About Us

knights of Columbus

Founded by Blessed Fr. Michael McGivney in 1882, The Knights of Columbus is a Catholic Service Fraternity - a community of brothers united by a call to grow in faith. Through authentic brotherhood, charitable works, and active prayer, we seek to grow in relationship with God and one another, building each other up as we better our community and get to know our loving Father through charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism.

iLLINI cOUNCIL 2782'S Story

Founded on May 30th,1937 as the first Knights of Columbus College Council at a public university, Illini Council 2782 has been an integral part of St. John's Catholic Newman Center and the Catholic Illini Community. From being one of the first sources of funding for the construction of St. John's Catholic Newman Center and Newman Hall, to being recognized as the #1 Outstanding College Council in 2003-2004 and 2014-2015 and a 20 time Star Council, Illini Council 2782 has left an imprint on the history of the University of Illinois and Knights of Columbus. We are blessed to consistently be ranked the top College Council in the State of Illinois, one of the top College Councils in the United States, and to be located at the top Newman Center in the world.