News

Illinois College celebrates 186th commencement virtually with public broadcast

5.01.2020

Illinois College will award degrees to its Class of 2020 in a virtual commencement ceremony that will be broadcast on May 10 at 1 p.m.

The ceremony marks the historic anniversary of the first commencement in the state of Illinois. It will last approximately one hour and be premiered at www.ic.edu/commencement

The first ever virtual ceremony will be led by President Barbara A. Farley and Provost and Dean of the College Catharine O’Connell. Approximately 250 bachelor’s degrees will be awarded to members of the Class of 2020. Each graduate will be recognized individually and the ceremony will be broadcast publicly so that graduates, families and supporters of Illinois College’s Class of 2020 from around the world can tune in. The College’s Board of Trustees who authorize all degrees granted by the College, will be represented by Board Chair Steven Mills ’77, who will remotely offer his remarks for the Class of 2020.

During the commencement ceremony, Illinois College will confer an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree on Duane E. Hess ’71. Since graduating with Phi Beta Kappa honors, Hess has been dedicated to Illinois College throughout his life. As a trustee, he has provided valuable leadership to his alma mater since 2010, serving on numerous committees and working to ensure IC’s financial sustainability. He has displayed sincere dedication to Illinois College students’ well-being and future through his philanthropy and campus engagement. Hess served on the Illinois College Alumni Board of Directors from 2004 to 2009. He is a lifetime member of the Illinois College Society, a member of the Julian M. Sturtevant Society and a longtime supporter of IC athletics. In 2016, Hess played an instrumental role in the effort to completely renovate the College’s baseball and softball fields. 

Professionally, Hess began a successful career at Beard Implement Company after earning a master’s degree from Sangamon State University/University of Illinois Springfield in 1975. He became president of the farm equipment supplier in 1984 and served in that role until his retirement in 2010. He has previously served as president of the Jacksonville Country Club and is a member of the First United Methodist Church of Palmetto. Hess and wife Sharon reside in Palmetto, Florida. 

More information is available at www.ic.edu/commencement

About Illinois College

Founded in 1829, Illinois College is a residential liberal arts college fostering academic excellence rooted in opportunities for experiential learning while preparing students for lifelong success. The college is located in Jacksonville, Illinois. With an enrollment of more than 1,000 students, the college offers over 50 undergraduate programs. In 1932, the society of Phi Beta Kappa established a chapter at Illinois College, and it remains one of only 11 in the state.

Illinois College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association.

Visit www.ic.edu for more information.

Media Contact Information
Emily Titsworth '19, Writer
Office of Marketing and Communication
217.245.3219 | emily.titsworth@ic.edu