As a poet, artist and organizer, Michael Reyes performs internationally and facilitates educational performances and workshops by merging creative expression and critical thought. His mission is to provide a participatory educational environment through poetry and hip-hop to address issues of social justice and cultural identity. Reyes is known for his ability to combine history, current events and performance into a fusion of education and entertainment. He stopped by the IRC to connect with IMSA students this past Friday, April 6th. 

Reyes has performed and keynoted at over 1,500 institutions including: The Million Man March in Washington D.C., The United States Hispanic Leadership Institute, National Council of La Raza Conference, National Conference on Race and Ethnicity, The White Privilege Conference and The Latino Ivy League Conference.

Currently Reyes is in the production of “Culture Creators” a progressive and radical media company encompassing a vlog, music label, youth artist talent management, film production, and fashion segments that will be produced in both Detroit and Chicago. The Vlog highlights over 100 culture creators ranging from community organizers to musical artists. 

If you missed the event or would like to hear more about Michael’s cause, check out his website here. 

Wunderkammern, or cabinets of curiosities, arose in mid-sixteenth-century Europe as repositories for all manner of wondrous and exotic objects. In essence these collections—combining specimens, diagrams, and illustrations from many disciplines; marking the intersection of science and superstition; and drawing on natural, manmade, and artificial worlds—can be seen as the precursors to museums.   MoMA – Museum of Modern Art

IMSA faculty jean bigger, Sarah O’Leary-Driscoll, and IMSA student Isabella Huynh-Pham have started this new exhibit by bringing in some of their own favorite oddities – and now they’re inviting you to share your weird and wonderful treasures too!

Items will be displayed in the library’s locked cabinets, under the skylights, through May 2018.

Come by the IRC and satisfy your curiosities! 

Happy Holidays from the IRC! Here are the hours for before and after winter break. Have a safe and peaceful break!

The IRC has opened a brand new silent study room for students looking for space that is conducive to individual silent study. The room is located next to the mac lab in the IRC and is available to students and staff whenever the IRC is open. Feel free to come by and check it out!

The IRC will be open this Sunday from Dec. 17th from 2 to 6 pm. An IRC team member will be available to assist.

Witches, goblins, and ghouls, oh my! In celebration of Halloween, students and faculty paraded through the school sporting their best costume. Here are some of our favorites from the day!

Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month there was a Latinx Read–In in the IRC featuring a Zumba demonstration with Betty Hart, an introduction to Hispanic Heritage Month by the World Language faculty, literature by Latinx authors and a call to support the disaster victims in Puerto Rico and Mexico with Janette Rosario.

World Language staff members, Maria del Carmen De Avila and Anastacio Aranda-Rodríguez spoke of the importance of Hispanic Heritage Month and kicked things off with the first reading.

Many students shared their favorite poems, excerpts, and readings. 

Donations to support Hurricane and Earthquake victims in Puerto Rico & Mexico are being accepted until October 15.

Donation items include: water, flashlights, batteries, first aid kits, baby and adult diapers, wipes, disinfectant wipes, and insect repellent.

Donate now!

IMSAloquium is an annual, public event during which the IMSA community showcases work done during the year. SIR students present on their research and students doing independent studies and other innovative work are also invited to present.

In addition, Research Mentors and IMSA community members facilitate participant-centered workshops related to research they are engaged in on campus. The event also features a keynote speech and brief comments from members of the IMSA staff.

On Friday, April 28, the IRC hosted a discussion panel with Adrienne Coleman, Michael Dean, Kitty Lam, and Claiborne Skinner, titled, “Who Do We Think We Are? Immigration and American Identity.” The discussion was well attended by faculty and students and was facilitated by Sara Goek.

The Illinois Math & Science Academy celebrated its 30^th anniversary and official opening of IN2, a community innovation center modeled after successful entrepreneurial spaces like 1871, MIT’s media lab, and the University of Illinois’ EnterpriseWorks. The ribbon cutting ceremony included a panel discussion with Youtube cofounder, Steve Chen, and notable alumnus, Claudia M. Flores, J.D. and Jessica Droste Yagan.

In conjunction with this event, the IRC showcased the IMSA archives collection, including a large-screen interactive timeline of the academy’s history: 1987-2017.

Archives display:

Historical t-shirt quilt provided by student life:

IMSA co-curricular and sports trophies and awards:

IMSA Spirit-wear:

IMSA Computer Science presentations:

Retired staff and alumnus enjoying the event!