Civil & Environmental Engineering staff members and event organizers Jennifer Bishop, Jamar Brown, and Marlo Hedrick hosted the 2nd Annual CEE Black History Celebration History Luncheon on February 25, 2026.

Students, faculty, and staff engaged with poster displays highlighting Black achievements in CEE and at Illinois, while enjoying a delicious soul food buffet on the Kavita and Lalit Bahl Smart Bridge.

Building off the success of last year's event, Bishop, Brown, and Hedrick invited Lynford L Goddard, Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, at The Grainger College of Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign to speak at the luncheon.

Goddard's remarks, entitled "We Do This Because..." reflected on his passion for increasing accessibility for the STEM fields. He recounted stories from his childhood and his earliest experiences with science; from observing the mechanics of a giant pendulum at a children's museum, to encountering an earthquake simulator in San Francisco, to his early science fair projects, it was these moments that created the spark to continue his exploration of science, and inspired him now to give back and create that spark for others.

During his time at Stanford University, Goddard recalled the impact that student organizations made on his academic career, helping students like him feel included within the campus community while also providing access to resources and invaluable social connections that became a springboard for future successes.

In his role at Illinois, he is paying forward those experiences;  providing the support and resources to students not only at the university, but also through high school programs like the Grainger Engineering Summer Camps.

Built in love and community

CEE students Saliyah As-Salaam, NSBE President, and Elaina Gipson, EMBRACE President, also spoke at the event, reiterating the positive enduring impacts of student organizations, mentoring, and scholarships on student success; sharing how access to resources and a strong community unlocked potential in themselves and in others.

As-Salaam emphasized the importance of creating space for students from all backgrounds and an environment where everyone feels seen, affording students the confidence and support to find their own path.

"Black History is built in love and community," As-Salaam explained, and she, alongside organizations like NSBE and EMBRACE, are dedicated to continuing to foster a CEE community that honors the past and elevates the future for students.

Bishop, Brown, and Hedrick's efforts continue to build upon history for the future; celebrating the contributions of Black History, not just at Illinois but across the world, that laid the groundwork for the diverse, inclusive, supportive CEE community today, whose students' successes will be celebrated by the generations to come.