Recently, former members of REO Speedwagon returned to their roots, visiting the iconic Townsend Hall dorm rooms located at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. This nostalgic trip allowed them to reflect on their formative years in college, where their musical journey began.

Discover the Historic Dorm Rooms of REO Speedwagon’s Founding Members

The University of Illinois proudly maintains a tradition of honoring the dorm rooms of its most illustrious alumni. Gold plaques are displayed on the doors of former residences belonging to notable figures such as actor Nick Offerman, NFL Hall of Famer Dick Butkus, and financial expert Suze Orman. The legacy of REO Speedwagon is also celebrated in this way, as the founding members have received similar recognition for their contributions to music.

According to the Champaign News-Gazette, Neal Doughty, the band’s keyboardist, and Alan Gratzer, the drummer, forged their friendship while pursuing their studies at the University of Illinois during the mid-1960s. At that time, Gratzer was immersed in his studies of aeronautical engineering, a field that he found increasingly challenging.

Reflecting on his academic experience, Gratzer shared, “Between chemistry and physics, I didn’t have a clue. I went for five semesters and changed majors every semester. All I wanted to do was play rock and roll.” His passion for music ultimately led him away from academia and into a successful career with the band.

Today, fans and visitors can find gold plates commemorating their past outside of each of their former dorm rooms. Doughty’s plaque is prominently displayed outside room 250 in Townsend Hall, while Gratzer’s can be found nearby, outside room 252.

Celebrating the Legacy of REO Speedwagon at Their Alma Mater

Last week, Doughty and Gratzer, accompanied by former REO Speedwagon bass player Bruce Hall, returned to their college campus. Hall, a native of Champaign, joined the band in 1978, adding his unique talent to the group. The trio’s visit coincided with the Honoring the Legacy of REO Speedwagon event, held at the State Farm Center on June 14, where former members Terry Luttrell, Mike Murphy, and Steve Scorfina also participated.

READ MORE: REO Speedwagon Members Share Emotional Farewell

Beyond their visit to the dormitory, the trio also took a moment to stop by the location of the former Vriner’s Confectionery. This establishment holds a special place in REO Speedwagon’s history, as it is featured on the back cover of their 1972 album, R.E.O./T.W.O..

Doughty expressed excitement about their busy schedule leading up to the event, stating, “They’ve got us busy. I think they’re even making a documentary about the whole thing. It’s the most work I’ve done in one week (for quite a while).” This reflects the depth of their connection to the university and the impact of their musical journey.

Listen to Matt Wardlaw’s Recap of the Champaign REO Speedwagon Tribute on the ‘UCR Podcast’