Clayton Crawford ’24

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.

As a four-year member of the football team, Crawford experienced firsthand the importance of teamwork and camaraderie. His involvement extended beyond athletics; Crawford also became an active member of the investment club, helping to earn the club a ranking among the top 25 in the country.

Looking ahead, Crawford plans to pursue graduate studies to achieve his ultimate goal of becoming a Chief Financial Officer. He aims to earn both a master’s in business administration and accounting, followed by MBA and CPA certifications. His time at IC has prepared him for this path, equipping him with practical skills and fostering personal connections that he values in a work environment.

Crawford emphasizes the importance of these relationships and the guidance from his professors, which he believes are crucial for entering the workforce ready and confident. “The professors at IC work hard to help keep students on track with their course load and give students the tools to be ready to enter the workforce immediately.”

Lacey Folger ’24

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

Folger appreciates the diverse experiences offered by the nursing program and enjoyed the variety of clinical placements, which allowed her to explore different nursing specialties. “I really like being in different places. It’s not just the same hospital doing the same floors; you can actually see all the different levels of nursing,” she explains. Among her favorite areas are cardiology and community health nursing, where she has found her interests flourish.

Outside of her nursing studies, Folger attended a BreakAway in New Zealand, where she was able to broaden her cultural understanding. She actively volunteered at PAWS in Jacksonville and served as a member of the Tri Beta Biology Honor Society, which she credits with enhancing her educational experience and helping her build a supportive community.

Reflecting on her time at IC, Folger states, “Illinois College has shown me different avenues where I can take my future career. It has gotten me to come out of my shell, meet new people and be confident in my own abilities.”

Folger currently works as a nurse for the Morgan County Health Department.

Caitlyn Ford ’24

Caitlyn Ford ’24, a nursing graduate from Saint Louis, is preparing to embark on her professional journey. With a focus on critical care, Ford is enthusiastic about her career at Mercy Hospital in Saint Louis, Missouri. Her experience in IC’s nursing program has been transformative, highlighting the importance of relationships formed during her studies.

During her time at IC, Ford valued the connections she made with peers during challenging classes. The COVID-19 pandemic posed challenges, but it also fostered a strong support system among students. Ford’s most impactful experience was her clinical immersion at Memorial Hospital in Springfield, where she gained hands-on insights that bridged the gap between student and professional nurse. She noted, “During my time at Memorial, I learned a lot more about how to actually set my day up as a nurse rather than as a nursing student.”

Ford is drawn to critical care for its demanding nature and the accountability it requires. She believes her non-nursing experiences have enhanced her communication skills, preparing her to collaborate effectively with colleagues in the healthcare environment. Ford credits IC for its consistent education and commitment to student accountability, ensuring graduates like her are ready to make a meaningful impact in their careers.

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.

Coming from Edwardsville, IL, Griffin wanted to attend a small college. When she visited IC during her junior year of high school, she knew that the Hilltop was the right place for her.

After her first semester, Griffin realized that though she initially wanted to major in history education, she did not want to become a teacher. With the guidance of her professor Dr. Jaime Klein, Griffin found herself taking a public history class and discovered a newfound love of museum studies.

“I immediately fell in love with archival work and learning about museums and how they function on a deeper level,” Griffin explains.

Between her sophomore and junior year, Griffin had the opportunity to work in the Khalaf Al Habtoor Archives on campus. “My summer working in the archives was incredible,” reflects Griffin. “That experience solidified that public history is what I want to do for the rest of my life.”

Griffin also took advantage of the chance to study abroad when she participated in a BreakAway to Japan that directly related to her academic interests and brought learning to life for her. “My senior capstone project was about Buddhism,” Griffin explains, “Being able to go to Japan and learn about Buddhist monks and to walk where they have was so incredible.”

Griffin’s passion for history comes alive in her current work as a Historical Interpreter at Cahokia Mounds World Heritage Site in Collinsville, IL. She credits IC for the chance to Graduate READY for a career she never considered before coming to the Hilltop. “I don’t think I would have had that opportunity at a different college.”

Kevin Lopez Jimenez ’24

“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.”

Jimenez majored in computer science and participated in various clubs and organizations across campus. Namely, he was a member of the Phi Alpha literary society and Koine International, an organization that provides support to international students on campus and helps them better integrate into the community. Jimenez credits his time in Phi Alpha with building his public speaking and community service abilities. Most importantly, Phi Alpha gave Jimenez an outlet to meet and engage with American students.

He also had the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the computer science industry when he worked for the IT department on campus. “My time in the computer science department really prepared and gave me the tools that I need for my future, whether it’s going to graduate school or searching the job market.”

This fall, Jimenez will begin a master’s degree in computer science at the University of Illinois Springfield.

Cassidi Ladeley ’24

Cassidi Ladeley ’24, a registered nurse at Jacksonville Memorial Hospital, always knew she wanted to pursue a career in nursing. Ladeley’s journey began with a CNA course in high school, setting the foundation for her future in healthcare. While obtaining a master’s degree was always part of her plan, the COVID-19 pandemic solidified her decision to advance her education sooner rather than later.

Ladeley sought a reputable and affordable program that fit her busy schedule. The 18-month, fully online MSN program at Illinois College stood out. It allowed her to balance coursework with her demanding career, offering the flexibility to study whenever it was convenient.

Reflecting on her experience, Ladeley highlights the supportive environment at Illinois College. “The master’s program at Illinois College has given me the opportunity to pursue my leadership goals within my organization,” Ladeley explains, “The professors here are mentors — completely different from anyone I’ve encountered before.”

Carlos Limon ’24

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.

A first-generation student, Limon wanted to make the most of his time on campus. He came to IC as an undeclared major but quickly found himself gravitating towards the business department. “My roommate was the president of the Investment Club on campus,” Limon notes, “One day we were talking about declaring a major, and he suggested I try taking some business classes.”

After taking the Principles of Economics course, Limon met with professor of economics Kevin Klein, who encouraged him to pursue a double major. Limon took the challenge head on and double majored in human resources and business management with a minor in communications.

Limon found himself further exploring his academic and professional interests and putting what he learned in the classroom to use in real life settings. He gained hands-on experience during an internship and even had the opportunity to study abroad. Limon reflects, “I was able to gain a better understanding of day-to-day operations of an HR department.”

Outside of the classroom, Limon found support in the Center for Academic Excellence.“TRiO has been really helpful in offering a lot of support and resources. There are various workshops and information sessions available, such as how to properly fill out FAFSA, guidance for grad school and study abroad programs available to students.”

Limon spent his time on the Hilltop making the most of it. He served as the president of the communications honor society, helped students hone their public-speaking skills in the speech center, and promoted campus to prospective students and their families as a student ambassador. “You never know what opportunities are out there,” Limon states, “It was up to me to take advantage of them - and I did just that.”

Upon graduating, Limon has embarked on his career in human resources and recently accepted a position with the Chicago White Sox, where he is excited to apply his skills and knowledge.

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.

One of Nwaokolo’s standout experiences was his engagement with Paul Hamilton ’09, his anatomy professor and advisor, whose teaching methods helped him excel academically. He reflects, “Dr. Hamilton broke down complex topics in a way that made them easier to understand, and his support helped me see my own potential.”

Nwaokolo’s fascination with anatomy and the human body drives his ambition to pursue a career in physical therapy. He appreciates the personal connection formed with patients, witnessing their progress from day one to day twenty. His practical experience includes observing practices in various outpatient and inpatient facilities, contributing to his readiness for PT school.

Reflecting on his time at Illinois College, Nwaokolo emphasizes the importance of the connections he built, which will serve him well in his professional career. As he prepares for the next chapter at Methodist University, where he’ll earn his clinical doctorate of physical therapy, he is equipped with the knowledge and experience necessary to succeed.

Monika Poudel ’24

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

Initially a psychology major, she discovered her love for neuroscience through a seminar with Jeremy Turner ’95. This sparked her interest in neuron firing patterns and visual processing, which she explored in independent research with professor Alex Moore.

Poudel also gained hands-on experience through an internship at a local lab, where she worked on auditory research using preclinical models. Reflecting on her time at IC, Poudel says, “The professors were really helpful. I loved how I could communicate with them whenever I needed to—they were very approachable.”

As an international student, Poudel faced challenges but found support in IC’s small, personalized setting. Her leadership role as a resident assistant further strengthened her skills. Now, as she prepares to attend graduate school at Southern Illinois University, Poudel feels confident in her future.

Her advice to other international students? “Do a lot of research and reach out to current international students — they would love to help.”

Edris Roman ’24

Edris Roman ’24 found her passions while she was at IC. A double major in English and marketing, Roman felt that her choice in majors would perfectly set her up for success in a future career. She made the most of her English and marketing skills as a content manager for the English department’s social media channels. 

It wasn’t until she began working in residential life, however, that her interests shifted. 

“I first started in res life as a residential assistant when I was a junior and became a hall director during my senior year. My time working in res life has really impacted me. I love seeing students grow throughout their college careers knowing that I had an impact on them.” 

Roman credits IC’s small size with her success in residential life and as a member of the literary society Gamma Delta. 

“Being involved in residential life, especially in roles typically reserved for graduate students at other institutions, has been such a valuable experience,” Roman notes, “Additionally, participating in literary societies has significantly improved my public speaking and writing skills, which are essential for personal communication.” 

Upon graduation, Roman began a master’s degree in marketing at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.

Mackenzie Strong ’24

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

During Strong’s time on campus, she majored in education and history, with an endorsement to teach middle school. She completed a notable history Capstone project, writing a 30-page paper on the history of disability institutions, which led to her presenting at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) in Long Beach, California. “It was an amazing opportunity,” Strong said. “Meeting with grad schools and other undergraduate seniors was incredibly enriching.”

When she wasn’t focused on her studies, Strong took full advantage of the opportunities at IC. She actively engaged in student teaching at Jacksonville Middle School, where she built strong connections with students and teachers. “I’ve loved my time there,” she shared. “I’ve also helped coach the high school swim team and attended various school events, making my student teaching experience very fulfilling.”

Strong also made her mark in athletics and student leadership. As a dedicated member of the swim team, she received unwavering support from her coaches, particularly from the head coach, Christopher Sykes, who provided accommodations for her low vision. “He got a beeping clock for me to use during practice, which made a significant difference,” she explained.

Reflecting on her time at IC, Strong credits her success to the well-rounded experience she had. “Illinois College taught me how to balance everything that I enjoy. That’s something you really need to have as a teacher.”

Upon graduating, Strong has embarked on her teaching career and recently accepted a position as a special education history teacher at Jacksonville Middle School. She also is the head swim coach at the Illinois School for the Visually Impaired.

Trenton Terry ’24

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.

Selected to represent the Class of 2024 at Commencement, Terry reflected on his initial impressions of his liberal arts education when he said, “I originally believed that I had no business taking courses outside of my discipline. Reflecting now, I have come to realize that classes, such as creative expression and communication, have made me that much more able to fulfill my future career goals.”

Terry credits his success to the opportunities and supportive community at Illinois College. His role as an involvement leader helped him develop classroom management skills and foster connections with peers and incoming students. He particularly appreciated the mentorship from professors like Bryan Arnold and Lawrence Zettler, who enriched his understanding of biology and prepared him for teaching. “I can confidently say all students have numerous professors we have been able to make genuine connections with. They continuously work hard to push us to our limits and achieve whatever we wish.”

Reflecting on his experiences, Terry emphasized the welcoming environment and personalized attention he received, stating, “You don’t just feel like a number. It’s a gratifying feeling when you can walk around campus and almost guarantee that you will run into several people you know in a matter of minutes.”

Madison Webb ’24

As a kinesiology major, Madison Webb ’24’s passion for physical therapy was ignited through her personal experiences with sports injuries. “I knew I didn’t want an office job sitting in a cubicle every day. I wanted to help people in a different way,” she recalls. This realization led her to explore the field, where she discovered her desire to make a difference in others’ lives, inspired by the impactful care she received from her physical therapist.

During her time at IC, Webb embraced numerous opportunities that enriched her academic experience. As a member of the women’s basketball team, she formed lifelong friendships and traveled extensively, enhancing team camaraderie and personal growth.

In addition to athletics, Webb engaged in meaningful research under Prasanna Acharya, focusing on concussion testing and its long-term cognitive effects in D3 athletes. Webb’s research revealed significant cognitive deficits experienced by both male and female athletes, highlighting disparities between genders—a crucial area in need of further exploration.

Webb also participated in an alternate spring break trip to Utah, where she connected with students from various disciplines. This experience broadened her perspective and emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration.

Leadership opportunities also played a significant role in Webb’s development. As vice president of the Student Athlete Community Committee (SACC), Webb was instrumental in revitalizing the organization post-COVID, enhancing its visibility and community engagement through events like the Special Olympics and canned food drives.

Looking back on her journey, Webb credits IC for preparing her for the challenges ahead. “IC has prepared me to interact with people of all different backgrounds. As well as providing me with invaluable leadership opportunities.” Her diverse experiences and commitment to community engagement reflect her readiness to excel in a doctorate program at Washington University in Saint Louis, Missouri as she pursues becoming a physical therapist.