Name: Alexandra Raloff
Year: Junior
Major: Mathematics teacher education
Minor: English
Hometown: Tinley Park

What brought you to Illinois State University and the College of Arts and Sciences?

“When I was looking for a university to attend, I wanted somewhere that was close to home for when I want to see my family, but also far enough to gain a sense of independence. I also know Illinois State is known as a good university to attend if you want to go into teaching, so that was a major part of my decision-making as well. When it comes to coming to the College of Arts and Sciences, I have always enjoyed the challenge and satisfaction of solving challenging math problems, and I wanted to further pursue mathematics alongside going into teaching. It’s also really nice being able to add my English minor as well, since writing and literature are personal interests of mine.”

How have you gotten involved at Illinois State?

“I’ve made many friends on campus and like to attend university events like Welcome Week, and I’ve been in a few RSOs (registered student organizations), but I’m most involved in the RSO Vocal Movement. I’m the current treasurer, one of the choreographers, the soprano 2 section leader, and I have a lot of friends in the group, so I spend a lot of time with them. I’m also in the Honors Program and have taken fun honors seminars and explorations, but my favorite honors experience so far has been the Alternative Spring Break trip to Cumberland State Park in Tennessee. Helping build trails made me feel more connected to nature and myself, and it was very rewarding to see all the progress our hard work helped contribute to.”

What is your proudest or happiest moment so far at Illinois State?

“I’ve had many happy moments and moments where I was proud of myself at Illinois State, but one that stands out to me was on the last day of my Honors Alternative Spring Break trip when we took a break from working on the trail to spend time at Daddy’s Creek. Clearing the duff on the trail was very physically demanding work, and I was so proud of myself for sticking with it and doing my best every day, even when I was sore and the walk in got longer and longer each day from all the duff we managed to clear as a group. That time we spent on the last day at the creek made me really appreciate all the work we put in, and I was so proud of myself for sticking with it even when it was hard, and that made that time spent at the creek with the friends I’ve made feel even more precious.”

Associate Professor Óscar Chavez on Raloff:

“Alexandra was my student in MAT 211. She always had a happy disposition and a keen interest in geometry. I could always count on meticulous work from her. I think that proof writing is a creative endeavor. Alexandra’s proofs in my class were always a pleasure to read, carefully crafted arguments rather than blind application of a procedure. She has an inquisitive mind, she is a profound thinker, and an excellent team player. She has varied interests which, I’m sure, will give her a broader view of education. I think Alexandra has a very bright future as a mathematics teacher. Her students will be very fortunate to learn from her.”

Read more stories from the College of Arts and Sciences at News.IllinoisState.edu/Unit/College-Arts-Sciences and follow the college on Facebook and Instagram.

Contentious exchanges between President Donald Trump and Democratic lawmakers erupted during the longest-ever State of the Union address, in which Trump touted economic success, defended immigration policies and pushed to preserve tariffs struck down by the Supreme Court.

Illinois Rep. Lauren Underwood walked out of the House Chamber mid-speech, saying in a video posted afterward, “…I had to leave the State of the Union. After hearing him make light of the health care crisis that he created and then to not be even serious about prescription drugs, acting like Trump Rx is some real solution, give me a break. It’s outrageous and I couldn’t stay in there a moment longer.”

Several Illinois Democrats blasted the president’s remarks, while republicans lauded his accomplishments.

Here’s how a number of Illinois lawmakers responded.

Republican Rep. Darin LaHood

“Tonight, President Trump delivered a State of the Union address that highlighted the victories we’ve secured for the American people and laid a vision of strength for the future of our great nation. With Republican leadership in the White House and Congress, we have secured our southern border, cut taxes for working families, strengthened our economy, and restored American leadership on the world stage. While there is more work to be done, President Trump outlined a clear path to build on our success, strengthen our national security, make life more affordable, and expand opportunity for American families.”

For all those who didn’t watch tonight, allow me to summarize:

The liar lied again.

— Tammy Duckworth (@SenDuckworth) February 25, 2026

Democratic Rep. Brad Schneider

“If you were fortunate to be watching the State of the Union at home tonight, you could have changed the channel after the USA Men’s Hockey Team was honored for bringing home gold. That was the best part of the longest-ever State of the Union Address. Congratulations to them – and to the USA Women’s Hockey Team and to all of our winter Olympians.

“Nearly two hours later, the President presented the Congressional Medal of Honor to two war heroes. It was a moment that rightly united the entire chamber inspired by these two heroes’ sacrifice for our nation.

“Unfortunately, the rest of the President’s address was just more of Mr. Trump’s tired old grievances and lies. It’s obvious he has no serious plan to help hardworking Americans get ahead, no plan to lower the cost of groceries, to make it easier to buy a home or afford healthcare for their families.

“Because of President Trump’s failed agenda, Americans are paying too much at the grocery store. Housing and utility costs are preventing families from reaching the American dream. Healthcare costs are so high, millions of Americans are being priced out of basic care altogether.

“Instead of offering real solutions, the President bragged about kicking millions of people off food stamps, including children and seniors. He defended and doubled down on his illegal tariff taxes that raised costs for consumers and pushed small businesses to the brink of disaster. He brushed aside his administration’s vicious, violent, and cruel immigration policies that have resulted in the killing of American citizens.

“I want to make life better for all Americans, to lower costs, to keep our communities safe and healthy, to preserve democracy, and to protect our national security. I wish that was the case as well for our President. Unfortunately, all the American people continue to get are broken promises, higher costs, and endless chaos.

“Our nation deserves better. While Republicans continue to bury their heads in the sand and bend their knees in supplication to their failed, corrupt President, Democrats are fighting back, using every tool available to stop Trump and Republicans’ extreme policies and make life better for the American people.”

After spending the last year wreaking havoc on our communities, Donald Trump yet again spewed lies and attempted to gaslight the American people.

We endured baseless claims, shameless propaganda, and the ramblings of a wannabe dictator outlining his plans to steal our elections.

— Governor JB Pritzker (@govpritzker.illinois.gov) February 24, 2026 at 10:15 PM

Advertisement

The President is putting his name on failed policies that cost Americans more:

TrumpRx.
Trump taxes.
Trump performing art centers.
Trump accounts.

At least we all know who to blame, then, for higher healthcare costs, higher taxes, and higher costs of living.

— Robin Kelly (@RepRobinKelly) February 25, 2026

He lingers, salaciously over people who were hurt and murdered. But there is no joy, no happiness in this speech. Just an angry, bitter, hateful, man who knows no one in this room loves him any more than he loves them.

— Sean Casten (@SeanCasten) February 25, 2026

The American people deserve the truth. Instead, tonight, they heard lies from President Donald Trump.

While families struggle with rising costs for housing, health care, and groceries, billionaires and big corporations continue to reap record profits.

Advertisement

I will continue fighting…

— Jan Schakowsky (@janschakowsky) February 25, 2026

Like last year, I gave myself 5 bald-faced lies before I walked out of Trump’s joint address.

Less than one hour into his speech, I’m out.

— Congressman Bill Foster (@RepBillFoster) February 25, 2026

pic.twitter.com/wyP9r5HFCx

— Rep. Mike Bost (@RepBost) February 25, 2026

Advertisement

My thoughts on the President’s #SOTU Address👇

Tonight, we heard the ramblings of a President dangerously disconnected from the real issues keeping families up at night – issues his own policies have made worse.

The harsh truth is that people are struggling. People like Laura,…

— Nikki Budzinski (@NikkiBudzinski) February 25, 2026

A group of historians and educators is working to identify, preserve, and share the stories of freedom seekers who traveled through the Underground Railroad in Illinois. 

The project comes amid efforts to erase or water down Black history, including recent actions by the National Park Service under the Trump administration. Last month, the National Park Service removed an exhibit in Philadelphia about nine people enslaved by George Washington.  A federal judge ordered the exhibit to be restored.  The Trump administration has appealed that ruling.  In September, a photo showing an enslaved man’s scarred back from whippings was removed from a national monument in Georgia. 

Members of the “Illinois Network to Freedom Collective” are focused on bringing attention to the stories of freedom seekers and sites connected to the Underground Railroad in Illinois.  

According to the National Park Service, there are 28 recognized “Network to Freedom” sites in the state, including Graceland Cemetery and the Ton Farm site in Chicago. 

Abdul Alkalimat, a member of the collective, said, “We found at least 429 places in Illinois that were directly connected to the Underground Railroad.” 

The group is working to uncover and document these locations by analyzing written records, church documents, census data, and oral histories. 

“We think the real story is the freedom seekers, the people who were daring enough to escape from slavery,” said Alkalimat. 

Eric Krupa, curator and archivist at the St. Charles History Museum, recently helped add the Joseph Bartlett Farm in Kane County to the National Park Service’s list of recognized safehouses. 

“This site is actually where Celia and Eliza were taken to,” said Krupa, referring to two freedom seekers whose journey passed through the area. 

Krupa said there is evidence connecting another home in St. Charles to the same story, and he is working to get that home nationally recognized as well. 

Larry McClellan, a historian with the collective, explained the challenges of researching this history. 

“So, to begin with, this (the underground railroad) is all illegal, so what we have to do is find all kinds of ways to get into the information, and so we end up with family records, with church records, with census records,” said McClellan. 

Alkalimat added, “There’s a lot of oral history. There’s a lot of family documentation.” 

The collective’s work is not only about research, but also about public education. 

“It’s getting the resources, the imagery, the narratives, the stories, those things that help students and teachers come alive in classrooms that bring those feelings up in classrooms,” said Asif Wilson, an educator and member of the group. 

McClellan said, “There are efforts going on around the state, and having the commission will help us pull those efforts together in terms of developing curriculum, developing standards and guidelines.” 

The group hopes that by teaching this history, they can inspire progress in the ongoing fight for civil rights. 

“The Underground Railroad is an important aspect of the past, but we have to embrace the legacy of the freedom seekers all the way through the current time we live in today,” said Alkalimat, “Since we’ve arrived here, we’ve always found ways to build new home, place, to build new lives, to resist that oppression, and I hope to bring those legacies and those memories to folks who might not have them because we exist in a time and place right now where it seems like the world is literally on fire,” said Wilson, “We really need these moments to reconcile the past and what the past might mean for the future.” 

The collective came together about a year ago, but Historians Glennette Turner and Larry McClellan have been doing this work for decades. They say the new collaborative project gives them hope. 

“Part of why we’re so excited about the new collaborative is really completing the work that we started so long ago,” said McClellan. 

Turner said, “I’m 92 years old, and I knew I wouldn’t live forever and just, you know, be able to continue this. It’s just so encouraging. It just means everything is going to be in good hands going forward.” 

Last summer, Illinois passed the “Illinois Freedom Trails Commission Act,” which aims to explore, research, and commemorate the journeys of freedom seekers. Several members of the collective helped draft the legislation and are now working with the state. The official commission has yet to be announced and will be appointed by the governor.