Illinois Institute of Technology

06/02/2026

The spring 2026 issue of Illinois Tech Magazine is here.

This edition highlights how an Illinois Tech education empowers alumni to lead at the forefront of innovation across industries and around the world. Meet graduates making an impact at organizations such as NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Ford Motor Company, health care institutions, and technology startups, while advancing discoveries in aerospace, cybersecurity, design, gaming, and materials science.

Featured stories include:
- Sofia Ghouse (AE ’12), supporting astronauts and mission operations at NASA’s Johnson Space Center
- Jennifer Kolstad (M.ARCH. ’06), shaping global design and brand experiences at Ford Motor Company
- Andrey Ivankin (Ph.D. CHE ’10), accelerating materials discovery through groundbreaking technology
- Alex Damarijan (Ph.D. THUM ’22), creating video games that support cognitive and physical wellness
- Thomas “TJ” Johnson (ITM ’12), strengthening cybersecurity in the health care sector

Explore the spring 2026 issue and read more alumni stories shaping the future: https://bit.ly/4gNDDJm

Illinois Tech Magazine More in Illinois Tech Magazine Click to expose navigation links on mobile About Illinois Tech Magazine Past Issues Alumni News Athletics An Astronaut’s Best Friend Sofia Ghouse (AE ’12) started her time at NASA by talking astronauts in orbit through their technical problem...

05/29/2026

Here’s a look back at some favorite moments from Commencement 2026. Congratulations to the Illinois Tech Class of 2026, we can’t wait to see where you go next.

05/22/2026

Here are some of our favorite cap designs from Commencement 2026!

05/21/2026

More than 2,900 reasons to celebrate. 🎓

Illinois Tech’s 157th Commencement was a day to remember as graduates crossed the stage at Credit Union 1 Arena surrounded by cheers, gratitude, and unforgettable moments.

To the Class of 2026, thank you for the memories, the innovation, and the impact you’ve made on our community. Your next chapter starts now, and we can’t wait to see what’s ahead.

More than 2,900 Illinois Tech students had good reason to crack a s...

05/16/2026

Today, we proudly celebrate the Illinois Tech Class of 2026.

Commencement marks the culmination of years of curiosity, innovation, and resilience—and the beginning of meaningful contributions across industries and communities worldwide. Our graduates leave equipped not only with knowledge, but with the mindset to lead, adapt, and create lasting impact.

Congratulations to our newest alumni. The future you will shape starts today. 🎓

05/15/2026

This Mother’s Day, WGN News shared the inspiring story of Tiara Davis—a mother of three, caregiver, and high-honors graduate of City Colleges of Chicago Kennedy-King College who is preparing for her next chapter at Illinois Institute of Technology.

This August, Tiara will begin pursuing her bachelor’s degree in business and information technology at Illinois Tech. Her goal: to build a career that brings together business, technology, data science, and public policy.

Tiara’s journey is a powerful example of what determination, family support, and access to opportunity can make possible.

We are proud to welcome Tiara to Illinois Tech and grateful to WGN TV for sharing her story with Chicago.

https://bit.ly/4nuWLjw

The mom you're about to meet is an inspiration not just to her children, but to anyone who has ever doubted their dreams. WGN's Jewell Hillery brings you a Mother's Day story on how one Chicago mom is defying the odds to achieve her dreams AND take care of her family.

05/14/2026

As Illinois Institute of Technology prepares to celebrate its 157th Commencement ceremony on May 16, 2026, we are proud to recognize seven outstanding students from across the university’s colleges whose academic journeys exemplify innovation, leadership, and perseverance.

Representing the Class of 2026 are:
- Olisaemeka Nzeribe (ME ’26)
- Serena Napolitano (LAW ’26)
- Julian Stanfield (M.LA+U ’26)
- Abdul Hadi Khan (M.A.S. CYF ’26)
- Rhea Shah (MDes ’25)
- Emily Litovchenko (M.S. CLIC ’26)
- Victoria Vann (BA/M.B.A. Business Analytics ’26)

Each student shared reflections on the experiences, lessons, and aspirations that shaped their time at Illinois Tech and prepared them for what comes next.

Read their stories here: https://bit.ly/4eM9H2e

On Saturday, May 16, 2026, Illinois Tech’s 2025–26 graduating class of 2,972 students will celebrate the next milestone on their life’s journey during the university’s 157th Commencement ceremony a

05/14/2026

At Illinois Tech, Commencement is more than a milestone—it is a recognition of ideas, leadership, and impact that shape the world.

We are honored to announce the 2026 Honorary Degree Recipients, distinguished leaders whose contributions span commerce, science, technology, design, and global advancement:

• John W. Rogers Jr.—Honorary Doctor of Economics, honoris causa
• Carole Segal—Honorary Doctor of Design, honoris causa
• Darsh Wasan—Honorary Doctor of Engineering, honoris causa

Each recipient exemplifies excellence at the intersection of innovation and service—driving meaningful progress across disciplines and communities worldwide.

We look forward to celebrating their achievements at Commencement and recognizing the powerful legacy of leadership they represent.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/44olbBL

05/12/2026

Illinois Tech’s 157th Commencement is almost here. 🎓
We are excited to celebrate the Class of 2026 across three ceremonies. The celebration begins with the Ph.D. Hooding Ceremony on Friday, May 15, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. (CDT) in McCormick Auditorium at Hermann Hall on Mies Campus.
The first Commencement ceremony will take place on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 9 a.m. (CDT), honoring graduates from Armour College of Engineering, College of Architecture, Institute of Design, and Stuart School of Business.
The second Commencement ceremony will take place later that day at 2 p.m. (CDT), recognizing graduates from the College of Computing and Lewis College of Science and Letters.

Celebrate this milestone with us by tuning into the livestreams below:
Ph.D. Hooding Ceremony: https://go.iit.edu/phd-2026
Commencement Ceremony 1: https://go.iit.edu/ceremony-1
Commencement Ceremony 2: https://go.iit.edu/ceremony-2

05/11/2026

A major milestone in neurotechnology has been reached by researchers at Illinois Institute of Technology.

The Intracortical Visual Prosthesis (ICVP)—a revolutionary wireless brain implant designed to bypass the retina and optic nerve and connect directly to the brain’s visual cortex—has been successfully implanted in the study’s third participant. The procedure, performed at Rush University Medical Center, involved the implantation of 34 wireless stimulators with a total of 544 electrodes, marking an important step forward in the pursuit of artificial vision for individuals with total blindness.

The project is led by Philip R. Troyk, executive director of the Pritzker Institute of Biomedical Science and Engineering at Illinois Tech, and represents nearly three decades of research dedicated to artificial vision through brain-implanted technology.

Following recovery, study participants will begin testing at The Chicago Lighthouse to evaluate how the prosthesis can support navigation and basic visually guided tasks.

This interdisciplinary collaboration—spanning academic, clinical, and industry partners—demonstrates the transformative potential of neurotechnology to improve quality of life and expand possibilities for individuals living with blindness.

Learn more about the research and opportunities to participate in the ongoing study: https://bit.ly/4tp9Xb7

CHICAGO—May 7, 2026—In a major milestone for the field of neurotechnology, the Intracortical Visual

05/09/2026

One week. One milestone. The countdown to Commencement is officially on!

Graduating this year? Drop a 🎓 in the comments or share this with someone crossing the stage with you.

05/08/2026

Illinois Tech is proud to announce its Commencement speakers for the Class of 2026—two distinguished leaders whose work exemplifies innovation, stewardship, and long-term impact across business, philanthropy, and civic life.

Carole Segal, co-founder of Crate and Barrel, founder and former CEO of Foodstuffs, and Life Trustee of Illinois Tech, has built a legacy of entrepreneurial excellence and institutional leadership. Her contributions span health care governance, global education, cultural institutions, and public-private impact initiatives.

John W. Rogers Jr., founder, chairman, and co-CEO of Ariel Investments, is a pioneering voice in value investing and corporate governance. His leadership extends across major corporate boards and national civic organizations, reflecting a sustained commitment to stewardship, equity, and public service.

Together, they represent the intersection of enterprise and impact—where disciplined leadership meets purpose-driven progress.

As we prepare to celebrate the Class of 2026, we look forward to their insights on what it means to lead with vision in an evolving global landscape.

https://bit.ly/44t9Mk6

05/07/2026

Meet the 2026 commencement speakers, Adam Shalabi (BCHM ’26) and Derrick Hill (ME/M.Eng. MAE ’26) 🎓
We caught up with them to hear their reactions to receiving this incredible honor, the people who shaped their Illinois Tech journey, and the moments they’re most proud of from the past four years.

05/06/2026

We are thrilled to announce the graduation of 2,972 exceptional individuals. This year’s cohort reflects a powerful blend of ambition, diversity, and a commitment to professional growth.

With computer science and business administration standing as our most popular majors, our graduates are entering the workforce equipped with the high-demand skills needed for today’s evolving economy. This class represents a truly global network, with students from 84 different countries and 45 U.S. states.

Whether receiving a master's or bachelor's degree, these graduates have demonstrated the grit and excellence that define our institution. We look forward to seeing the innovation and leadership they bring to their respective industries.

Note: We are also proud to celebrate that 12 percent of this class are the first in their families to earn a degree.

Please share this post to help us celebrate the achievements of our newest alumni!

05/05/2026

Illinois Tech proudly announces the academic profile of its fall 2026 admitted undergraduate class, a cohort defined by strong academic preparation and expanding access to opportunity.

Admitted students average a 30 ACT and a 3.98 GPA, placing them among the highest-achieving students nationally. Forty-four percent of admitted students will be the first in their families to earn a college degree, reflecting Illinois Tech’s continued investment in scholarships, outreach, and student support.

Illinois Tech’s education model integrates technology-focused coursework with experiential learning, ensuring students build practical skills through internships, research, competitions, and industry partnerships. This approach continues to produce strong outcomes, with more than 90 percent of graduates employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation.

The incoming class also reflects the university’s broad geographic reach. Chicago and Illinois students remain a strong presence on campus while many others travel nationally and internationally to pursue an Illinois Tech education.

Together, these students represent the next generation of innovators preparing to lead in technology, engineering, architecture, business, and the sciences.

https://bit.ly/4t2zIO3

As the higher education community approaches Decision Day on May 1, Illinois Tech is proud to announce the academic profile and demographic makeup of its fall 2026 admitted undergra

04/29/2026

Scarlet Hawks, let’s fuel up for finals! Join us on Monday, May 4 from 7:30–10:30 a.m., for a morning pick-me-up with donuts, fruit, coffee, and juice at spots around Mies Campus.🍩☕

04/27/2026

Transform your summer into a strategic Chicago advantage.

Whether you’re accelerating your degree with summer courses, landing a high-impact internship in the city, or launching a research project, Illinois Tech has your housing covered.
We are excited to offer on-campus housing this summer with professional-grade flexibility. Enjoy apartment-style living featuring full kitchens—no meal plan required.

Living on campus places you at the heart of Chicago’s tech ecosystem, providing seamless access to the city’s top firms and innovation hubs. Experience the convenience of a short commute while staying connected to our research-driven community.

Spaces in our apartment-style residence halls are limited. Secure your housing today.

Lock in your spot now: https://bit.ly/4ct7d7d

04/21/2026

You might spot a few familiar faces on your commute. 👀

You, Elevated is out in the world—and all across Chicago. Keep an eye out for the campaign featuring:

• Angie Conwell (B.ARCH. 4th Year)
• Areeba Ismail (BME 4th Year)
• Cedric Nartey (ITM, M.A.S. CYF 4th Year)
• Luis Mata (MBB 4th Year)
• Regina Ellis (MDes + MBA 2nd Year)

If you see us out there, snap a photo and tag us. 📸

04/20/2026

Looking for a summer program that challenges and inspires your student?

Elevate College Prep at Illinois Tech offers middle and high school students the opportunity to explore robotics, coding and programming, cybersecurity, and other exciting STEM fields through hands-on learning on a real college campus in Chicago.

Students build practical skills, work on engaging projects, and gain early exposure to the world of technology and innovation while learning from experienced instructors.

Applications are now open, and the deadline to apply is May 8, 2026.

Learn more and help your student take the next step toward a future in STEM: https://bit.ly/4avFznu

04/16/2026

The next milestone for the Class of 2026 is approaching.

Illinois Tech will celebrate its 157th Commencement on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Credit Union 1 Arena. In just one month, graduates, families, faculty, and friends will come together to recognize the dedication, innovation, and perseverance that define the Illinois Tech community.

Please check the Commencement page regularly in the coming weeks for important updates and event information: https://www.iit.edu/commencement

04/10/2026

Illinois Tech is celebrating a series of national rankings that highlight what matters most—student success, strong career outcomes, and expanding opportunity. These honors from organizations including The Wall Street Journal, U.S. News and World Report, TIME, the American Council on Education, and The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching reflect the value of an education built around innovation, access, and real-world preparation.

https://bit.ly/3PSOIjP

Explore why Illinois Tech is celebrating its recent rankings! Our dedication to student success, social mobility, and investment is supported by our impressi...

04/09/2026

A greener way to do Earth Day 🌿
Fresh air, local finds, and low-impact plans around Chicago. Earth Day is Wednesday, April 22!

*Chicago residents and students can also take advantage of free museum days around Earth Day, check local museum websites for details!

04/08/2026

Techpalooza on March 27 welcomed admitted undergraduate students and their families to the Illinois Tech community for a day of exploration, connection, and celebration.

Students met future classmates and potential roommates, learned about academic programs and career opportunities, and engaged with faculty and staff across campus. Programming for families provided insights into financial aid, career services, and student life.

Another opportunity to experience Techpalooza is coming up on April 17. Admitted students are encouraged to register and discover what their future at Illinois Tech can look like.

Students who attend Techpalooza get the opportunity to waive their deposit fee. Learn more and register today: https://www.iit.edu/resources-admitted-students/undergraduate/events-and-orientation/techpalooza

04/03/2026

The world is watching as Artemis II launches a new chapter in human space exploration—and an Illinois Tech alumna is helping shape the mission behind the scenes. 🚀

Sofia Ghouse (AE ’12) serves as the Intravehicular Operations Exploration Group lead supporting the Artemis campaign at NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration. In this role, she helps guide vehicle development, supports crew and flight controller training, and contributes to mission operations that power the next generation of lunar exploration.

She is also part of the planning team for Artemis II—a 10-day journey around the moon designed to test the systems and hardware needed to establish a sustained human presence on the lunar surface. 🌕

Her full story will appear in the upcoming spring issue of “Illinois Tech Magazine” this May. Stay tuned for a closer look!

04/02/2026

Ready to live your best life on campus? 🏢✨ Explore these living options at Illinois Tech, featuring social lounges and modern apartments designed by world-renowned architects!

For virtual campus tours, FAQ, and more: https://www.iit.edu/blog/living-on-campus-guide