Members came together recently at Erin’s Pavilion in Springfield for the first Illinois College Society Gala, hosted by President Farley and the Illinois College Board of Trustees, to celebrate the successful launch of the Society in 2017. Illinois College Society Co-Chairs Bob ’74 and Janet Williams Chipman ’75 greeted Society members and shared news that IC’s premier giving circle had surpassed its goal to enroll 300 members before May 31, 2018, several months before the deadline. Currently, the Society boasts more than 350 members.

The Chipmans shared how Illinois College has played a pivotal role in their lives and the lives of their loved ones, while expressing their gratitude for their fellow members.

“IC is doing tremendous work for our current students. But, as you know, tuition and fees do not cover the total operating budget of the College,” said Bob Chipman. “We need the financial generosity of friends and alumni. You, as Society members, are the financial backbone of the annual giving to Illinois College.”

Students who participated in the summer research program at IC presented their student-faculty research findings, while members of the Illinois College Choir performed for attendees. Shelby Bayless ’19, Zackery Whitlow ’20 and Jonathan Miller ’19 performed solos.

Christian Flores ’18 gave a speech entitled “Graduate READY: A Student’s Perspective,” during which he spoke about the opportunities he has had at Illinois College.

“IC gave me all the choices in the world, and I said, ‘yes,’ to every single one of them,” said Flores. “As I look around the room, I am so grateful to now have the power to say, ‘thank you.’”

Notable alumni were also recognized during the event for their accomplishments and dedication to serving others.

Illinois College Society members include those donors whose annual gifts meet or exceed $1,000 or a lifetime giving total of $100,000. Contributions support a variety of areas within the College, including scholarships, student-faculty research, world-class facilities and hands-on learning programs.