Since then, almost 350 loyal friends and alumni of the College have joined the Illinois College Society, supporting IC students with gifts towards scholarships, experiential learning opportunities, campus initiatives, faculty excellence and emerging programs.

Members of the Society have also enjoyed a unique relationship with the College, through a bimonthly newsletter exploring the innovation and growth happening on campus, along with invitations to be a part of events that capture excitement of our thriving institution.

In November, Society members were invited to a reception at Barnes House that introduced them to current students who participated in the first Illinois College Campus Sculpture Walk. The art exhibit was the first of its kind at the College and grew out of a project for a spatial understanding and 3D design class taught by Jeff Garland, associate professor of art, who led the project. Students worked to conceptualize and produce large-scale steel installations that were displayed on campus and later auctioned off to support the arts.

At the receptions, Society members had the chance to speak one-on-one to the student artists and learn about their process and what they gained from the experience. While many of the students were not art majors, the skills they learned in creative thinking, problem solving and teamwork are those that can be applied to a variety of future careers. Winners of the month-long silent auction were also announced for the first time during the reception. A portion of the proceeds were donated to support opportunities for youth to participate in the arts.

In January, Society members celebrated the College’s strong connection to the sports world with a special meet-and-greet reception welcoming St. Louis Cardinals Manager Mike Matheny to campus where he spoke in front of a crowd of over one thousand people in the Bruner Fitness and Recreation Center.

Society members met with Matheny before his presentation, which covered stories from his exciting career and an “inside the clubhouse” look at the team and what to expect in 2018. Matheny also shared his coaching philosophy, his passion for youth sports and his dedication to community service.

These events are examples of how Society members are connecting with campus in new and exciting ways. Society members will have the opportunity to stay involved in campus through the spring.

Charter membership continues through May 31, 2018 and includes donors with a minimum annual gift of $1,000, as well as those whose lifetime giving totals are more than $100,000.