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<\/a>College campuses can be hotspots for political action \u2013 what else would come from places where idealistic young people, newly making their own way in the world, can gather, collaborate, and share ideas?\u00a0 In the fall of 1960, Senator Kennedy capitalized on that enthusiasm when he visited the University of Illinois and addressed a crowd of thousands on the Main Quad.<\/p>\n
His speech, and the excitement of his listeners, were recorded in 13 photographs, found in the University Archives\u2019 Record Series 26\/2\/6, the Alumni Association Photograph and Negative File<\/a>.\u00a0 Reproduced online for the first time, these images were taken by Bob McCandless for what was then the Urbana Daily Courier<\/em>.*<\/p>\n Backing for then-candidate Kennedy arose early on campus \u2013 \u201cIllini for Kennedy\u201d was \u201cprobably the first group\u201d at the University to support a 1960 presidential candidate.\u00a0 The organization, which had formed by March 1960, supported the senator as they believed he \u201cbest [represented] the aspirations of the nation\u2019s youth and especially [personified] the hopes of college people.\u201d[1]<\/a>\u00a0 By September, they reported steady growth, with a membership of over 500 by the 23rd<\/sup>.[2]<\/a><\/p>\n Befitting Illinois\u2019 status as a swing state, the Democratic candidate campaigned here in the final days before the election.\u00a0 Originally, he was supposed to speak in downtown Champaign, which was changed to an airport rally, and finally became a speech on the Quad.[3]<\/a>\u00a0 On October 24th<\/sup>, Kennedy and his entourage were greeted by a crowd of 500 at Willard Airport.[4]<\/a>\u00a0 After traveling to campus, he addressed a crowd of more than \u201c10,000 frenzied Illini,\u201d speaking on foreign policy as students grappled to get a better view.\u00a0 Some resorted to climbing trees, roofs, and gathering around windows in nearby Lincoln Hall.[5]<\/a>[6]<\/a><\/p>\n Kennedy forcefully cast himself and the Democratic Party as “those who wish to move ahead,” in contrast to Richard Nixon and the Republicans, content, as JFK said, with \u201cstanding still.\u201d\u00a0 He highlighted foreign policy and diplomacy, particularly to newly-independent African countries, and also echoed the importance of the Space Race with the Soviet Union.\u00a0 His speech, which he closed by urging those present to \u201cjoin in rebuilding the strength and image of the United States as a progressive society,\u201d was well-received, with frequent pauses for applause and laughter.[7]<\/a><\/p>\n Just two weeks after visiting the University of Illinois, John Kennedy was elected President of the United States on November 8th<\/sup>, 1960.\u00a0 And as most know, his story came to an end three years later, on November 22nd<\/sup>, 1963.\u00a0 These photos remain as a remarkable example of the optimism and excitement that characterized his candidacy and subsequent presidency.<\/p>\n Citations<\/strong><\/p>\n [1]<\/a> \u201cIllini for Kennedy Begin Campaign<\/a>,\u201d Daily Illini<\/em>, March 2nd<\/sup>, 1960, page 2.<\/p>\n [2]<\/a> \u201cIllini for Kennedy Gains Support; More Than 500 Join in 2 Weeks<\/a>,\u201d Daily Illini<\/em>, September 23rd<\/sup>, 1960, page 5.<\/p>\n [3]<\/a> \u201cJack To Give Monday Talk In Quadrangle<\/a>,\u201d Daily Illini<\/em>, October 21st<\/sup>, 1960, page 1.<\/p>\n [4]<\/a> \u201c500 Welcome Sen. Kennedy at UI Airport<\/a>,\u201d Daily Illini<\/em>, October 25th<\/sup>, 1960, page 1.<\/p>\n [5]<\/a> \u201cJack Hits Foreign Policy<\/a>,\u201d Daily Illini<\/em>, October 25th<\/sup>, 1960, page 1.<\/p>\n [6]<\/a> \u201cKennedy Hearers Push, Shove<\/a>,\u201d Daily Illini<\/em>, October 25th<\/sup>, 1960, page 9.<\/p>\n [7]<\/a> Papers of John F. Kennedy. Pre-Presidential Papers. Senate Files. Speeches and the Press. Speech Files, 1953-1960. University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, Illinois, 24 October 1960. JFKSEN-0914-006. John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum<\/a><\/p>\n *Please note: copyright of these images is not owned by the University of Illinois, and they are published here under the doctrine of fair use. If you would like to view them in-person, or consult any other archival material, contact\u00a0illiarch@illinois.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a>
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