Graduate Ready

When Aklisia Debebe ’26 first heard about Illinois College from a friend back home in Ethiopia, studying in the United States seemed almost unimaginable.

“A friend told me, ‘There’s a school in America you should apply to,’” Debebe said. “He helped me through the process, and before I knew it, I was accepted and had a scholarship.”

Now, Debebe is graduating from Illinois College with double majors in business administration and human resources management and preparing for the next step toward an MBA at Roosevelt University.

Debebe says the opportunities she found at IC helped shape both her professional goals and confidence.

“Coming to Illinois College pushed me outside of my comfort zone,” she said. “I learned how to communicate better, work with different people and build leadership skills that will help me in grad school and my career.”

During her time on the Hilltop, Debebe became involved in organizations including Sigma Phi Epsilon and the investment club while balancing academics and preparing for graduate school.

She credits the close-knit campus environment for helping her feel supported while adjusting to life in a new country.

“At a bigger school, I think it would have been easier to get lost,” Debebe said. “Here, professors and classmates actually know you and want you to succeed.”

As she prepares to continue her education, Debebe says Illinois College helped her feel prepared for the future.

“IC helped me realize that I can accomplish things I never thought were possible,” she said. “I feel Graduate READY for whatever comes next.”