News

Illinois College honors outstanding alumni and community leaders at annual Society celebration

5.08.2025

Illinois College recognized six distinguished individuals for their achievements and service during the 2025 Illinois College Society Celebration and Alumni Association Awards Dinner on May 2 at Hamilton’s in Jacksonville.

Betsy and Steven R. Mills ’77 with Illinois College President Barbara A. Farley

 

Hosted by the Illinois College Alumni Association Board of Directors, the annual awards ceremony is a highlight of the academic year, celebrating excellence among alumni and friends of the College. The evening also celebrates the contributions of the philanthropic community. 

Illinois College President Barbara A. Farley shared remarks about the College and Board of Trustees Chair Steven R. Mills ’77, who was honored with an award, was the evening’s keynote speaker.

This year’s award recipients embody the College’s mission of inspiring achievement and service:

  • Clare Zimmerman ’11, M.D. – Young Alumna Award
    Dr. Zimmerman is a pediatric hematologist and oncologist at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. A dedicated physician and educator, she combines research-driven care with a passion for mentoring the next generation of medical professionals. Her career was shaped by early experiences at IC, where she majored in biology and participated in music and study-abroad programs.
  • James Geiselman Jr. ’10, D.C. – Young Alumnus Award
    Dr. Geiselman is a leader in health sciences education as an associate professor at Graceland University and co-owner of Iowa Performance Institute. He brings together clinical practice, research, and public service — a journey he traces back to formative academic and extracurricular experiences at Illinois College.
  • Rebecca Spencer – Ambassador Award
    With more than 25 years of service to IC, Spencer has championed international exchange, study abroad, and student support. She played a vital role in building cross-cultural understanding through the American Language and Culture program and remains a beloved mentor and advocate in the campus community.
  • Charles Sheaff, M.D., and Lynne Sheaff – Friend of the College Award
    The Sheaffs have strengthened the Jacksonville region through their leadership in the Jacksonville Promise Scholarship Program and their work in health care and education. From global medical missions to local philanthropy, they exemplify a lifelong commitment to service and access to education.
  • Steven R. Mills ’77 – Distinguished Service Award
    As Chair of the Illinois College Board of Trustees, Mills has guided transformative growth at IC, including a $54 million fundraising campaign and new academic initiatives. A retired executive and devoted alumnus, Mills has remained a tireless advocate for experiential learning and student success.

The Illinois College Celebration and Alumni Association Awards Dinner is an annual event recognizing members of the College’s premier philanthropic circle and outstanding alumni and friends of the  College. The Illinois College Society includes all leadership donors whose giving is $1,000 or more annually or $100,000 or above in a lifetime. More than 200 guests attended the 2025 event. 

To learn more about the Illinois College Society, visit ic.edu/ICSociety.


 

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