I could feel the energy bursting out across the Hilltop. Beginning with the Celebration of Excellence and moving all-too-quickly through the various senior rites of passage, culminating with Commencement on May 15, we were inspired by the achievements of our on-campus and online graduates and filled with hope for the difference they will make in the world. Each graduate’s path and purpose will be unique, but we can have confidence these new alumni are ready for the next step in their personal and professional lives.

Another reason for celebration is the opportunity to highlight the 40-year career of alumnus and member of the Illinois College Board of Trustees, Jim Spradlin ’82. He retired in February from his long and meaningfully productive career with GROWMARK, one that began following his graduation from IC and culminated in being chosen as the firm’s chief executive officer. And, finally, we celebrated the groundbreaking event for the second phase of the renovation of Crispin Hall. We look forward to the academic program growth opportunities this renewed Crispin Hall will generate and to the revitalized and engaged learning and teaching communities that will take root in these new spaces. Much more to come on this exciting transformation process that will be completed in August 2023.

Illinois College is extraordinarily fortunate to have graduates who had their start within our walls now providing leadership opportunities to current and future students. The Quarterly often profiles creative and innovative alumni because it is so affirming and powerful to witness how our students’ lives unfold once they leave us. More than that, our alumni return and share their experiences and gifts with students; offering advice and counsel, providing powerful examples for them, and opening doors to future opportunities they may not have imagined. The creativity, wisdom, and generosity of our alumni have driven Illinois College’s success and sustained it for almost 200 years.

Being a college of choice, an employer of choice and a partner of choice are strategic imperatives as Illinois College emerges from the pandemic. Innovative academic programs must meet the needs of the region in partnership with those we serve, including in agribusiness and nursing where demand for well-prepared graduates is high. We feature IC’s work with GROWMARK in this issue but it is happening across the region with partners like Memorial Health, DOT Foods, State Farm, LRS, Caterpillar and so many more. Similarly, the College is seeing tremendous growth in the number of students pursuing education majors who can serve a wide range of communities. With the support of generous donors, IC created the Becker Center for Teacher Education to provide collaborative, technology-rich learning spaces for future teachers to master best practices, and take them out into a nation in need of their gifts.

Wishing you all the best for a healthy and joyful summer!

Barbara A. Farley
President