The life-defining lessons of travel
In fact, the couple has taken their love of travel as a vehicle for learning and turned that into a $250,000 pledge to create an endowed fund that will extend the education of IC students around the globe.
Through the William ’66 and Vicki Hood Global Citizens Scholarship, which will be fully funded this year, about a dozen students each year will have financial support to travel outside the United States and explore educational opportunities in other countries. The Hoods say their vision started with the observation that many students at IC had no experience with traveling abroad.
“All students should have some experience traveling out of the country. In every case it becomes a life-changing experience,” said Bill, who recalls traveling very little beyond the U.S. during his time as a student.
That all changed when he started working for American Airlines, a 20-year career that has allowed him to see the world. Through their travels, the Hoods started to see how similar experiences could enhance the education of students at IC.
“Every time I go to a new place, it is a learning experience. Even how to get through an airport or train station, or deciding where to stay and learning how to plan your day in a new place — it’s eye-opening and broadens your perspective of the world. We believe students will come back to school with a new view of what is available to them,” said Bill.
The Hoods believe that all students can enrich their studies on a wide range of topics anywhere in the world. Vicki, who enjoyed a successful career as a highly respected lawyer with Chicago-based firm, Kirkland & Ellis, has served as a mentor at her alma mater, Northwestern University, and has seen the power of alumni support for students. She notes that they hope the funds will be particularly encouraging for those students who may be apprehensive about venturing beyond their comfort zone.
“Many students will mature and gain confidence through traveling. Once they get out on their own, they learn that they can thrive rather than just survive in a new setting away from home,” she said.
Cressie Halberg ’20 was able to have that type of growing experience when she traveled to Cuba last summer with the support from the William and Vicki Hood Global Citizens Scholarship.
“The city of Havana stole my heart with its beautiful old cars and architecture, and Guanahacabibes awakened the biologist in me,” she said, reflecting on the experience.
Not only did Halberg have a wide range of learning experiences on her trip abroad, including the chance to practice her Spanish daily, she felt that her late grandfather, Dr. Loren D. Moehn, a former professor of biology at Illinois College, would have been proud of what she accomplished in Cuba.
Halberg is thankful for those who made her experience in Cuba possible; it’s not something she believes she could have experienced without the faculty who prepared students for the trip, the College’s connections to Cuban institutions like the University of Pinar del Río and support from the Hoods and other donors who recognize the value of travel for students.
Now retired, Bill and Vicki continue to make travel a priority in their lives. They are currently planning trips to London, France and Italy, with hopes to make a trip to Japan in the near future. The Hoods are grateful that they have been able to share their passion for travel with generations of IC students and hope the Inspiring Achievement campaign will be an opportunity for others to reflect back on their experiences at Illinois College and what they have achieved since graduation. They see endless possibilities for IC alumni to use what they have learned to give back to today’s students.
“Inspiring Achievement is focused on the areas of Illinois College that will help students succeed and prepare for 21st-century careers,” said Bill. “I hope that this will also be a catalyst that encourages more people to learn about Illinois College and all of the amazing accomplishments possible there.”
