As I was putting this list together. I realized the commonality between all of these events was the University of Illinois. As someone who has lived in Champaign-Urbana for most of my life, sometimes I take for granted all of the amazing opportunities we have access to because of the U of I. From DNA lectures to tea ceremonies, here are four amazing things you can do in C-U this month.
Learn something about ribosomes
“The ribosome is the ancient and enormous molecular machine that reads genetic information on mRNA to synthesize proteins.” This talk with Nobel Prize laureate Dr. Venki Ramakrishnan will be speaking about his own efforts to unravel the structure of the ribosome and the backstory of his career. Dr. Ramakrishnan, is visiting from MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge, and you will also have a second chance to see him later in the evening as he presents as part of the multidisciplinary performance Gene Machine.
My adventures in the ribosome: A science talk by Dr. Venki Ramakrishnan
Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, Foellinger Great Hall
500 S Goodwin Ave
Urbana
October 10th
Noon
Free
Take part in some Japanese traditions
Linda Mosley will be the featured guest lecturer at the Japan House Fall Open House. Mosley is an artist and teacher of ceramics and Chado, Japanese tea ceremony. She will be talking about her ceramics and how all aspects of Japanese tea ceremony influences her work. This will only be a small part of the open house. You can also buy tickets in advance for the tea ceremonies hosted by the Chado Urasenke Tankokai Urbana-Champaign Association and garden tours by gardener Susan Kapacinskas.
Japan House Fall Open House
Japan House
2000 S Lincoln Ave
Urbana
October 14th
11 a.m.
Free but tickets required for tea ceremony and tours
Celebrate the orange and blue
Homecoming is more than just a football game, it is a celebration. This year’s calendar is packed with unique things to do. There’s a 5K race that ends at the Alice Campbell Alumni Center, an International Day Celebration at the University YMCA, a dedication for the new Chabad Campus for Jewish Life, with guests Governor JB Pritzker, U of I President Timothy Killeen, Chancellor Robert Jones, and a pop-up book workshop at Ricker Library. There is a full list of events on the Homecoming website as well as links to get tickets to the homecoming game against Wisconsin.
University of Illinois Homecoming Week
University of Illinois (various locations)
October 15-21
Free
Get some history with your happy hour
Starting this month, Allerton Park and Retreat Center will offer monthly talks on the history of Allerton. The visitor center coordinator Sarah Putman, will highlight a new historical topic each month. In October, you will take a deep dive into the history of the sprawling park, the Allerton family, and the various artworks they have collected throughout the years.
History Happy Hour
Allerton Park and Retreat Center
515 Old Timber Rd
Monticello
October 19th, 5 to 6 p.m.
$5, registration required
