Founded in 1873, the University of Illinois Alumni Association is an independent, not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization, governed by a volunteer board of directors. Its purpose is to oversee services that benefit alumni engagement at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

The mission of the Association is to enhance and advance the relationship between the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and all its alumni; to inspire lifelong loyalty and pride among alumni and friends by strengthening their relationship with the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; and to educate the public about the value of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and its alumni. The objectives of this Association are educational and charitable. The Association functions as an advocate for the alumni and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign by informing interested parties of current issues, events, and accomplishments of alumni and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. In fulfilling its mission, the Association may provide a variety of services to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and its alumni.