Over 400 new students, returning students who are serving as Connections Leaders and academic mentors, and professors gathered for spirited discussions and a hot meal. I had brief conversations with each of them as they moved through the buffet line in the dining room. I heard lots of terrific reports about their early months on the Hilltop and their successful transitions to college life.

This issue of the Quarterly is a tribute to Illinois College’s wonderful donors. I am grateful for and humbled by each gift the College receives in support of our academic mission and enduring commitment to student success. I see the impact ofyour generosity each day – thank you! In May, we launched the public phase of Inspiring Achievement: The Campaign for Illinois College. We have raised $37.8 million to date against our bold goal of $50 million. You are each an ambassador for the Campaign. Thank you for being leaders in driving its success through your gifts and by inviting others to join you in making an impact on Illinois College and the students we serve.

In recognition of Trustee Del ’72 and Lisa Dunham, who made a leadership gift to the Crispin Hall renovation project, the new classroom will be named in their honor (see page 18). Students who experience the immediate impact of your gifts and donors who make it possible for them to succeed are also featured. One investment you can make toward the Campaign is direct student support through gifts to the IC Fund. 

Stay tuned for invitations to participate in ALL IN FOR IC, our annual Day of Giving and Crowd the Hilltop, which will launch on Giving Tuesday and continue through December. As the fall semester draws to a close, showcase events featuring a wide range of students are in full swing. In late October, I attended the TheatreWorks production of “Golden Boy.”

Recently, I enjoyed the Wind Ensemble, Chamber Winds, Jazz Ensemble and Percussion Ensemble concerts. In early December, we welcomed the holiday season with Christmas on the Hilltop featuring IC’s choral ensembles. Students who engaged in research with faculty last summer presented their results at a poster session held on the concourse of the Bruner Fitness and Recreation Center in mid-November. New students attending this convocation got a glimpse of the undergraduate research opportunities that are in their future. The All Society Showcase will be held in Sibert Theatre in December…and the list goes on. Illinois College students are thriving!

All the best,

Barbara A. Farley

President