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.

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.”"

Walker Brown '25,

Agribusiness Management

"While Walker Brown ’25 was initially drawn to Illinois College because his brother Marshall Brown ’22 attended, he ended up choosing IC because of the opportunities he would have as an agribusiness major."

Haven Caulfield '25,

"Internships provide a bridge between classroom knowledge and professional skills, as Haven Caulfield ’25 has discovered."

Ashly Cedeno '26,

Physics and Biology

"A junior at Illinois College, Ashley Cedeno ’26 is double-majoring in physics and biology with concentrations in engineering and ecology. Cedeno embodies a liberal arts education, having participated in two internships that expand the understanding of her majors and how they intersect in the real world."

Clayton Crawford '24,

Business Administration and Accounting

"Clayton Crawford ’24, a business administration and accounting major from Springfield, Illinois, has made the most of his time at Illinois College. Despite starting his college journey during the challenges of COVID-19, Crawford embraced the situation, strengthening bonds with his football team and faculty."

Lacey Folger '24,

"Lacey Folger ’24’s journey into nursing began in high school but solidified during her freshman year at Illinois College, where a career exploration course helped her realize her passion for the field."

Caitlyn Ford '24,

"Caitlyn Ford ’24, a nursing graduate from Saint Louis, is preparing to embark on her professional journey."

Ligaya Garibay '25,

"Ligaya Garibay ‘25, a senior psychology major and sociology minor at Illinois College, has found immense value in internships as a way to shape her future career path."

Emma Green '23,

Chemistry and Physics

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

Elise Griffin '24,

"At the start of Elise Griffin ’24’s college career, she knew that she loved studying history but she never would have anticipated the path that her time at Illinois College would take her or the opportunities available that shaped her future."

Nicole Guzman '25,

"Nicole Guzman ’25, a marketing major and business management minor at Illinois College, took her career aspirations to the next level through a summer internship at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum."

Alex Johnson '25,

Business Administration and Sports Management

"Alex Johnson ’25, a senior studying business and sports management, highlights the importance of internships in shaping her career."

Carlos Limon '24,

Human Resources and Business Management

"Carlos Limon ’24 came to Illinois College unsure of what he wanted to do but graduated with a sense of confidence he gained on the Hilltop."

Kevin Lopez Jimenez '24,

Computer Science

"“When I was initially comparing different colleges and universities in the United States, I noticed IC was a small community,” Kevin Lopez Jimenez ’24 of Mexico explains. “Because of that, I knew that I was going to be able to develop meaningful relationships with my professors and classmates.”"

Hannah Lueke '25,

Mechanical Engineering

"Illinois College is making history with its first graduates from the new four-year mechanical engineering program, and Hannah Lueke ’25 is among the trailblazers."

Gabrielle Moore '24,

"Gabrielle Moore ’24 is set to begin her nursing career after a successful undergraduate career at Illinois College."

Adam Passmore '25,

Sports Management

"Adam Passmore ’25, a senior sports management major at Illinois College, spent his summer with the Springfield Lucky Horseshoes, a Prospect League baseball team."

Monica Poudel '24,

"Her passion for understanding the brain has shaped Monica Poudel ’24’s journey from Nepal to Illinois College."

Marvin Romo '25,

"Marvin Romo ’25, a senior biology major with a concentration in physiology, was named Illinois College’s 2024 Lincoln Laureate. Romo was honored for his academic excellence, leadership, and campus involvement."

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."

Elgin Scherff '24,

"With aspirations to start a career in prosthetics, Elgin Scherff ’24 made the most of his liberal arts education."

Payton Spann '23,

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

Sabrina Stamberger '25,

Environmental Studies and Wildlife Management

"Sabrina Stamberger ’25 interned at the Henson Robinson Zoo in Springfield, Illinois. The experience, filled with hands-on animal care and community engagement, became a turning point in her academic and career aspirations."

Mackenzie Strong '24,

Secondary Education and History

"Mackenzie Strong ’24 felt supported at Illinois College, both in the swimming pool and on campus."

Trenton Terry '24,

Biology and Education

"Trenton Terry ’24 combined his interests in biology and desire to teach into a job as he returned to his hometown of Kewanee, Illinois. However, he had to do more than study education and biology to feel empowered to change the world as a high school biology teacher."

Madison Webb '24,

"As a kinesiology major, Madison Webb ’24’s passion for physical therapy was ignited through her personal experiences with sports injuries."

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."

Where you are guaranteed to graduate ready.