Graduate Ready | Illinois College

Graduate READY is more than just a catchy phrase — it’s a promise we make to you and your family.

Access to faculty experts and mentors, small class sizes, a multi-faceted approach to academics, and hands-on learning will prepare you with the skills to succeed in any 21st-century career. Check out the stories below to learn more about how IC students are Graduating READY.

Kellen Blum '22,

"Kellen Blum ’22 came to Illinois College to continue his baseball career and study psychology."

Emily Bone '23,

"At Illinois College, Emily Bone ’23 found the resources and experiences she needed to reach her goals."

Anna Broadbooks '23,

"“My internships helped me get hands-on experience, as well as a job after graduation.”"

Marshall Brown '22,

Agribusiness Management

"For Marshall Brown ’22, IC helped broaden his horizons and helped him become a better farmer for the future — more eco-friendly, economical and the best he can be. "

Patrick Combs '22,

"For Patrick Combs ’22, his Illinois College experience was all about the connections he made with professors and the hands-on learning he gained in and out of the classroom."

Emma Green '23,

Chemistry, Physics

"When Emma Green ‘23 was looking for colleges near her hometown, Illinois College and its professors stood out. "

Sydney Himmelman '21,

"After graduation, Sydney Himmelman ’21 was back in the classroom ⁠— fulfilling her goal of becoming a math teacher."

Allyson Huffman '22,

"Allyson Huffman ’22 wants to make a difference in the classroom and beyond."

Anni Ibberson '21,

"“I chose IC because I wanted a learning community that felt like home. I wanted to be close with my professors and be involved in as many clubs, activities and internships as possible. IC is a small campus that offers great classroom and lab sizes, but also provides students with any experiences that they may need to be ready for their career.”"

Radricka Kelly-Olden '22,

"From feelings of self-doubt to acceptance at three top veterinary medicine programs, Radricka Kelly-Olden ’22 found what she needed to grow and succeed at Illinois College."

Jasaun King '21,

Communication and Rhetorical Studies

"“I chose IC because of the environment that I experienced when I first visited campus. Everyone was really friendly and made me feel comfortable. It didn't seem like I was going somewhere new, but rather it felt like I had already been there before.”"

Sergio Peña '21,

"The experience of conducting research with faculty mentors helped Sergio Peña ’21 envision and go after his goals."

Kourtney Pollitt '22,

"As a first-generation college student, Kourtney Pollitt ’22 learned a lot about herself as she grew through her undergraduate education. Her Illinois College community made it easy to find an answer to any question she had — guiding her through her major and into a career in state government."

Megan Price '21,

"Megan Price ’21 wants to practice primary care in a rural community, something she’s on her way to accomplishing as a student in the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford Rural Medical Education Program."

Ariel Rhoades '21,

"Even though Illinois College had always been a part of her life, it wasn’t until after her first official campus tour that Ariel Rhoades ’21 knew for sure that she had to apply."

Sophia Roth '22,

"Sophia Roth ’22 chose IC because she knew it was the right place to help her achieve her ultimate goal of becoming a physical therapist."

Marjori Russo '23,

"Marjori Russo ’23 said her research experience with Associate Professor of Biology Paul Hamilton ’09 was “the greatest experience” she had at Illinois College and helped prepare her for a job offer working in cell biology research at Washington University in St. Louis."

Katelyn Scott '22,

"The minute she first stepped on campus, Katelyn Scott ’22 knew IC was the right place for her to pursue a degree in psychology."

McKenna Servis '22,

"McKenna Servis ’22 took the skills she learned in the classroom right into the real world while at IC."

Payton Spann '23,

"A first-generation student, Payton Spann ’23 said IC made her college experience one she will never forget."

Collin White '23,

Agribusiness Management

"All of my advisors and faculty mentors have had a huge impact on me during my time at Illinois College."

Lucy Wubker '22,

"When Lucy Wubker ’22 was deciding on a college, she knew she wanted to go somewhere that was small-scale and personable."

Where you are guaranteed to graduate ready.