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The figure is the highest in the campaign’s seven-year history, with an increase of over 40% of last year’s total. The next highest total of $423,763.09 was raised in 2022. Katie Carls, executive director of the Office of Advancement and Alumni Engagement, said she is excited to see the impact this funding will have on students in the fall. 

“Students at Illinois College are experiencing extraordinary opportunities for learning inside the classroom and around the world. I have seen a lot of positive momentum this year — with the opening of Crispin Hall as a STEM center, new and growing academic programs and several notable winning seasons for athletic teams. None of this is possible without the generous, engaged people in this community,” she said. 

Carls believes the College could have a record-setting year for giving — exceeding $1 million — if this level of support continues through May when the academic year closes. She added that the IC Fund helps meet the needs of today’s students as colleges provide more personalized services, technology, innovative learning environments and global experiences needed to prepare students to meet the evolving needs of the modern workforce. 

ALL IN FOR IC is an annual daylong fundraising event. Since its start in 2018, IC has seen an exponential increase in gifts made to the College, having raised over $2.2 million through these days of giving alone. ALL IN FOR IC directly impacts students in areas of experiential learning, scholarships, and enhanced academic programs and community engagement.

Donors were able to designate their gifts to various areas of campus, with academic programs raising the most. Generous donors offered to match funds raised to double the impact of gifts given that day. Of those, Joan Pederson Schulz ’63, a lifelong supporter of her alma mater along with her late husband, Randy Schulz ’63, generously provided a $50,000 matching gift on the day.  

Leading up to the day of giving, the College hosted a bingo event, giving students the opportunity to win prizes. One student won the grand prize of a $1,000 scholarship generously donated by Bob Moore '78 and Sherry Kwater. Students were also able to win prizes from local businesses such as Leo's Pizza, The Vault, Sonic, Walmart, Arby's, Taco Bell, Jacksonville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, Applebee's, Los Rancheros, and Alison & Co.

To track progress toward the IC Fund goal and make a gift to support students at Illinois College, visit ic.edu/giving