It was the College's 186th Commencement Ceremony and the first in the College’s nearly 200 year history to take place virtually. Viewers honored the 244 graduates whose senior year ended in an unexpected way — away from campus and without the usual week of campus celebration.

Caroline Casler '20, who appears with her family on the cover of the Spring 2020 Quarterly, is one of those graduates. The Jacksonville native recently reflected on her journey to earn a degree in agribusiness at IC. She gained hands-on professional practice with two internships, at Diversified Crop Insurance Services in Jacksonville and at the Climate Corporation in St. Louis. Her work at Diversified Crop Insurance led to a part-time job that she held for two years, and a full-time job offer as a mapping coordinator after graduation. 

This issue tells the story of students like Caroline who adapted quickly to the unpredictable situation that unfolded during the spring semester, and of IC alumni who are serving on the frontlines during the pandemic. Their inspiring stories speak to the extraordinary qualities of Illinois College graduates, as they have faced challenges with grace, integrity, courage and creativity.