalumni@yahoo.com .

Keep an eye on our website for updates: www.oocities.org/illinoisalumni.

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

May 21, 2008... If you miss us at tonite's Big Ten Happy Hour at Gordon Biersch on Brickell, we will look forward to seeing you again on Saturday, August 16, at 7pm, for our annual Cubs-Marlins game. You'll see other BT schools joining us that nite too. A flyer is coming in the mail to you soon.

We can also announce today that we will be organizing the 1st Annual Big Ten Alumni Golf Tournament, on Sunday, October 5, at the very private Boca Country Club, in Boca Raton, at 1pm.

March 14, 2008... Here's today's newsletter... To all Illini and Big Ten friends & families,

Last month, both Coach Ron Zook and President Joe White came through the state to tell us that everything, both on and off the field in Champaign, was doing well. We are now making plans to have both come to dinner with our alums during the next year.

We'll be busy next month, going to see a sold out "Wicked" on Saturday night, April 5, 8pm, and having our Annual Big Ten Picnic on Saturday April 12, from 11am-4pm.

If you are interested in joining us for drinks and dinner before the show in FTL on the 5th about 530pm, please drop us a line and we'll tell where we're going and save you a place.

The picnic is returning to TY Park, on Sheridan, just west of 95, in Hollywood, on April 12. The cost is $8 for adults and $5 for kids, for chicken, ribs, burgers, dogs, all the trimmings and soft drinks too. It's BYO for the rest. Pay at the door too. We usually get about 130 people to come out for a nice relaxing afternoon. Please RSVP by April 3 if you can.

************

Note: Our plans to see the Bulls-Heat game next month have been postponed until next season, when both teams will be healthier and improved.

************

The Cubs are back for their first weekend in years so we are going to see them on Saturday night, August 16, at 7pm. Being the 100th anniversary of the last time that the Cubs went to the World Series, wouldn't it be nice to see them celebrate the occasion in grand style ?

We have tix in the left field corner, section 110, where we've been the last couple of years, with a clear view of home plate and the Cubs' bullpen in front of us. Thanks to weekend prices, the tix are $26 this year.

We're inviting our friends from the Big Ten, like the clubs from NU, IU, PU and IA to join us, so send in your checks to:

Illinois Alumni Club, 1201 SW 141 Ave. #104 Pembroke Pines 33027

Any questions ? Call Doug Maran at 954-435-7333.

***********

Any golfers out there ?

Tiger, Phil, Ernie and the PGA Tour are in town next week to conquer The "Blue Monster" at Doral. For tickets, call 1-866-4WGC-TIX, (866-494-2849), or go to www.worldgolfchampionships.com . Hope to see you there.

Plans are now being made to have an annual Big Ten Golf Tournament, tentatively set on Sunday, October 19, 1pm shotgun, at the Boca Country Club. After confirming with the other clubs, details will be announced at the picnic.

**********

For the Illini, here's a CHIEF update... check out the link at the Daily Illini website for the 3/8 slide show, (on the right side), from the last bball home game of the year. You'll see a couple of shots of an actor wearing a Chief's outfit during the halftime of our game. In the attached photos, you'll see a couple of other photos, one rather poignant.

Paul Schmitt, a junior, has just won an election to be the student trustee on the university's Board of Trustees. He was formerly the president of the Students for Chief Illiniwek organization. Also, a referendum was held and the students voted an overwhelming 79% for the reinstatement of The Chief.

A new alumni group is being formed to keep "The Spirit of The Chief" alive. If you are interested in supporting this effort, let us know and you will be kept informed.

Enjoy the summer-like weather we're expecting this weekend and we'll look forward to seeing you again soon.

*****************************************************************************

January 15, 2008... We have been invited to join another Big Ten Happy Hour, this time at Cityplace in WPB, on Wednesday, February 20, from 6-9p.m. at the Cheesecake Factory, on 701 S. Rosemary Avenue, Ste. 179. Please RSVP to us if you can and we'll look forward to seeing you again next month.

January 2, 2008... We sent our Illini boys into battle with the USC men yesterday in the Rose Bowl and received a royal education. Playing with lots of heart, and showing a lot of resilience midway into the third quarter, we actually came close to making it a four point game before the best team in the country showed its true colors.

Our Illini Women's Swim Team, who just happened to be in town to compete and train during their break, joined us, led us in our first "ILL - INI" cheer and were a joy to be around. We wish them all the best in the new year too.

It was a great and surprising season for our young team and Coach Zook has brought back enthusiasm to Champaign. We could be a pre-season top 10 team, under the right conditions and we could be bowl-bound for many years to come. Go Illini !!!

December 28, 2007... 52 alums and friends have signed up to come to "The Park" on Tuesday. There's plenty of room so come and join us. Just ask for us when you get there. There will be no charge and the restaurant will be placing us in a reserved area when the game begins.

December 2, 2007... Our alums in Southern California are celebrating tonight as our #12 ranked Fighting Illini football team is now heading to The Rose Bowl on New Year's Day to play #4 USC. Game time is about 4:30 pm so please let us know if you'd like to join us. We need to reserve enough space for everyone.

November 27, 2007... This Sunday, December 2, around 5pm, they will announce the bowl game matchups. As of now, it looks like we are playing FLORIDA, on JANUARY 1, in the CAPITAL ONE BOWL, in ORLANDO, at 1pm.

Now hold on to your hats... if miracles happen Sunday, and we move up from #15 in the polls, we will qualify to play in a BCS BOWL GAME !!! Possibly even in the Rose Bowl against someone like USC !!!

Barring that miracle, we are now taking tix orders for Orlando. Tix are $75 face value and we will get the best we can, for as many as we can. But we need your checks by this Saturday, Dec. 1.

On Sunday, we will place our order as soon as they announce that we are going to Orlando. If we go somewhere else, we will shred your checks.

So mail those checks in ASAP to: Illinois Alumni Club, 1201 SW 141 Ave. 104, Pembroke Pines, FL 33027. Questions ? Call Doug Maran at 954-435-7333.

November 10, 2007...WOW !!! As in OSKEE-WOW-WOW !!!!!!!!

The Fighting is sure back in the Illini as we shocked the world and beat #1 ranked Ohio State in Columbus, 28-21 !!! It's been 52 years since we beat a #1 ranked team ! Just what we needed as our football program is being rebuilt.

Keep your eyes on our website for updates re: A BOWL GAME IN TAMPA OR ORLANDO AROUND NEW YEAR'S !!! We'll have tix and hotel info ASAP. You're going to have to move quickly when the time comes, so start making plans. This may all break as early as this coming Saturday night, the 17th !!

November 9, 2007... Our game vs. Ohio State is now on ESPN at 330pm Saturday. We had a limited response so please enjoy this one at home. We'll try again another time.

November 7, 2007... It appears that the FSU-VT game will be broadcast on ABC in SFLA this Saturday, the 10th, at 330pm. If so, we are now planning on a 'Gamewatch Party" at the FTL Ale House, 2861 N. Federal Highway. Tel: 954-565-5747. It is just south of Oakland Park Blvd., on the west side of Federal, next to the Harley Davidson store. Hope to see you there !!!

November 5, 2007... The Illini are playing #1 Ohio State this Saturday, the 10th, at 330pm on ABC. In case a regional game is shown here instead, we will find a sports bar in town to watch it.

November 4, 2007...Our Illini football team is heading to a bowl game and Orlando and Tampa are good possibilities. If you are interested in getting tix, please let us know as we're going to have to move real fast to get our hands on them, especially at face value. We'll have information on game membership packages and ticket brokers if you are interested too.

October 25, 2007... The Broward Center has called to tell us that the producers of "Wicked" would like final payment by December 9 ! We know that the show is April 5- we'll do the best we can to hold them off, but no promises. We will buy some extras because we usually get 40-60 people to join us.

September 27, 2007... JUST ANNOUNCED... The Cubs are coming back for their first weekend in years, from August 15-18, 2008 so mark your calendars- we'll be back on Saturday night, AUGUST 16, next year. Probably in the same section, but expect higher weekend prices.

September 26, 2007... 60 of our alums and friends joined us tonight, amongst 20,000 Cub fans, under a full moon and a clear sky, despite the rains of the day. The Cubs are 2 games up with 4 to play and will hopefully win their division.

September 24, 2007... Cubs-Marlins notes for Wednesday's game... Dolphins Stadium parking opens at 430pm... the stadium opens at 530pm... The Cubs have batting practice from 540-615pm...go down to the field and say hello...we will be giving out our tix in the parking lot, close to Gate H, starting at 6pm. If you are planning to be there earlier, let us know and we'll leave tix for you at Will-Call, Gate G. Otherwise, it'll be 'BYO' to the tailgater, where we will be giving out your tix. At 645pm, we'll take your tix to Will Call, in case you are running late.

September 17, 2007... We have secured 120 tix to "Wicked" at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, on Saturday, April 5, 8pm. Dinner, TBA, will be at 530pm nearby. For the first time, we are being offered front orchestra seats for $85 as well as front mezzanine for $75. Please send us your $50 deposits/ticket and your preference, for these first come, first served seats. We are inviting other Big ten Schools to join us too.

*August 17, 2007...Our club name is changing to the "Illinois Alumni Club of South Florida" and will encompass Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Martin counties.

*August 15, 2007... The Bulls are coming back to play The Heat on January 16, 7pm, and April 8, 730pm. Tix are $25. We will have 50 tix to each game.

July 31, 2007... Michigan is hosting a Big Ten Happy Hour at Gordon Biersch, 1201 Brickell Ave., Miami, Tel: 786-425-1130, from 630-9pm Wednesday August 8. Drop by and say hi if you're in the area. They plan to do it again in Broward in 2 months.

*July 25, 2007... "Wicked" is coming to the Broward Center March 12-April 6. Stay tuned.

*July 24, 2007...Join us on Wednesday, September 26, at 7pm, the last night home game of the season, for our annual CUBS-MARLINS game at Dolphins Stadium, (formerly Pro Player). Tix are $18. We are sitting in Section 110, overlooking the Cubs bullpen, and directly facing home plate. We have invited the rest of the Big Ten to join us so maybe we can have a big tailgate party before the game too.

*Contact: Doug Maran 954-435-7333 email: illinoisalumni@yahoo.com

*Send your checks to: Illinois Alumni Club, 1201 SW 141 Ave. #104 Pembroke Pines, FL 33027

March 17, 2007...End of an era. Not only will The Chief no longer be dancing at halftime of our football and basketball games, any reference to him and his images are now being taken out of circulation. To make matters worse, our basketball team made it to the NCAA's, but lost its first round game that it should have won. All in all, a real tough week.

February 28, 2007...Last call for Bulls-Heat tix on March 7. Email or call us if you want to join us. Tix will be left at "Will Call" that night, on the NW corner of the arena, on ground level.

February 21, 2007... A truly sad day in Illini sports history... Chief Illiniwek made his last appearance at a sporting event tonight. More soon...

January 27, 2007... The annual Big Ten Picnic has just been set for Saturday April 21 at TY Park, just north of Sheridan and just west of 95, from 12-4pm. $8 for adults, $5 for kids, inc. ribs, chicken, burgers, dogs and all the trimmings + soft drinks. BYO everything else.

January 21, 2007..."Spamalot" was fun, dinner at The Downtowner was good and the boat ride to the theatre, both ways, helped to make the evening quite memorable. We'll try to do it again next season, perhaps for "Wicked" or "The Jersey Boys".

November 28, 2006... We now have our tix for "Spamalot" on January 20, 2007. If you would like to join us for the show or dinner, please let us know and we'll tell you where our tix are and where we're dining before the show.

November 1, 2006...On opening night last night, the Bulls ruined the Heat's celebration of their championship last season by beating them by 42 points ! The young Bulls look ready to go and should have another great season. So get your orders in fast for March 7, 'cause this game will certainly have some bearing on the playoffs, when both teams should be peaking. We're already looking into dinner options at the arena too.

October 26, 2006... Due to the overwhelming response, 46 of the 50 tix are now spoken for, so WE HAVE UPPED THE ORDER TO 92 TO ACCOMODATE MORE PEOPLE.

Now those who get their checks in first will be guaranteed tix to the game.

OCTOBER 19, 2006... WE NOW HAVE 50 TIX RESERVED TO SEE THE CHICAGO BULLS PLAY THE MIAMI HEAT AT THE AMERICAN AIRLINES ARENA IN MIAMI ON WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7, AT 730PM. WE'RE TAKING ORDERS ON A FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED BASIS AND WILL TRY TO GET AS MANY OF OUR ALUMS INTO THE HOUSE AS POSSIBLE. WE WILL ALLOW 2 PER ALUM TO START, BUT IF YOU WANT MORE, WE WILL FILL THOSE ORDERS AFTER EVERYONE GETS THEIR TWO. TIX ARE $25 AND THEY ARE IN THE 9TH ROW UPSTAIRS, (OF 30+).

THE HEAT, BEING GENEROUS, HAVE GIVEN US TWO WEEKS TO BUT THE TIX. THEY NORMALLY WANT IT ON THE SPOT. SO GET YOUR CHECKS IN NOW !

October 1, 2006... The Cubs are coming back to SFLA on September 25-27, 2007, so start making plans to join us.

September 15, 2006... on Saturday, October 14, we are having a Homecoming game watching party, with the Illini taking on Ohio,'off the dish' at "The Park" sports bar at the Hard Rock Cafe complex off 441 and Stirling. Gametime is 7pm . The Ohio U alums will be joining us and they expect 40-50 people. We'll be reserving an area so RSVP if you can or just show up. You can always have fun in the area after the game too.

September 8, 2006... WE CAN NOW CONFIRM THAT WE ARE GOING ON SATURDAY, JANUARY 20 TO SEE "SPAMALOT" AT THE BROWARD CENTER! With a limited run of only 10 days, all orchestra seating was taken and we are in the middle section of the mezzanine. You can send your check for $69/seat. For those of you who previously sent your deposits, please now send the balance. We'll be giving them out at the door that night. We will plan to have dinner before the show, possibly at Shirtail Charlie's, across the river, where we get free parking and a boat ride to the steps of the theatre.

May 23, 2006... 48 people came to our annual Cubs game tonight, which turned out to be rather exciting with the Cubs leading all the way and the Marlins scoring 2 in the bottom of the ninth to win. Purdue, Iowa and NU all sent reps and we'll hope for bigger and better in 2007. Of course, if we get a Saturday night, we'll get many more people next year.

May 19, 2006... Forty Illini are already signed up for Tuesday...we have 150 tix reserved. NU, PU and IA are sending people too. If you want to join us, please call Doug Maran at 954-435-7333 or email illinoisalumni@yahoo.com and we'll make arrangements for you.

April 9, 2006... The annual CUBS-Marlins game will be TUESDAY, May 23, 7pm. The tailgater will begin at 5pm, in the parking lot close to Gate H. The Purdue club is planning to join us and we may see our friends from Iowa and Northwestern too. Tix are $18. For those who sign up, we'll send out details regarding the tailgater. FYI... our tix are in Section 110, facing home plate, over the Cubs' bullpen.

Please email or call Doug at 954-435-7333 to confirm and then send your check to: Illinois Alumni Club, 1201 SW 141 Ave. #104 Pembroke Pines 33027. * * *

21 past and future Illini came to our annual Big Ten picnic yesterday, our biggest club turnout yet. Almost 130 people came out for the afternoon, representing 10 of the schools. If the new location at 95 & Sheridan is preferred, we may make it our new home on the 2nd Saturday of April each year, (depending on events and holidays).

Keep an eye on our website, at www.oocities.org/illinoisalumni , for updates.

Contact: Doug Maran 954-435-7333

Send your checks to: Illinois Alumni Club, 1201 SW 141 Ave. #104 Pembroke Pines, FL 33027

*******************************************************************************

March 1, 2006...Change is in the air...Our picnic has been moved to TY Park, just east of 95, just north of Sheridan. Still on APRIL 8, 12-4pm.

Also, our annual Cubs-Marlins game is being moved to TUESDAY, MAY 23, 7pm. The May 24 game has been moved up to a 1pm start, so, after polling our people by email, we are now trying to move our tix to Tuesday. Stay tuned.

For you Broadway show fans, we are getting tix for "Spamalot", on either Saturday 13 or 20, 2007. Please email or call us to confirm and then send your $50 deposit/ticket check to us. We'll update you as soon as we have a definite date.

February 28, 2006... Our Illini are #10 and getting ready to go into the NCAA's. Keep an eye on our website for updates about TV viewings during the tournament- probably on a Saturday, or Sunday, at "The Park" sports bar, at the new Hard Rock Casino complex, near 441 and Stirling.

January 8, 2006... 2 days after Dee Brown has his career game of 34 points and we beat #7 Michigan State to become 15-0, we played our worst game of the season and lose at Iowa. The Big Ten has 8 teams that could go to the NCAA's this year, so the road will be real tough.

December 23, 2005... Put APRIL 8 on your calendar for our annual Big Ten Picnic, 12-4pm, in TY PARK, (note change), Pembroke Pines, just east of 95 and just north of Sheridan. 120 people came last year. $8 for adults and $5 for kids, includes chicken, ribs, burgers, dogs, and the usual trimmings. Soft drinks too. Just BYOB etc. Beach volleyball's awaiting too, if you're interested.

December 23, 2005...we're #6 in the country, undefeated and just gave Mizzou its worst defeat ever in our annual series.

December 18, 2005...Schools rated according to graduation rates of basketball players: Division I-A average 58% NOTICE WHO IS #1 IS THE COUNTRY!!! 1. (4-way tie) Illinois 100% Villanova 100% Florida 100% Wake Forest 100% 5. Indiana 91% 6. Washington 90% 7. North Carolina 82% 8. No. Carolina State 78% 9. Michigan State 73% 10. Boston College 60% 11. Wisconsin 58% 12. (2-way tie) Gonzaga 55% Geo. Washington 55% 14. (2-way tie) Duke 50% Connecticut 50% 16. Ohio State 45% 17. (2-way tie) Louisville 38% UCLA 38% 19. (2-way tie) Oklahoma 33% Kentucky 33% 21. Maryland (17) 30% 22. Pittsburgh (25) 29% 23. (2-way tie) Memphis 25% Texas 25% 25. Nevada 14%

December 3, 2005... We had fun at Bahama Breeze before seeing a very exciting hockey game with the Panthers & Blackhawks, which the Panthers won in overtime. We'll try again when the Hawks come back to town.

November 29, 2005... The CUBS are coming to play the Marlins early in 2006, before the hurricane season, hopefully, so put TUESDAY, MAY 23, 7pm, (please note change, as the 24th is now a 1pm start), on your calendar. The guys from Purdue will be joining us and maybe some Mildcats, Hawkeyes and Hoosiers too. A mailing will go out in Feb/Mar with news of our annual Big Ten picnic too.

November 29, 2005... Our #11 ranked bball team beat North Carolina at Chapel Hill ! It doesn't make up for our loss in the Final Four to them last year, but it's always good to win there.

Fortunately, basketball has started and after making the Final Four last year, we should be in the top 20 this season.

Mercifully, our first season of rebuilding under Coach Zook has ended. There should be some improvements over the next few years.

September 10, 2005... With nearly 500 yards in offense, the Illini beat San Jose State 40-19. We have not been 2-0 for a long time. Enjoy this moment- we play at Cal this week and then start the Big Ten schedule...

September 4, 2005... Down 27-7 on Opening Day in Champaign, the Illini rallied to tie the game at the end, before winning it in overtime, 33-30 vs. Rutgers. Our team showed a lot of heart and made us real proud. What a great way to kickoff the Ron Zook Era, which such a fairy tale ending ! GO ILLINI !!! "The Park" was a great host too, with their giant screen TV's. We'll be sure to return there, when our games are not on public TV.

September 3, 2005... Our Opening Day football game, and the beginning of the Ron Zook Era, vs. Rutgers is on ESPN2 this Saturday, at 12pm. We are planning to return to "The Park" sports bar at the Seminole Paradise, next to the Hard Rock Hotel, at Stirling Rd and 441 in north Hollywood. Your friends and family are welcome. Tel: 954-556-7415

July 11, 2005...50 people managed to dodge Hurricane Dennis and enjoy an 8-2 Cubs win Saturday night at our annual Cubs-Marlins game. A big thank you to John Deck and Mike Pawelczyk for having their own little tailgaters to get us ready for the game. The Cubs even swept the series for good measure! Two years in a row, the Cubs brought a hurricane to SFLA !!! Let's hope they come earlier next year. It was 150 years ago that we had our last hurricane in July !!!

June 29, 2005... Two Illini drafted in the 1st round of the NBA Draft !!! Deron Williams was #3 and will play for Utah and Luther Head went to Houston.

Even better news... Dee Brown, injured in the summer pre-draft NBA showcase, is returning for his final year to Champaign !!! That will make us a bit more competitive while we start rebuilding from our incredible season.

Here's our Spring Newsletter, which should hit our alumni's mailboxes in May '05...

What a great year for our Illini basketball team ! Coming within minutes of winning our first national championship ! In 1989, �The Flying Illini� had some great athletes, many of whom made it to the pros, but only made it to the semi-final game. This year, the Illini reminded us all of how far you can go in this life if you play like a team. Congratulations to our coach, Bruce Weber, for being named �Coach of the Year�; Dee Brown, Deron Williams and Luther Head for making All-American and All Big Ten teams. Going undefeated in the regular season until the last game, being #1 for 17 weeks, finishing 37-2 and who will ever forget the miracle finish in the Elite Eight game vs. Arizona, coming from 15 down with 3 minutes to go to eventually win and make the Final Four! A historic year that we will never forget! GO ILLINI !!! * * *

It�s time again for our annual CUBS-Marlins game, Saturday, July 9, at Dolphins Stadium, (formerly �Pro Player�). Game time is 6pm. Our tailgater will start at 430pm in the parking lot closest to Gate H, near the flagpoles. Look for our orange and blue banners. We�ll bring some beer, soft drinks and snacks to get it started and, depending on our numbers, we might even have a BBQ.

We have moved from the left field club level, as those Saturday Night Premium tix now cost $30. This year we will try the lower level, Section 103, Rows 18-26, on the 3rd base side, over the Cubs bullpen, high enough to get a view of home plate. Tix are $20, (face value $17-$18.50). Last year, we had orders for 156 tickets ! This year, early in the hurricane season, we have reserved 144 for our group. As always, your friends and family are most welcome. First come, first served too.

Please email: illinoisalumni@yahoo.com or call Doug Maran at 954-435-7333 to confirm and then send your check to: Illinois Alumni Club, 1201 SW 141 Ave. #104, Pembroke Pines, FL 33027.

Want to be kept informed ? Getting your current email addresses allows us to tell you about events, especially on short notice, like viewings of games or welcoming our teams or professors to the area, so please drop us a line when you can.

If you want to get more involved with our local chapters, you should contact: Scott Windmiller, Miami, at 305-251-0239 and estates@estatevalue.com ; Jonathan Strackman, Palm Beach/Martin Counties, at: 561-434-3000 and illinoisalum@adelphia.net ; or Doug Maran in Broward County.

Stay in touch with us by checking our updated website, at: www.oocities.org/illinoisalumni.

We had more than 100 attend our annual Big Ten Picnic at CB Smith Park in Pembroke Pines last month. Please keep the 2nd Saturday of April reserved in the future, unless the holidays intervene.

Thank you, Florida Gators, for giving us another great coach. Ron Zook is our new football coach and should have us competing again soon.

FYI, The Park Sports Club, in Hollywood's new Seminole Paradise, by the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, 441 & Stirling, hosted us during the Final Four. The first of its kind, owned by people from Chicago, it will be our new place to watch games in the future. Good food and atmosphere, 2 giant screens, lots of TV�s and even some upper level luxury boxes for groups.

Single and play golf? Contact Doug for more information or check out the local website for the national, non-profit American Singles Golf Association at: www.oocities.org/singlesgolfftl . They play twice a month in Broward and Dade, while a sister chapter plays in Palm Beach on alternating weekends.

**************************************************************

April 9, 2005... On a beautiful day, more than 100 people came to our annual Big Ten Picnic at CB Smith Park. Purdue, Iowa and Minnesota came in number this year, to join us, Penn State, Wisconsin, Michigan State and Michigan. Depending on the holidays, we may try to keep the 2nd Saturday of April as our date.

Illini Hoops Diary 2004-2005

April 5, 2005... We may not have won last night, but our guys showed a lot of heart and proved once again that playing as a team can make you very difficult to beat. We did not have McDonald's All Americans, or potential 1st round draft picks across the board like UNC, but, after playing our worst half of the year, our guys found a way to come back again, tying the score with less than 3 minutes to go, before UNC won it down the stretch.

We had great athletes in '89 who made it to the Final Four, many of whom made it to the pros. We have a few with a chance of making it to the NBA, but this group will be remembered more so as a great college team. Very refreshing in these days where individuals take their share of the headlines.

FYI... our coach, Bruce Weber, was named Coach of the Year. Dee Brown, Luther Head and Deron Williams made a number of All-American teams. Hope you all enjoyed he ride- we are going to be rebuilding for a while. But at least the whole country saw us play many of our games. Let's hope that we can get the best players in our area to get us back to the Final Four someday soon !

GO ILLINI !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

APRIL 3, 2005...WOW ! WE BEAT LOUISVILLE AND WE'RE IN THE FINAL GAME MONDAY NIGHT VS. #2 NORTH CAROLINA !!!! 1ST TIME EVER FOR THE ILLINI !!! WE'RE ONE GAME AWAY FROM BEING THE NATIONAL CHAMPION !!!

"THE PARK" WAS A GREAT PLACE FOR US ALL TO GATHER AND CHEER ON THE ILLINI. IT'S THE FIRST OF ITS KIND ANYWHERE, OWNED BY SOME GUYS FROM CHICAGO. GREAT ATMOSPHERE AND FOOD AND I THINK THAT WE FINALLY HAVE FOUND A PLACE TO WATCH OUR ILLINI GAMES IN THE FUTURE !

WE'RE GOING BACK ON MONDAY NIGHT TO WATCH THE FINAL GAME. THE BROADCAST STARTS AT 9PM. TELL YOUR FRIENDS THAT THEY'RE ALL WELCOME TOO !

March 30, 2005...COME AND JOIN US THIS SATURDAY EVENING AT THE NEW SEMINOLE HARD ROCK CAFE CASINO & HOTEL'S NEW SPORTS BAR CALLED "THE PARK" IN THE ADJACENT COMPLEX, LOCATED OFF 441 AND STIRLING ROAD IN HOLLYWOOD. GAME TIME IS 6:07 PM... WE'LL BE THERE AT 5:30 GETTING READY.

FOR ANY ILLINI AND FRIENDS THEY WILL BE GIVING US $2 DRAFTS IN YARD GLASSES.

HERE'S MORE INFO ON THE PLACE:

The Park Sports Club is our sports enthusiast restaurant, bar, and club. The inspiration of The Park is to make you feel front row center on game day. The atmosphere is that of a classic ballpark and stadium, Milwaukee bricks laid on the walls, from the bleachers and stadium style seating to our Coaches Office, a private dinning area that features leather lazy boy chairs. On the second floor seven private sky boxes overlook the energy of The Park boasting their own personality, perfect for group get together. With over 100 plasma screened TVs and two 20 foot screens broadcasting all sporting events you are sure not to miss a single play during prime time. The Parks menu completes the feel of game day with our tailgate menu and new twist on ballpark favorites.

Directions to The Park Sports Club From I-95 southbound and I-95 northbound Take to Exit 22- Stirling Road Go West on Stirling for 3 miles to St. Rd. 7/441 Make a right hand turn Then make first left (Seminole Way) into Hard Rock Hotel & Casino entrance "The Park" is located in The Seminole Paradise 5760 Seminole Way Hollywood, Fl 33314 954.556.7430

March 27, 2005... we're going to the final four in st. louis!!! down 15 points with four minutes to go, we pulled off an incredible, furious comeback to go to overtime , where we won 90-89!!! this saturday, april 2, at 6:07pm, we will be playing louisville on cbs. if we win, we play in the monday night, 9pm, final!

March 25, 2005... WE'VE MADE THE ELITE EIGHT !!!! LOTS OF FUN AT FLANIGAN'S LAST NIGHT !! WE PLAY ARIZONA TOMORROW AT 7PM ON CBS. IF WE WIN, WE'RE HEADING TO ST. LOUIS FOR THE FINAL FOUR !!!!!!

March 24, 2005... With Washington-Louisville starting at 710pm, and a good chance that we not be seen nationally, WE WILL BE @ FLANIGAN'S IN COCONUT GROVE TO WATCH OUR GAME VS. UW-MILWAUKEE AT 7PM. GAME TIME IS 727PM. IF ENOUGH PEOPLE COME, THEY HAVE A BIG ROOM THAT WE CAN HAVE FOR OURSELVES ! Tel: 305-446-1114; Address: 2721 Bird Ave. Directions: 95 south to US 1 south to 27th Ave. Take a left at the light. It's a couple of blocks down behind the EZ Quick. Look for the BIG DADDY Flanigan sign.

March 21, 2005... WE'VE MADE IT TO THE SWEET SIXTEEN !!!!!!! MARCH MADNESS HAS STARTED AND WE ARE PLAYING the UNIV. OF WISCONSIN-MILWAUKEE THIS Thursday night March 24, on CBS, starting at 7:27pm. Will we be televised in SFLA ??? Stay tuned. Start looking for your local sports bar just in case. We'll keep you updated here. KEEP CALLING THE LOCAL TV STATION, at 305-591-4444, TO REMIND THEM THAT WE HAVE MORE THAN 5000 ALUMS IN THE TRI-COUNTY AREA !!!! IF WE WIN THE NEXT FOUR GAMES, WE ARE THE 2005 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WE'VE BEEN #1 FOR 16 WEEKS!!!!!!!!!!!! JUST WON OUR 2ND BIG TEN CHAMPIONSHIONSHIP IN A ROW !!!! TOOK 52 YEARS TO WIN THE FIRST ONE!!! WE'RE NOW 34-1 AND ON OUR WAY TO THE FINAL FOUR !!! AND WE'RE THE #1 SEED IN THE NCAA TOURNAMENT!!!

February 10, 2005... We placed our order for the July 9 Cubs-Marlins game today. We now have a block of 144 tix in Section 103, Rows 18-26, over the Cubs bullpen in left field. Tix are going on sale this Saturday to the general public, in case you want to see the games on Friday/Sunday too. Tix are $20, (face value $18.50). FYI... Our former seats in the club level in left field were raised to $30 face value. We are now taking orders on a first come, first served basis. A newsletter will be heading your way in May with your ticket order form.

CHECK YOUR NEWSSTANDS FOR THE FEBRUARY 7 SPORTS ILLUSTRATED !!! WE WERE BUMPED OFF THE COVER BY THE PATRIOTS BUT WE ARE STILL THE COVER STORY !!!

December 15, 2004... WE'RE STILL #1 !!! FIRST TIME EVER, LONGER THAN ONE WEEK !!!

December 8, 2004... WE'RE THE #1 TEAM IN THE NATION !!!

December 1, 2004... The #3 Illini bball team crushed #1 Wake Forest at the Assembly Hall in Champaign !!! It's the 2nd time that we beat the #1 team in the country... the last time was 25 years ago when Eddie Johnson hit a jumper from the corner to beat Magic Johnson and Michigan State, as they were on their way to becoming the national champion.

November 29... We still have some Illinois polo shirts from Tabasco, in all three varieties, which we are selling 1 for $40 and 2 for $75, until December 18. Sizes are L-XXL. The cover page of our website has a picture of them. They will make great holiday gifts. Email or call us at 954-435-7333 if you are interested.

****************************************************************************

Oct. 11... Our football team made a game of it on the road but it appears to be a long season on the football field. We will get together for a basketball game, to watch our Top 10 ranked Illini sometime too. Stay tuned...

For those of you who qualified for Cubs' refunds, please email us your address and we'll send you a check. Your donations to the club are most welcome or we can use them towards next season's Cubs game, which will be on SATURDAY EVENING, JULY 9 AT 6PM.

Oct. 9... This Saturday, we will be having a party at the Ft. Lauderdale Ale House, just south of Oakland Park on the west side of Federal Highway, in FTL, from 12-330, where we'll be watching the Illini-Michigan State game, selling the latest Illini polo shirts from Tabasco, 1 for $40, 2 for $75; and giving out refunds, only for those who told us that they could not come on the 21st and would prefer a refund, if at all possible. Wear your orange and blue as the Spartans may come to join us too.

Sept. 21.. For those of us who could attend, we were the only people able to see the Cubs play on their only day in town this season. For those of you who called or emailed to request refunds, we are now planning a little party, perhaps at a TV viewing of our football team, to give out refunds and have some fun. Stay tuned...

Sept. 17, 5pm... WE NOW HAVE OUR TIX FOR THE GAME, WHICH IS A SELL OUT !!! WE HAVE TO THANK THE MARLINS FOR THEIR PATIENCE AND MERCY, AS WE WILL BE GIVING REFUNDS OUT ASAP, AND HAVING A PARTY TO DO IT, PROBABLY AT A VIEWING OF AN ILLINI FOOTBALL GAME.

FOR THOSE OF YOU WHOM WE KNOW ARE COMING, WE WILL BE GIVING OUT THOSE TIX FROM 12-1245 IN FRONT OF GATE H FROM OUR ILLINI-MOBILE, A SILVER ACCORD WITH ILL-INI GOLF PLATES. LOOK FOR OUR ORANGE N' BLUE BANNERS AND LISTEN FOR OUR MARCHING ILLINI MUSIC BLARING. NO TAILGATER DUE TO THE LENGTH OF THE DAY AND THE START TIME. AGAIN, AT 1245, WE'LL BE TAKING THE REMAINING TIX TO WILL CALL AT GATE G. SEE YOU ON MONDAY AFTERNOON !

LOOK OUT FOR THOSE BRAND NEW ILLINI POLO SHIRTS FROM TABASCO ! WE'LL HAVE THEM THERE TOO !

Sept. 7, 6pm... The CUBS & Marlins will be playing a doubleheader on MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, starting approx. at 1pm. ONLY THE PEOPLE WHO HAD TIX FOR THE SEPTEMBER 4 GAME ARE GOING TO BE ENTITLED TO USE THEM ON SEPTEMBER 20 ! Lucky us !

Please call your friends and family and email or call us at 954-435-7333 and let us know how many tickets you will need. You can come anytime during that day to catch one or two games. If Game 1 starts about 1pm, then Game 2 should start about 430pm. You can always check with the radio, or call the Marlins at 1-877-Marlins to see how they're doing.

Sept. 4, 2pm... THE ENTIRE WEEKEND SERIES, INCLUDING OUR SATURDAY NIGHT GAME, HAS NOW BEEN POSTPONED. NO WORD YET AS TO WHEN IT MIGHT BE PLAYED. KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE TV NEWS, PAPERS, MARLINS WEB SITE AND OURS FOR UPDATES, INCLUDING A RESCHEDULED DATE.

September 4, 2004... Our annual CUBS-Marlins game at Pro Player Stadium. Tailgater at 4:30pm, Game time is 6pm. We have sold 153 tix in the club level in left field, under cover in case of rain, in the Home Run Alley. Tix are $15. We'll have $1 beer, $.50 soft drinks/water and snacks at the tailgater. You'll find us parked as close as possible to Gate H, with our orange and blue banners and Marching Illini music playing. For those of you running late, we'll take your tix to Will Call, Gate G, at 545pm. We even have two birthdays to celebrate.

BONUS !!! WE WILL BE BRINGING THE BRAND NEW ILLINOIS POLO SHIRTS FROM TABASCO TO THE TAILGATER, IN M, L, XL & XXL. $40 FOR US, (or 2 for $75), $50 RETAIL, WITH A PORTION OF THE PROCEEDS GOING TO OUR CHAPTER. YOU CAN SEE THEM ON OUR COVER PAGE.

May 22, 2004...We had a great time at "The Producers" with one of our Illini, Alan Ruck, playing one of the leads.

Nov. 12, 2003...The new Board of Trustees tried to railroad a resolution on Nov. 13, to put our Chief out to pasture forever. Call the Alumni Association at 1-800-355-ALUM, for a list of people to call or write to make your feelings known.

Nov. 13, 2003...Trustee Carroll now says that she would like to reintroduce the Chief resolution at the March meeting of the Board of Trustees, while more students are still on campus, rather than waiting until July. Again, I suggest that you check out the update feature at www.uiaa.org. You should see the "News Update" blurb at the very top of our homepage, and when you click on "More," it will bring up more detailed information, including a public statement by Chancellor Nancy Cantor and links to various news reports. >TO THE ILLINOIS ALUMNI CLUB LEADERS AND KEY VOLUNTEERS: > >After much anticipation from those on both sides of the Chief Illiniwek >debate, Trustee Frances G. Carroll withdrew her resolution calling for the >retirement of Chief Illiniwek this morning before a crowd of more than 550 >during the UI Board of Trustees meeting at the Illini Union. She said she >would refile the resolution at the board's July meeting in Urbana. > >Check the UI Alumni Association Web site at www.uiaa.org for an update >that includes links to some of the latest news articles. Additional links >to news reports will be posted as they become available. > >I want to thank the many club leaders who responded to the mass e-mail >that I sent on Tuesday morning, and those who helped get the word out to >club members and others with an interest in this issue. Regardless of >your views, our alumni deserve the opportunity to be heard, and the Board >of Trustees has certainly heard from MANY of you over the past 48 hours! > >Thanks and best regards, > >Paula Havlik >Associate Director, Club & Constituent Programs >University of Illinois Alumni Association >227 Illini Union >1401 W. Green Street, Urbana, IL 61801 >(217) 333-9141 (direct line) >(217) 333-7803 (fax) >phavlik@uiuc.edu ****FYI...the issue has just been tabled again until the June meeting in Chicago ! ****

****************************************************************************

COMING ATTRACTIONS:

Join us to see the Cubs when they come back to Dolphins Stadium to play the Marlins on SATURDAY NIGHT, July 9, 2005, at 6pm. Our tailgater will begin at 430pm near the flagpoles and the giant pillar that says 'Gate H' in the parking lot. Tix are $20 and we're moving to the 3rd base side, over the Cubs' bullpen. We had 156 people sign up last year so get 'em while you can.