News

On Sunday, May 11, Illinois College celebrates its 191st commencement. Approximately 225 degrees will be awarded to members of the Class of 2025. Commencement exercises are scheduled to take place in the Bruner Fitness and Recreation Center at 1 p.m. The ceremony will be available via livestream.

Matea Aleksandrovska ’25, this year’s senior class representative, will speak during the ceremony. During her time on campus, Aleksandrovska served as a supplemental instructor, writing center consultant, involvement leader, and interned in both human resources and marketing. These experiences, along with support from the CREL office, prepared her for a full-time role as a logistics coordinator at Compass Logistics, where she'll transition into training and development. After graduation, she’ll travel across Europe on a BreakAway and begin preparing for her 2026 SHRM-CP exam, with plans to pursue an MBA in Human Resources.

During the commencement ceremony, Illinois College will recognize Henry A. Schmitt '73 and Jean Coultas Statler H'09 with Doctor of Humane Letters honoris causa degrees on the occasion of their retirement from the Illinois College Board of Trustees.

Henry A. Schmitt ’73 has been a dedicated Illinois College Trustee since 2001, generously sharing his time, leadership, and expertise to support student success. A passionate baseball fan, he co-chaired the 2016 campaign that raised $1.76 million to renovate the College’s varsity fields, enhancing campus life and athletics. A Phi Beta Kappa graduate in history, Schmitt earned his law degree from Washington University and built a 36-year legal career advocating for injured and disabled individuals across Illinois. He and his wife, Martha Bryan Schmitt ’73, are Lifetime Members of the Illinois College Society. They have two children: Kyle, of Arlington, Virginia, and Greg, of Madison, Wisconsin.

Jean Coultas Statler, a Jacksonville native, is co-founder and managing partner of Statler Nagle, LLC, a strategic marketing firm in Washington, D.C. Known as an “image expert” by The Wall Street Journal, she has led award-winning campaigns like “Plastics Make it Possible” and “Got Milk.” A Trustee of Illinois College since 1997, Jean has chaired key committees and received the 2021 Friend of the College Award with her siblings for their philanthropic leadership. A Lifetime Member of the Illinois College Society, she splits her time between Virginia and California and is the proud mother of three children: Andy, Erin and Jenny.

The College will host several additional events during commencement weekend. The 93rd annual Phi Beta Kappa installation ceremony for new members will take place at 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 8, in Sibert Theatre in McGaw Fine Arts Center. Phi Beta Kappa is the nation’s oldest and most distinguished academic honor society. The Nurse Pinning Ceremony will also take place in Sibert Theatre the following day, Friday, May 9, at 4 p.m.

The popular Osage Orange Festival and Senior Celebration is scheduled for Saturday, May 10, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. on the lawn at the corner of Mound Road and Lincoln Avenue. Admission is free and the event is open to the public. The evening will feature face painting, inflatables, games and more. A variety of the area’s favorite food trucks including Twyfords BBQ, Lazy Laker and Brainfreezers will provide festive food and drink options, including beer and wine, for purchase.

The Baccalaureate Service will be held at 10 a.m. Sunday in Rammelkamp Chapel. The service will feature the IC music department, speakers and readings. Special events for graduates and their families will be held after the Baccalaureate and after Commencement that day.

For more information about Commencement Weekend or to RSVP for events, visit the 2025 Commencement schedule.