Many members of the Class of 2017 and I began our wonderful Illinois College journeys together in 2013. They are the first class I have known for their entire time at IC. They will never forget this Commencement Day, and neither will I.

On that vibrant spring day, we celebrated the accomplishments of 219 students in the baccalaureate program and three students in the Master of Arts in Education program who received their degrees. True to our promise that IC students Graduate READY, the Class of 2017 is READY to take on the world. I am thrilled by what our new graduates have already achieved, and I am delighted to be an honorary member of their class.

Illinois College has an extraordinary faculty that is dedicated to student success at every turn. They are challenging students to make the most of their opportunity to pursue a high-quality liberal arts education that prepares them for graduate school and professional careers. What is distinct about an IC education is the committed focus of our faculty. They link liberal arts to careers by developing the habits of mind that strengthen each student’s capacity to think critically, communicate effectively, solve problems creatively, and work effectively in diverse groups. Students graduate from Illinois College with a keen understanding of how to translate ideas into practice because of the opportunities they have to complete internships, collaborate on research projects with faculty and peers, study abroad, and make immediate contributions to society through civic engagement projects.

In this issue of the Quarterly, we are focusing on the law profession as an outstanding example of how Illinois College’s mission can be fulfilled. The alumni who are featured talk about how their IC experiences led them to the practice of law as their life’s work. These stories are representative of alumni, in law and across a variety of fields, who are making a difference in the world because of their IC preparation.

The mission of Illinois College has a living legacy in its alumni, in their achievements, and in the inspiring lives they will lead. To assure that Illinois College will be a strong and nimble institution prepared to educate future generations of students with changing expectations, our strategic plan emphasizes innovative ways to promote student success, strategic growth and sustainable foundations. I am pleased to report that a number of new majors, minors and concentrations have been approved by the faculty.

They will be available this fall, including programs in agribusiness, business administration, actuarial science, sports management, editing and publishing and health sciences.

In February I announced the launch of the Illinois College Society, which is a new initiative intended to expand opportunities for giving in support of Illinois College’s students. Your gifts to IC make it possible for current and future students to achieve their dreams. I invite you to join me as a Charter Member of the Illinois College Society and to ask others to do the same. Illinois College is a dynamic institution on the move! Thank you for what you are doing to realize IC’s vision of building an international reputation for inspiring achievement and empowering students to make a difference in the world. Enjoy the stories in this issue of the Quarterly that exemplify the power of an Illinois College education.

All the best,

Barbara A, Farley 

President