On September 24, the iSchool will dedicate a memorial plaque to Yingbo Zhou, an MS/LIS student whose life was tragically cut short in 2009 when she died from injuries sustained in a hit-and-run car accident. The plaque, inscribed in both English and Chinese, will be located next to a tree that was planted in her honor following the accident.
"Thank you to Yingbo's parents for giving us the words on this marker, 'Love, wisdom, friendship—UIUC's spirit always,'" said Associate Professor Kate Williams who organized the dedication. "And thank you to the iSchool's Diversity Committee for honoring Yingbo's tree with this sign. This is the first-ever bilingual marker on campus. Truly, much is possible when we work together."
Zhou came to Illinois in 2008, as the first student selected for a "1+1" cooperation program between Zhejiang University and the GSLIS (currently iSchool at Illinois). She received her bachelor's degree in information management and information systems from Beijing Normal University and her master's degree in information resource management from Zhejiang University. While earning her MS/LIS, Zhou worked as a graduate assistant and teaching assistant in the Geographic Information System research group and served as the president of the Chinese Student Group.
A blog created in Zhou's memory recalls her joyful attitude and beautiful smile. "She picked the English name 'Rainbow' as it sounds like her name 'Yingbo.' In a way Yingbo's life was like a rainbow—full of vibrant colors and [she] brought inspiration and happiness to others."
Hundreds of people gathered at Yingbo’s memorial service at Twin City Bible Church in November 2009 to celebrate her beautiful life. She was laid to rest at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Champaign. The Yingbo Zhou Memorial Fund was established in 2009 with donations from Yingbo's parents, professors, Chinese students, visiting scholars and friends to provide an annual award to a Chinese graduate of the iSchool. It recognizes students for excellence in scholarship, passion for life, being inspirational, and making a positive impact on the iSchool-Chinese community.
"Thanks to the iSchool for providing an important spot for honoring Yingbo's tree with the bilingual marker, and to everyone for contributing to the event. It is much appreciated," said Lian Ruan (MS '90, PhD '11), head librarian and director of international programs at the Illinois Fire Service Institute.
All are invited to the dedication at 2:00 p.m. Monday, September 24, in front of the iSchool building.