New students are embarking on a journey of discovery that will take them to places they never imagined to be possible; returning students are challenging themselves anew to take full advantage of everything an Illinois College education has to offer them. I can’t wait to see all of them grow into their promise as scholars and citizens who are prepared to make a difference in the world.  

In order to provide residential space for everyone choosing to live on campus, we re-opened Crampton Hall to house 40 returning students and converted houses previously used for other campus purposes.

Creating new residential spaces isn’t the only thing that happened on the Hilltop over the summer. When you next visit campus, you will find a completely renovated Crispin Hall Auditorium and major changes to the first floor of Abraham Lincoln Hall. Gone is the 1960s lecture hall in Crispin. In its place is a technology-rich classroom that will create new opportunities for teaching and learning. You can see some of the renovations at the end of this issue. On the other side of campus in Lincoln, the IC Store moved to the former grill location in Caine to make room for a technology-focused space that will serve students outside of the classroom. This new space is part of a significant project we undertook this summer to co-locate all student success programs in one area of campus. Students can now go to one place to receive support that supplements their work with faculty.

In other wonderful news, Illinois College welcomed new full- time faculty this summer in English, psychology, business, communication and rhetorical studies, education, computer science, biology, Asian studies and sociology. This talented group of scholars will join their colleagues in educating a new generation of students who will be prepared for graduate school and careers.

This issue of the Quarterly highlights the important and growing role of partnerships in expanding opportunities for students. Experiential learning plays a critical role in preparing students to graduate with confidence and connections. This is why raising private funds in support of these opportunities is a cornerstone of Inspiring Achievement: The Campaign for Illinois College. I am grateful to donors who have made hands-on learning for students a philanthropic priority.

Thank you to everyone who joined us this fall at one of the Inspiring Achievement Midwest Tour events. In the context of IC’s rich history and optimism for the College’s future, I ask you to join me in being a donor to the Campaign through your gifts to the annual fund, scholarships, experiential learning and the Phase II renovation of Crispin Hall.

All the best, 

Barbara A. Farley

President