News

IC’s annual service day expanded for 27th event

8.24.2021

Around 300 volunteers from Illinois College participated in the 27th Hilltop Day of Service on Sunday, Aug. 29.

The annual service day, previously named Service Blitz, has become a tradition that marks the beginning of a new academic year at IC. First-year students, transfer students, student leaders, faculty and staff from IC completed a variety of service projects. Their community projects included painting, landscaping, general cleaning and other tasks.

Ryan Flynn ’15, director of community-engaged learning, said the annual service day went through a rebranding and was expanded to help students conceptualize their philanthropic service.

“The day of service has become an integral part of the first-year experience for students,” Flynn said. “The community service component of the experience is unchanged, but this year we added a lecture series following the event to give students context to their service and deepen the community connections they made that day.”

Illinois College has been nationally recognized in recent years for its sustained commitment to service, notably earning a top ranking in the Midwest for community service based learning by Washington Monthly.

“IC prepares students to go on to lead meaningful lives of leadership and service, and the Hilltop Day of Service introduces students to the idea of serving their community before they set foot in their first class,” Flynn said. “It’s a great opportunity for them to get to know Jacksonville and learn about the impact they can have during their four years on campus — and beyond as alumni.”

Among the many Hilltop Day of Service volunteer sites for 2021 were PAWS, Presbyterian Day Care, Woodlawn Farm and the Morgan County Fairgrounds.

For more information contact Ryan Flynn ’15, director of community-engaged learning, at 217.245.3630 or ryan.flynn@ic.edu

About Illinois College

Illinois College has believed in the power of opportunity for nearly 200 years. Today, more than 1,000 students come to our vibrant campus in Jacksonville, Illinois, to find their people, their passions, and their path forward. Whether exploring over 80 academic programs, competing in athletics, or interning worldwide, IC students live fully and Graduate READY to make a difference in the world. That’s why Phi Beta Kappa, the nation’s most prestigious academic honor society, chose Illinois College as one of only a few schools in the state. 

Visit www.ic.edu for more information.

Media Contact Information
Emily Titsworth '19, Writer
Office of Marketing and Communication
217.245.3219 | emily.titsworth@ic.edu