Roger Ebert loves the University of Illinois

Its closing in on my graduation  here at the University of Illinois, and I hope you will forgive me for indulging in some of this sentimental crap.

Roger Ebert ranks probably within the top 5 most recognizable Illinois Alumni, (you know the top spot goes to Hef) and in addition to giving money to the University, Ebert gives back to his Alma Mater and home town by hosting Ebertfest movie festival. He comes back every spring and brings cash and attention to the University and the area.

In a recent blog entry Ebert waxed poetically about growing up in Urbana and learning about the good old University from his father. He talks about everything from Red Grange to the Armory to the Chief. If you have ever gone to the University, or lived in the area give this a read, its well worth it.

Ebert grew up in the era where Hugh Hefner, Robert Novak and my grandfather all attended the University, his father attended football games back in the 20's with Red Grange. He knows the history of this school really well.

The Illini were the University of Illinois, the world's greatest university, whose football stadium my father had constructed--by himself, I believe. It was there that he had seen Red Grange, the greatest player of all time. Also in that stadium were seen the world's first huddle, the world's first Homecoming, and Chief Illiniwek, the world's greatest sports symbol ("Don't ever call him a mascot," my father said. "Chief Illiniwek stands for something.")

-Roger Ebert