Hello! My name is Michelle (Uken) Mitchell. I was a member of the ’94 pledge class of 4-H House and graduated from the U of I with a degree in Elementary Education. Currently, I am on the Alum Board and serving on the Property Committee. I have learned a lot from being on this committee and really appreciate their hard work. A big thank you to all of the alums who donate their time, talents, and/or money in making 4-House a special place for young women at the University of Illinois!
I grew up on a farm near St. Joseph, Illinois and I also enjoyed working on my grandparents’ dairy farm, as well as showing dairy cattle. My sister, Tammy (Uken) Kimmel was in the ‘87 pledge class. As her younger sister, it was always so fun to visit her at the house and get to know her house sisters. I always wished that Little Sister Weekend was every weekend! While living at 4-H House, I served as Vice-President, Social Chair, and Assistant Secretary, along with other committees. I always loved participating in all of the intramural sports with my house sisters!
Currently, I am a first grade teacher in Mahomet-Seymour School District. I have been teaching for 20 years and I absolutely LOVE it! Each day, I get to watch my students’ enthusiasm for learning and their growth as readers! As Dr. Seuss would say, “Today was good. Today was FUN. Tomorrow is another one!”
I am married to Cory, who also graduated from the U of I and lived at AGR. We have 3 children: Madison (19), Natalie (16), and Hayden (13). We live in Mahomet, Illinois. Many times, you will find our family playing a sport or watching a sport. Most importantly, we will always be cheering on the ILLINI and the CUBS!
My daughter, Madison, is currently a sophomore at the U of I and living at 4-H House. One of the hardest things about being a parent, is letting your child leave for college. However, knowing that she is in the BEST place on campus and in a special sisterhood that will last a lifetime, makes it much much easier! I have really enjoyed getting to know her house sisters. They are truly amazing young ladies! As I visit with the girls, it is very clear that our 4-H House sisterhood has not changed. These girls are destined to have life long friendships and many special memories, just as we did! (Maybe some of you will remember “Snap! Snap!” after reading that last sentence… And yes, they still do snaps!! 🙂
It is absolutely heartwarming to witness that 4-H House continues to be a special HOME away from home! I am privileged to be a part of it as an alum and as a mom!
