A Brief History of the Moms and Dads Associations

The Dads Association was officially founded November 6, 1922 as an organization, although it was 1913 when the men of Alpha Delta Phi fraternity invited their fathers to campus for a day that became Dads Day and is now celebrated as Dads Day Weekend.

Originally founded as the Mothers Association, the Moms Association traces its roots back to 1892-96 when a young woman, Amelia Alpiner, attended the University of Illinois.  Like her mentor, Katherine Merrill (the University’s first female professor), Amelia was active in women’s equality issues and campus affairs of the day.  She graduated and had a family. In 1921, Amelia Alpiner Stern’s daughter attended Illinois and became an active member of the Women’s League.  Later that same year, 50 young ladies of the Women’s League invited their mothers to campus for the day establishing the first “Mom’s Day.”  In 1923, before the third annual luncheon, Amelia Alpiner Stern was called to the Office of the Dean of Women, Ruby Mason. Dean Mason and University President David Kinley persuaded Mrs. Alpiner Stern to organize the Mothers Association in a manner similar to the Dads Association.  

During the war years when mothers couldn’t travel to campus, the Mothers Association couldn’t be stopped from celebrating their special day, Mom’s Day.  Students sent prepared programs home informing mothers that the campus radio station, WILL, was broadcasting greetings from Dean of Women Maria Leonard, a speech by the president of the University and a Glee Club concert. 

The Associations have grown over the years.  Historically membership fee based organizations, the Moms and Dads Associations maintained a membership base of approximately 10,000 dues paying members.  In the summer of 2007, the Associations eliminated the membership fee requirement opening membership, resources and information to all families of enrolled Illinois students. 

Throughout their history, both Associations have contributed a great deal to the health, safety and well-being of the University and the student body. In recognition of their 50th anniversary, the Moms Association contributed funds to build Anniversary Plaza; the patio on the south side of the Illini Union.  The Dads and the Moms Associations purchased thermal imaging cameras for the Urbana Fire Department for use in residence hall fires, paid for the trees lining University Avenue in front of Beckman, purchased a van for the Nite Rides program, contributed toward the purchase of a bomb-sniffing dog for the University Police Department, contributed toward the purchase of safety vests for members of the Student Patrol and much more.  Each year, the Associations sponsor a Tuition Drawing. First prize is two-semesters of in-state base tuition and 2nd prize is one semester of in-state base tuition. 

The success of the Associations is owed to the incredible generosity of our volunteers, who give freely of their time, expertise and leadership. If you are interested in becoming a part of these incredible organizations, contact the Parent Programs Office at (217) 333-7063 or at uofiparents@illinois.edu.