Events & Activities

The opening experience of the Stamps Scholars Program is an optional freshman retreat.  The primary goal of the retreat is to begin building a strong bond among our scholars and to explore the complexities of leadership. 

Where have our scholars gone in the past?

2018 & 2019 - A week-long Outward Bound sailing trip off the coast of Maine.

2016 & 2017 - A week-long Outward Bound backpacking trip on the Appalachian Trail.

2013 - 2015 - A week-long Outward Bound sailing trip off the coast of Maine.

2012 - A week-long Outward Bound backpacking trip through the Mahoosuc Mountains of Maine.

2011 - A week-long Outward Bound canoeing trip in the Boundary Waters of Minnesota.

2010 - A weekend retreat at Allerton Park and Retreat Center.

Our informal peer mentoring program pairs junior/senior scholars with freshman/sophomore scholars to provide support during their transition to life at Illinois.

Not only do scholars have opportunities to connect with our successful Illinois alums but also with the larger network of alums from Stamps chapters across the nation. The Stamps Scholars Program Connect site offers exclusive access for current and former Stamps Scholars to build relationships, seek advice and support, and establish mentoring partnerships.   

Every year, scholars have the chance to play an integral role in developing programs and initiatives for their fellow scholars. Social and service activities, all-Scholar meetings, and other planned events help Scholars to connect with each other and with Scholars from other partner institutions. 

Along the way, there are numerous other opportunities for scholars to refine their leadership toolkit as well. For example, in 2021, a steering team of Illinois Scholars, with the support of volunteer scholars from other Stamps institutions, organized a two-day virtual symposium with 900+ Stamps Scholar undergrads and 1,400+ alums in attendance.

Illinois Stamps Scholars receive a bi-weekly electronic bulletin with news and information selected specifically with their needs and interests in mind.

At mid-semester in the fall and spring, Stamps Scholars are required to attend an informal meeting with the Program Leads to discuss personal, academic and professional goals. 

As an annual tradition, Stamps Scholars participate as box dwellers in One Winter Night, a fundraising event sponsored by C-U at Home that raises awareness about homelessness. In addition, Stamps Scholars come together on two occasions each year for a community service project of their choosing.

Scholars have fun together, too! In addition to sponsored activities like fall and spring kickoff meetings, the Senior Send-Off, and Homecoming Tailgates, they routinely gather informally as friends.