Giving back to the Central Illinois community is an integral part of the Illinois State Athletics experience. With all of the support the community gives the Redbirds, the student-athletes return the favor by visiting schools, hospitals and retirement communities. In each of the last six years, Redbird student-athletes have combined for more than 2,000 hours of community service, including more than 3,500 hours in 2009-10. Redbirds are more than student-athletes, they are role models as well.