The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini

The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini

The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini

The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini

Ellen Barczak

The Alma Mater statue stands proudly with her arms spread wide on a summer day.

Opinion | A love letter to Alma Mater

By Ellen Barczak, Assistant Opinions Editor December 12, 2020
Columnist Ellen Barczak poses with her dog Buddy. Barczak believes people should carefully consider before adopting dogs during the pandemic.

Opinion | Resist urge to adopt a quarantine puppy

By Ellen Barczak, Assistant Opinions Editor November 17, 2020
Opinion | Take festive solace in Midwestern party food

Opinion | Take festive solace in Midwestern party food

By Ellen Barczak, Asst. Opinions Editor November 13, 2020
Opinion | Word Art always disappoints

Opinion | Word Art always disappoints

By Ellen Barczak, Senior Columnist September 14, 2020
Singer Sufjan Stevens performs at the Pabst Theater in Milwaukee on Sept. 25, 2006.

Opinion | Validate your negative emotions

By Ellen Barczak, Senior Columnist May 15, 2020
Opinion | What it really means to be pro-life

Opinion | What it really means to be pro-life

By Ellen Barczak, Senior Columnist December 9, 2019
An actress rehearses for “Because I am your Queen (A Feminist Fantasia)” at the Illinois Theatre on March 13. Columnist Ellen praises artistic individuals for their creative minds.

Rock on, fine arts majors

By Ellen Barczak, Columnist September 9, 2019
A child plays a video game on a tablet. Columnist Ellen urges parents to allow their children to be bored and, thus, cultivate their imagination rather than drown them in technology.

Technology kills our imagination

By Ellen Barczak, Columnist August 27, 2019
Tell your mom you love her

Tell your mom you love her

By Ellen Barczak, Columnist April 4, 2019
You have a place in church

You have a place in church

By Ellen Barczak, Columnist March 12, 2019
Stop stereotyping by major

Stop stereotyping by major

By Ellen Barczak, Columnist March 10, 2019
Put your money where your mouth is

Put your money where your mouth is

By Ellen Barczak, Columnist January 28, 2019
Be your own sunshine this season

Be your own sunshine this season

By Ellen Barczak, Columnist December 13, 2018
We need to change our dating habits

We need to change our dating habits

By Ellen Barczak, Columnist November 28, 2018
Consider minimalism this holiday season

Consider minimalism this holiday season

By Ellen Barczak, Columnist November 26, 2018
Steer clear of skincare myths

Steer clear of skincare myths

By Ellen Barczak, Columnist October 22, 2018

Set an example with Judge Kavanaugh

By Ellen Barczak, Columnist October 3, 2018
A call for the end of frat culture

A call for the end of frat culture

By Ellen Barczak, Columnist February 10, 2018
When did pettiness become a good thing?

When did pettiness become a good thing?

By Ellen Barczak, Columnist February 1, 2018
Neutrality is a stance

Neutrality is a stance

By Ellen Barczak, Columnist October 15, 2017
ILLordle: Play now