News

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.