Earlier this summer, a severe thunderstorm producing straight-line winds barreled through Jacksonville, and in a matter of minutes, its destructive force was obvious to everyone. Huge trees were uprooted, homes were damaged, and a power outage that lasted for several days disrupted life as we knew it.

Miraculously, we lost only one large tree on the Historic Quad near Rammelkamp Chapel and we were fortunate a few buildings maintained power. Only a block away on West State, the scene of damage was very different. The Hilltop withstood a major weather event, just as our campus community, over the span of almost 200 years, has been resilient in the face of multiple wars, global pandemics, and economic booms and busts. Illinois College’s deep roots in the Jacksonville community and in our nation’s history do not protect us from challenging times, but they do fortify us literally and figuratively in adapting to the world as it is, not as we might prefer it to be.



This centennial edition of the Quarterly celebrates Illinois College’s rich history recorded through the vehicle of a beloved touch point for alumni and friends of the College. First published in December 1922 when President Charles Rammelkamp was leading the College, stories published in the Quarterly bring to life the priorities for the College across the decades and recognize the accomplishments of alumni, students, faculty, and staff. Many of you will find yourselves depicted in the timeline — captured as you left your mark on IC during a particular era — enjoy!



Illinois College opened in January 1829 with little more than the aspirational goals of the Yale Band in what was very likely a chilly Beecher Hall. Since that time, 189 graduating classes launched from the Hilltop into a world waiting for their leadership. Though the landscape of higher education has evolved during the College’s long history, the expansive Illinois College community is as committed to IC’s ongoing success as ever before.

The College’s strategic plan is woven through this anniversary edition of the Quarterly. You will find examples of how IC promotes student success, strategic growth, and sustainable foundations when you read articles about the College’s growing nursing program, our historically successful athletics season, and the ways in which students and faculty in the Khalaf Al Habtoor Archives are utilizing technology to make our past accessible to everyone in preparation for our bicentennial in 2029.



In this edition, we also pay tribute to Bill Merris ’56 H’01, who passed away on June 13, 2023. Coach, athletic director, teacher, friend, and master storyteller, Bill was a tremendous ambassador for his alma mater and will be missed.



Stay tuned for information about the reopening of Crispin Hall this summer — you will be thrilled to see the total transformation of a revitalized academic hub. Yet another IC innovation documented on the pages of the Quarterly as this special publication moves into its second century of production.

 

All the best,

Barbara A. Farley

President