Every year, the class board for the graduating class at the University of Illinois College of Medicine is tasked with planning and executing a series of events to help fourth-year medical students celebrate Match Week. Match Week, which will occur during the week of March 16, 2026, is the week leading up to Match Day—the day when fourth-year medical students discover where they will continue their training for the next 3-6 years. For many of us, it is the culmination of years of hard work, sleepless nights, and endless prayers. It marks a pivotal moment in our journey to becoming physicians, and we want to ensure that every student feels supported and celebrated during this milestone.

The funds raised will be used to plan and facilitate a number of events tailored to supporting and celebrating fourth-year medical students. For those required to participate in SOAP, which involves finding a residency at a program not initially applied to after going unmatched, we will host a pajama party game night to foster community and support. This event will include pizza, soft drinks, and mental health goodie bags filled with resources and trinkets to address mental health concerns and empower students through to the final Match Day. Additionally, we will organize a Match Day celebration for newly matched students, allowing them to bring friends and family to honor their achievements. Any excess funds at the end of the week will be passed on to the next class board, and we will allocate a 5% donation to a non-profit organization chosen by the highest donor.

To the friends that encourage us, family that supports us, strangers who we may one day have the privilege to treat, and alumni that paved the way so that we may stand on your shoulders, the Class of 2026 is deeply grateful for any and all contributions you make in support of our students. The importance of this week cannot be overstated, and we wouldn't be where we are today without the love, care, and support of our community. With your help, we are optimistic that we will have a week of celebration and support that is fitting for the occasion, support an impactful non-profit, and contribute to the success of the upcoming class board by providing them with a nest egg to start organizing their own Match Week.

- The ‘26 Class Board & DeAnthoni Wilkins, Class President