Constructed in 1963 when L. Vernon Caine was president, Crispin has the same look and feel that generations of students have experienced, but change is coming soon. I’m delighted to report that we are ready to embark on the first phase of a plan to renovate the interior and exterior of the building.
Quote: Our primary task this summer is to transform the auditorium into an exceptional teaching and learning space that will meet the contemporary needs of faculty and students. Be sure to tour the building when you are on campus for Homecoming! Phase II of the renovation will commence after we have raised the funds necessary to complete this major project. 

Be sure to tour the building when you are on campus for Homecoming! Phase II of the renovation will commence after we have raised the funds necessary to complete this major project.

In this edition of the Quarterly, we pay tribute to the students, faculty and alumni who are dedicated to academic and professional pursuits in science, engineering, technology and mathematics (STEM) fields. Undergraduate research activities in these areas of study are growing exponentially thanks to funding from private donors who are committed to the goal of preparing students for success in graduate and professional schools. For example, the MCAT Preparation program that includes summer research collaborations with faculty is helping students to earn high scores on the MCAT exam and gain admittance to the medical schools of their choice. Dr. Larry Zettler’s orchid research program is thriving on campus and abroad. Most recently, he and Collin Walter ’20 traveled to Palau in the western Pacific Ocean to gather specimens from among the 90 species of orchids found on the island. Professor Zettler and his students will return to Cuba this summer to continue his amazing research in the Caribbean.

 The National Science Foundation recognized Illinois College’s strength in STEM education earlier this year when we were awarded nearly $300,000 through the Improving STEM Education program. This three-year grant will enhance and improve educational opportunities and increase the number of IC students graduating with a STEM-related degree. This type of national recognition is expanding IC’s reputation as a college that is deeply committed to inspiring achievement and empowering students to make a difference in the world. In December I had the privilege of joining Dr. Charlene Aaron, Chancellor of St. John’s College of Nursing, at a signing ceremony announcing an innovative dual degree program that makes it possible for students to earn a Bachelor of Arts in health sciences at IC and a Bachelor of Science in nursing at St. John’s in four years. Students will have the option of living on campus at the same time they are taking courses in Springfield. Illinois College is excited to open new pathways to degree attainment for the next generation of nurses.
 Stay tuned for more exciting news from Illinois College!

All the best,

Barbara A. Farley
President