Upcoming Events
The Illinois 4-H Alumni Association will host opportunities for 4-H alumni to network throughout the year. We look forward for opportunities to connect with you and hear your 4-H stories! Watch for upcoming events!
Illinois 4-H Alumni Event: Brandt - September 10, 2026
Join fellow Illinois 4-H alumni and friends on September 10, 2026, for a special evening at the Evelyn Brandt Thomas Ag Innovation Center in Pleasant Plains. Located at the BRANDT Research Farm, this innovative facility honors 4-H alumna and BRANDT co-founder Evelyn Brandt Thomas and her lifelong commitment to agriculture, innovation, and future generations. Guests will enjoy a tour of the Ag Innovation Center and research field plots, followed by dinner, a program, and time to connect with fellow 4-H alumni and friends. The event begins at 6:00 p.m. and is $20 per person. Learn more and register at the link below.
Illinois 4-H & ACES Alumni Event: Eckerts - October 20, 2026
Join ACES and Illinois 4-H alumni and friends on Tuesday, October 20, from 5:30–7:30 p.m. at Eckert’s Cider Shed in Belleville for an evening of food, fellowship, and learning at one of Illinois’ best-known family-owned farms. Guests can take part in an optional pre-event orchard wagon tour, enjoy dinner and networking, hear from ACES faculty member Dr. Joy O’Keefe about her research on bats and their role in forests, farms, and cities, and learn how Illinois 4-H is helping young people find their spark and prepare for the future. The evening will also highlight Eckert’s strong Illini connections and commitment to agriculture and agritourism. Cost is $20 per person and includes dinner and a drink ticket. Learn more and register at the link below. Register by: October 5, 2026.
Illinois 4-H & ACES Alumni Event - Chicago - December 11, 2026
Save the date for a special Chicago ACES & Illinois 4-H Alumni event on Friday, December 11, held in conjunction with the Illinois Farm Bureau Annual Meeting. Alumni and friends are invited to connect, network, and celebrate their shared ties to the University of Illinois, ACES, 4-H, and Illinois agriculture. Whether you are attending the Annual Meeting or simply looking for an opportunity to reconnect with fellow alumni, we hope you’ll join us for this special gathering. Location and additional event details will be announced soon.
Illinois 4-H Alumni Event - Wagner Farms, Glenview, IL - April 8, 2027
Join Illinois 4-H alumni and friends on Thursday, April 8, 2027, for a special evening at Wagner Farm in Glenview, Illinois. Guests will tour the farm and learn how 4-H club engagement and partnership with the Glenview Park District are creating meaningful opportunities for youth and families in the community. The evening will also include dinner, networking, and time to connect with fellow 4-H alumni and friends while experiencing this unique educational farm setting. Additional event details and registration information will be announced soon.
Illinois 4-H & ACES Alumni Event - Peoria with Temple Grandin - May 12, 2027
Join Illinois 4-H and ACES alumni and friends on Wednesday, May 12, 2027, for a special event at the Peoria Riverfront Museum featuring renowned animal scientist, author, advocate, and ACES and 4-H alumna Dr. Temple Grandin. Guests will enjoy a preview of her new documentary, The Open Door, along with a tour of the museum, dinner, networking, and time to connect with fellow alumni and friends. This unique gathering will celebrate the lifelong impact of 4-H and ACES while bringing together agriculture, education, innovation, and inspiration. Registration and additional event details will be announced soon.
Seeking Illinois 4-H History!
We are in the final phase of the Illinois 4-H History project gathering of stories, momentos and memories! What wonderful contributions we ahve received thus far. If you have items to be donated or additional items to share, please contact Tina Veal, Illinois 4-H Alumni & Constituent Engagement Manager.
