Each attendee has a unique purpose and experience. Select the arrows below to view a small sample. More testimonials are available upon request.
Attending the LDL Connects 2022 event was an unforgettable experience for me. Like in a long-distance relationship, everything became much more real once we finally met, looked into each other’s eyes, and took a stroll around the campus. I took three flights and flew over 6,000 miles to meet everyone, and it was worth it. Anyone who is a few hours’ drive away, just register and come.
As a 2021 graduate from the LDL doctoral program, meeting my local and international peers was amazing at our first LDL Connects in 2022! I had worked closely with my peers virtually for the duration of my program, but seeing so many people in person made our connections stronger. I look forward to the upcoming LDL Connects to reunite with peers and offer support to the current students in their dissertation sequence.
The in-person gathering with faculty and peers was worth driving for 3 hours. I got to join the campus tour, talked to the professors and build a network with peers. The warm experience makes me feel that I am not alone and motivates me to continue my studies!
I would have to say that the in-person gathering was the most encouraging experience during my Ed.D. journey so far. It was heartwarming to meet my peers walking on the same path, which could be lonely, especially being a fully online doctoral student. Eating a meal together and listening to each other was meaningful. What also helped me the most was meeting Dr. Francis (Kara) in person, who has been the single most important guide in my dissertation writing journey. It is very hard to really know the person behind the voice on Zoom. I am now much more comfortable reaching out to Kara.
Having a meal cooked by Dr. Kalantzis was just indescribable. It was such an honor, and it made the trip worth it to experience Dr. Cope and Kalantzis personally. In-person connection surely reminded me why I am in this program and how important it is to persevere. It was a great experience to mingle with fellow doctoral students, cheering each other on. I strongly recommend LDL Connects to all online doctoral students. I guarantee that this event will strengthen you and nurture you because you will be able to personally experience how amazing the team of staff, faculty, and peers you are working with in this program!!
Getting the time to connect with classmates, Kara, Bill, and Mary was so worth the trip to UIUC last year. The LDL program is so welcoming and everyone is really invested in helping each other and that really was tangible at poster presentations and with in-person discussions about our research. Spending time at Mary and Bill’s home with participants and other guests was the true highlight, especially the Greek feast Mary prepared.
The LDL in-person gathering was both a beneficial and enjoyable experience for me. The sessions were interesting and timely, offering a chance to see some of my peers making presentations. The social aspect of the gathering was of particular importance to me by meeting and greeting so many people involved in the program, including Bill, Mary, Kara, and so many of my peers. But the pinnacle of the in-person gathering for me was the hooding ceremony, where I was able to feel like I really “graduated” from Illinois! I hope to attend future gatherings and I encourage everyone in the program to try and attend.
I began the EPOL LDL EdD program in August 2020 where I was introduced to Dr. Cope and Dr. Kalantzis. Even though I attended classes and enjoyed the content, it was the in-person gatherings that have made a difference to me. My first gathering was in October 2022. I drove to Champaign from Naperville, IL, only a 3-hour drive compared to one of my peers who flew from Toyko. It was there that I realized the full scope of the program’s geographic reach, meeting people around the US and the world. I attended workshops, a volleyball game and shared breakfasts with peers at the student union where I stayed.
The final dinner was at Dr. Cope and Dr. Kalantzis’s home which was graciously prepared for us in their Prairie Glass House. We were all welcomed with open arms and enjoyed plenty of fabulous food, camaraderie, and a tour of their home. It was there that I saw the love that they both had for life, learning, and their students. By the second in-person gathering in September 2023, I had joined a writing group and was able to connect with my group members as well as meet others. This in-person gathering also included a graduation, a campus tour, and an incredible dinner at Dr. Cope and Dr. Kalantzis’s home. I look forward to attending another gathering in the fall of 2024 as I continue my dissertation journey.
The in-person gathering was well worth the 8-hour drive to and from our residence to engage with fellow peers and academics. It was an opportunity to interact, network, and share insights about what it takes to spark novel ideas in research with a diverse group of subject-matter experts from across the globe. The dinner hosted by Drs. Kalantzis and Cope topped it all perfectly. I am certainly looking forward to our next in-person meeting.
I was nervous about attending the LDL Connects gathering since I was a brand new EdD student and didn’t know anyone (I hadn’t even finished my first class yet). I am so happy I went because it really gave me the chance to see the campus, connect with other students in various stages of the process, and meet all of the wonderful faculty and staff in person. People that I met at the gathering are no longer just a little name and photo in CG Scholar, they’re my peers. After the visit I really felt like I belonged at UIUC, and that this was my community.
