The Alma Mater is a beloved symbol of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Sculpted by Lorado Taft, the 10,000-pound statue depicts a mother figure wearing academic robes and flanked by two attendant figures representing "Learning" and "Labor," after the University's motto. The iconic statue stands in front of a stylized throne with her arms outstretched in welcome. The attendant figure "Labor" is a male who stands to her proper right and wears a blacksmith's apron. At his feet lays a sheaf of papers. The proper left figure "Learning" is a female robed in a classical gown with a sun bas relief on front. The work stands approximately 13-feet tall and the granite base carries three inscriptions with the front reading: "ALMA MATER, to thy happy children of the future, those of the past send greetings."

Taft began sculpting on the theme of "Labor and Learning" while home from Paris in 1883, after graduating from the University of Illinois in 1879. The plaster cast was presented at the annual convocation of the Alumni Association in 1922. After being completed, the Alma Mater was dedicated seven years later in 1929. Originally sitting on the south campus behind Foellinger Auditorium, Alma is now on the corner of Green and Wright Streets at the heart of campus, and the edge of Campustown. The long flowerbed stretching from the front of the Alma Mater to the corner is known as the Alma Mater Plaza.

In 2012, the statue was removed for restoration to repair surface corrosion, cracks and water penetration into the sculpture. The University announced the decision to restore the original bronze color of the statue rather than leave the natural green patina that is associated with the image. Alma finally returned to campus in April 2014.