Homecoming featured a True Blue sky and the Hilltop has been displaying its glorious autumnal coloring. We have had much to celebrate, including joyful gatherings of college friends during Homecoming reunions, our athletics teams participating in conference championships, and the awe-inspiring conclusion of Inspiring Achievement: The Campaign for Illinois College. Thanks to the enormous generosity of thousands of donors and friends, we raised over $54 million that will enable students to have the one-of-a-kind experience an Illinois College education affords, and we are so grateful! 

This issue of The Quarterly highlights some of IC’s excellent academic programs; both new and long-standing ones that have innovated and grown in remarkable ways. Among these are: business, criminal justice, engineering, English, organizational and strategic communication, and health sciences.

Underpinning all of these programs is the solid liberal arts foundation that is the bulwark of an Illinois College education and hones the critical skills of thinking, writing, and speaking. You will see in these stories that the College has made important strategic investments in academic innovation in support of student interests and post-graduation opportunities.

I am especially mindful of the hard work of our dedicated faculty and staff, who keep our students at the center of all they do. There is nothing more important, or more meaningful, than the relationships forged inside and outside of classrooms — and at Illinois College, we excel at building these connections. 

Our faculty and staff inspire and encourage, champion and support, and they instill in their students a love of learning. When students are inspired, curious, and motivated, no problem is too complex, no research subject is too difficult. When students understand their potential, opportunities for the future become more evident and dreams are achieved.

Illinois College stands at an important and exciting point in its history following the successful completion of Inspiring Achievement: The Campaign for Illinois College and as we turn towards celebrating the bicentennial of our founding in 2029! Thank you for being part of the College’s past, present, and future. Inspired by our founders and your enduring support, the entire campus is working together to meet this moment in support of student success and strategic growth with an innovative spirit and proven resiliency that is unmatched among our peer institutions.

All the best,

Barbara A. Farley

President