Many Illinois College alumni describe being transformed by their time on the Hilltop. While four years is a short time, those four years are spent developing the qualities and character traits needed to lead fulfilling lives of leadership and service. Being a graduate of Illinois College is something to be proud of for a lifetime.

Whether alumni end up living in a big city, moving abroad or staying close to campus in Jacksonville, there is always a connection to their alma mater. Many graduates have expressed appreciation for the life-shaping opportunities they were fortunate to have at IC and, through their generous support, are ensuring today’s students enjoy the same life-changing experiences.

To further celebrate those who have shown an enduring commitment to students at IC, the Founders’ Circle has been reimagined as the Illinois College Society. The Illinois College Society will expand upon the strong foundation laid by the Founders' Circle. Membership benefits include direct communication with College leadership, access to exclusive IC news and updates, special invitations, reserved seating at College events and keepsake Society accessories.

President Barbara A. Farley announced the formation of the society during the Founders’ Circle Dinner and Alumni Association Awards Ceremony in February. She expressed her gratitude for the ongoing support of Illinois College as a dynamic, forward-looking institution, with a growing international reputation for empowering students to make a difference in the world.

“Your generous gifts are launching students towards success and igniting in them a passion for learning and leadership. Your gifts in support of scholarships are making it possible for IC to recruit talented students, and your all-important gifts to the College’s annual fund, immediately and directly impact students by contributing in real-time to the College’s operating budget,” said President Farley.

Trustee Bob Chipman ’74 and Janet Williams Chipman ’75 will serve as inaugural co-chairs of the society. “While it has been a while since our time on the Hilltop, we loved watching both of our boys graduate from our alma mater and continue to be inspired by the College’s transformational influence in the lives of the students we meet. We regularly attend College events and are thrilled to see the real and tangible way our gifts impact the College we love,” said the Chipmans.

The Illinois College Society is comprised of alumni, parents, friends, businesses, corporations and foundations who want to take the college to new heights of achievement with a minimum annual gift of $1,000. A loyal group of donors whose lifetime giving totals over $100,000 will gain immediate entry into the Illinois College Society. Gifts towards scholarships, experiential learning opportunities, campus initiatives, faculty excellence and emerging programs launch students toward success by igniting leadership and learning.

The recent Founders’ Circle Dinner and Alumni Association Awards Ceremony offered the opportunity to not only announce the vision for the Illinois College Society, but also to honor those members of the philanthropic community that have led the College to this milestone. The event successfully brought together many members of the community to celebrate IC’s continued tradition of excellence.

For more information about joining the Illinois College Society, visit our website at www.ic.edu/icsociety.