Directory
Special Events
Gracyn is a two-time University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign alumna and assists in coordinating institutional events hosted by the Chancellor. She helps manage logistics and supports the successful delivery of events such as Commencement, New Student Convocation, and other large-scale advancement events. In her free time, Gracyn enjoys cheering on Illini sports, exploring new destinations, being an aunt to her nieces and nephew, and attending country music concerts!
Deanna Harman assists with event design and implementation for institutional events hosted by the Chancellor, including Commencement, New Student Convocation, and other large-scale advancement events. When not at an event, she enjoys crafting, baking, and traveling to National Park sites.
Jesse Marshall helps keep things running smoothly behind the scenes in the Special Events office, managing business and administrative operations while also assisting with events hosted by the Chancellor—including Commencement, New Student Convocation, and other large-scale events. Outside of work, she enjoys cheering on her kids with her husband, exploring new places, playing volleyball, and watching mindless reality TV with her pup, Lainey, by her side.
Anna Simon is the director of Special Events, managing events hosted by the Chancellor, including Commencement and profile events. She received her bachelor's and master's degrees at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and has over 25 years of experience planning events. Outside of work, Anna enjoys spending time with her husband, three children, and her dog.
