I listened as six students delivered their beautifully written I Believe essays. One student described how important it has been to overcome her fear of failure, “Mr. Fear, You Have No Place Here,” understanding that fear would only hold her back from pursuing her dreams. Another student’s essay, “Sharing Crayons,” focused on the power of building community through invitation and generosity. I told all of the students how inspired I was by their words and that my hope for the future lies in them and their generation.

Through your dedication to student success, you are making a difference in ways large and small that may not be obvious to you, but I see firsthand how game-changing they are for our students. I greeted hundreds of new students at a dinner I hosted at the beginning of Welcome Week in August, speaking with them about why it matters that they are pursuing their education at Illinois College. When I shook each new student’s hand at Cummings Dining Hall and welcomed them to IC, I invited them to take full advantage of this powerful, life-changing experience. I did so with the deep conviction that every student belongs here and that this community will both challenge them and encircle them with support through the day of graduation. You are an important part of that community.

Your gifts provide scholarships that open doors and make it possible for students to attend and remain in college, ensure that academic programs grow and remain on the cutting edge of their fields, provide faculty opportunities for professional development, support undergraduate research preparing students for graduate and professional schools, and strengthen each student-athlete’s experience through first-class facilities and coaching. Put succinctly, you are powering possibility for students and Illinois College with every gift you make—thank you!

All the best,

Barbara A. Farley
President