Looking forward with confidence

Illinois College began the academic year with a significant vote of confidence in its future. The Higher Learning Commission reaffirmed the College’s accreditation for another 10 years with no follow-up reports required. The successful review affirmed your support and IC’s commitment to academic excellence, student success and continuous improvement, providing a strong foundation as the College approaches its Bicentennial.

You helped recruit the bicentennial class

In fall 2025, Illinois College welcomed 339 new students, one of the largest incoming classes in College history. The Class of 2029 holds special significance as the class that will graduate during Illinois College’s Bicentennial year. Representing 53 Illinois counties, 21 states and 13 countries, these students brought new perspectives and energy to the Hilltop as IC prepares to celebrate 200 years.

Investments in student success rank among the nation's best

Illinois College rose to ninth in the nation for social mobility in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report rankings. The recognition highlights your investment in helping students turn access to higher education into lasting opportunity. Scholarships, personalized support and careerfocused learning supported by donors helped students from a wide range of backgrounds graduate prepared to build meaningful careers and brighter futures.

Creating new pathways to the Hilltop 

Illinois College strengthened its connection to the surrounding community with the launch of Hilltop Direct, creating a simplified path to admission for qualifying students from Morgan County high schools. Students with a 3.30 GPA or higher receive guaranteed admission and early connections to scholarships, financial aid resources and opportunities at IC, making a high-quality college education more accessible close to home.

Opening the College experience to local students

That commitment to the community extended to younger learners through Camp College, which welcomed Jacksonville-area middle and high school students to the Hilltop. Participants explored STEAM activities, learned about college and career possibilities and worked alongside IC education students. Support from the Jacksonville Promise Scholarship program helped make the experience accessible to local families while giving future educators valuable hands-on experience.

Orchid research earns international recognition

Decades of faculty-student research at Illinois College received international recognition when IC formally received its second consecutive Gold Medal of Excellence from the Royal Horticultural Society for its orchid conservation exhibit at the 2026 Chelsea Flower Show in London. The honor showcased research led by Lawrence Zettler, Hitchcock Professor of Biology, the extraordinary opportunities IC students have to collaborate with faculty through hands-on learning, and the power of international experiences in shaping students’ global perspectives. Donor support makes these high-impact experiences possible for students and faculty.

Strengthening the future of nursing

Illinois College welcomed Amanda Schuster, PhD, RN, as director of nursing, bringing experience in nursing education, clinical instruction and academic leadership to one of the College’s growing programs. With advanced simulation laboratories, hands-on clinical experiences and a partnership with Memorial Health that expands scholarship and career opportunities, IC continues to prepare highly skilled nurses to meet critical workforce needs.

Celebrating athletic excellence

Illinois College celebrates generations of student-athlete achievement with the selection of nine new members of the Illinois College Athletic Hall of Fame. The 2026 cohort, which was inducted at Homecoming on Friday, October 9, 2026, reflects the lasting impact of the student-athlete experience at IC. Your gifts to ICVC strengthen IC’s long legacy of excellence on and off the playing field.

Building momentum toward 200 years

Together, these milestones tell the story of an Illinois College moving confidently toward its third century. Donor support makes that momentum possible, creating scholarships, handson learning experiences, faculty mentorship opportunities and innovative programs that prepare students to Graduate READY. As the College approaches its Bicentennial, that generosity ensures that new generations of students will continue to find opportunity on the Hilltop.

Read more from this issue: here.