Stanley Ikenberry, who served as president of the university from 1979 to 1995, and wife Judy, an arts advocate and watercolor painter, are loyal Illini and passionate patrons of the arts. The Ikenberry Commons and the Arts partnership between University Housing and Krannert Center for the Performing Arts connects students with the arts right where they live.

When Nick Offerman was studying theatre at Illinois, he brought his woodworking skills to the scenery shop. "That was a great supplement to allow me to earn my keep while I was learning to be a better actor," says the star of the NBC sitcom Parks and Recreation. Today, Offerman's woodworking skills are on display on the grounds of Japan House.