2020: Looking back at a year unlike any other at Illinois State University

COMPILED BY VIDETTE NEWS STAFF
Dec 28, 2020
Dec 28, 2020 Updated Jan 4, 2021
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In a year that was unlike any other, several stories dominated the headlines around the world, nation, state and Bloomington-Normal. As we say goodbye to 2020, here's a look back at some of the events that defined the year at Illinois State University.

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COVID-19: ISU campus goes silent in March
Starting as a distant threat in December 2019, COVID-19 quickly changed the day-to-day life on many.

For Illinois State University students, the school went fully remote in March, sending on-campus students home to their families and pushing classes fully online in the matter of a week.

Things began to look up in summer 2020 as cases started to go down and mitigations lessened. ISU President Larry Dietz sent a letter to students saying he felt confident that there would be in-person classes for students returning in the fall semester. By August, almost 80% of classes were online.

Nearing the end of the year, and after nine months of living with COVID-19, McLean County currently is riding through a spike in cases and hospitalizations. Indoor dining continues to be restricted and several bars and restaurants are either temporarily closing or developing creative ways to eat outdoors.

The Black Lives Matter movement

Following the death of George Floyd and further outrage over the death of Breonna Taylor, protests broke out across the country.

Bloomington-Normal saw its fair share of protests, including a rally where a protester was struck by a motorcycle.

The Black Lives Matter movement

Following the death of George Floyd and further outrage over the death of Breonna Taylor, protests broke out across the country.

Bloomington-Normal saw its fair share of protests, including a rally where a protester was struck by a motorcycle.

The Black Lives Matter movement

Following the death of George Floyd and further outrage over the death of Breonna Taylor, protests broke out across the country.

Bloomington-Normal saw its fair share of protests, including a rally where a protester was struck by a motorcycle.

The Black Lives Matter movement

The cover page of the June 11 edition of The Vidette.

Lyons comment sparks controversy within ISU Athletics Department

“All Redbird lives matter.” The statement from Illinois State University Athletic Director Larry Lyons was the final straw for most athletes this past fall.

Lyons made the comment during an all-athlete zoom call and the statement soon had ISU student-athletes and coaches speaking out against the head of athletic department.

Most Redbirds felt a sense of disbelief after hearing Lyons’ statement.

Lyons comment sparks controversy within ISU Athletics Department

“All Redbird lives matter.” The statement from Illinois State University Athletic Director Larry Lyons was the final straw for most athletes this past fall.

Lyons made the comment during an all-athlete zoom call and the statement soon had ISU student-athletes and coaches speaking out against the head of athletic department.

Most Redbirds felt a sense of disbelief after hearing Lyons’ statement.

Lyons comment sparks controversy within ISU Athletics Department

“All Redbird lives matter.” The statement from Illinois State University Athletic Director Larry Lyons was the final straw for most athletes this past fall.

Lyons made the comment during an all-athlete zoom call and the statement soon had ISU student-athletes and coaches speaking out against the head of athletic department.

Most Redbirds felt a sense of disbelief after hearing Lyons’ statement.

Like around the rest of the nation, Election Day in November was a busy day in central Illinois. It also turned into a stressful night and ensuing days as victor in the race for Presidency took several days to finalize.

Once it was determined the Democrat Joe Biden defeated incumbent Donald Trump, many around the Illinois State University campus celebrated.

Locally, incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis defeated Democrat Betsy Dirksen Londrigan and Republican Rep. Darin LaHood handily defeated his challenger George Petrilli.