Personal Relationships: Personal Contacts, Deans, Directors, Department Heads, Faculty, Administrators, Customers, Facilities & Services Maintenance and Construction Support Staff, Construction Superintendents, Craft Supervisors, Shop Foreperson and Sub-Foreperson, Craftsmen, Contractors, Vendors, and Suppliers. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation.