Graduate Ready | Illinois College

Graduate READY is more than just a catchy phrase — it’s a promise we make to you and your family.

Access to faculty experts and mentors, small class sizes, a multi-faceted approach to academics, and hands-on learning will prepare you with the skills to succeed in any 21st-century career. Check out the stories below to learn more about how IC students are Graduating READY.

Kellen Blum '22,

"Kellen Blum ’22 came to Illinois College to continue his baseball career and study psychology."

Emily Bone '23,

"At Illinois College, Emily Bone ’23 found the resources and experiences she needed to reach her goals."

Anna Broadbooks '23,

"“My internships helped me get hands-on experience, as well as a job after graduation.”"

Walker Brown '25,

Agribusiness Management

"While Walker Brown ’25 was initially drawn to Illinois College because his brother Marshall Brown ’22 attended, he ended up choosing IC because of the opportunities he would have as an agribusiness major."

Marshall Brown '22,

Agribusiness Management

"For Marshall Brown ’22, IC helped broaden his horizons and helped him become a better farmer for the future — more eco-friendly, economical and the best he can be. "

Ashly Cedeno '26,

Physics and Biology

"A junior at Illinois College, Ashley Cedeno ’26 is double-majoring in physics and biology with concentrations in engineering and ecology. Cedeno embodies a liberal arts education, having participated in two internships that expand the understanding of her majors and how they intersect in the real world."

Patrick Combs '22,

"For Patrick Combs ’22, his Illinois College experience was all about the connections he made with professors and the hands-on learning he gained in and out of the classroom."

Clayton Crawford '24,

Business Administration and Accounting

"Clayton Crawford ’24, a business administration and accounting major from Springfield, Illinois, has made the most of his time at Illinois College. Despite starting his college journey during the challenges of COVID-19, Crawford embraced the situation, strengthening bonds with his football team and faculty."

Lacey Folger '24,

"Lacey Folger ’24’s journey into nursing began in high school but solidified during her freshman year at Illinois College, where a career exploration course helped her realize her passion for the field."

Caitlyn Ford '24,

"Caitlyn Ford ’24, a nursing graduate from Saint Louis, is preparing to embark on her professional journey."

Ligaya Garibay '25,

"Ligaya Garibay ‘25, a senior psychology major and sociology minor at Illinois College, has found immense value in internships as a way to shape her future career path."

Emma Green '23,

Chemistry and Physics

"When Emma Green ‘23 was looking for colleges near her hometown, Illinois College and its professors stood out. "

Elise Griffin '24,

"At the start of Elise Griffin ’24’s college career, she knew that she loved studying history but she never would have anticipated the path that her time at Illinois College would take her or the opportunities available that shaped her future."

Allyson Huffman '22,

"Allyson Huffman ’22 wants to make a difference in the classroom and beyond."

Alex Johnson '25,

Business Administration and Sports Management

"Alex Johnson ’25, a senior studying business and sports management, highlights the importance of internships in shaping her career."

Radricka Kelly-Olden '22,

"From feelings of self-doubt to acceptance at three top veterinary medicine programs, Radricka Kelly-Olden ’22 found what she needed to grow and succeed at Illinois College."

Carlos Limon '24,

Human Resources and Business Management

"Carlos Limon ’24 came to Illinois College unsure of what he wanted to do but graduated with a sense of confidence he gained on the Hilltop."

Kevin Lopez Jimenez '24,

Computer Science

"“When I was initially comparing different colleges and universities in the United States, I noticed IC was a small community,” Kevin Lopez Jimenez ’24 of Mexico explains. “Because of that, I knew that I was going to be able to develop meaningful relationships with my professors and classmates.”"

Gabrielle Moore '24,

"Gabrielle Moore ’24 is set to begin her nursing career after a successful undergraduate career at Illinois College."

Chuks Nwaokolo '24,

"Chuks Nwaokolo ’24, a kinesiology major, made significant strides during his time at Illinois College, where he honed his passion for physical therapy. His decision to attend Illinois College was fueled by the opportunity to play football and access excellent facilities."

Jack Pickerill '24,

Communications and Rhetorical Studies

"Jack Pickerill ‘24 reflects on how his college experiences, from a supportive esports environment to a hands-on internship at the Illinois State Museum, significantly shaped his career trajectory."

Kourtney Pollitt '22,

Business Administration and Communication and Rhetorical Studies

"As a first-generation college student, Kourtney Pollitt ’22 learned a lot about herself as she grew through her undergraduate education. Her Illinois College community made it easy to find an answer to any question she had — guiding her through her major and into a career in state government."

Monica Poudel '24,

"Her passion for understanding the brain has shaped Monica Poudel ’24’s journey from Nepal to Illinois College."

Edris Roman '24,

English and Marketing

"Edris Roman ’24 found her passions while she was at IC."

Sophia Roth '22,

"Sophia Roth ’22 chose IC because she knew it was the right place to help her achieve her ultimate goal of becoming a physical therapist."

Marjori Russo '23,

"Marjori Russo ’23 said her research experience with Associate Professor of Biology Paul Hamilton ’09 was “the greatest experience” she had at Illinois College and helped prepare her for a job offer working in cell biology research at Washington University in St. Louis."

Elgin Scherff '24,

"With aspirations to start a career in prosthetics, Elgin Scherff ’24 made the most of his liberal arts education."

Katelyn Scott '22,

"The minute she first stepped on campus, Katelyn Scott ’22 knew IC was the right place for her to pursue a degree in psychology."

McKenna Servis '22,

Political Science and History

"McKenna Servis ’22 took the skills she learned in the classroom right into the real world while at IC."

Payton Spann '23,

"A first-generation student, Payton Spann ’23 said IC made her college experience one she will never forget."

Mackenzie Strong '24,

Secondary Education and History

"Mackenzie Strong ’24 felt supported at Illinois College, both in the swimming pool and on campus."

Trenton Terry '24,

Biology and Education

"Trenton Terry ’24 combined his interests in biology and desire to teach into a job as he returned to his hometown of Kewanee, Illinois. However, he had to do more than study education and biology to feel empowered to change the world as a high school biology teacher."

Madison Webb '24,

"As a kinesiology major, Madison Webb ’24’s passion for physical therapy was ignited through her personal experiences with sports injuries."

Collin White '23,

Agribusiness Management

"All of my advisors and faculty mentors have had a huge impact on me during my time at Illinois College."

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