�պ��ֲ� News

Tales at Twilight to return as part of Fine Arts Series at �պ��ֲ�

emily.titsworth — Wed, 14 Oct 2026 14:55:09 +0000

Tales at Twilight to return as part of Fine Arts Series at �պ��ֲ� emily.titsworth Wed, 10/14/2026 - 09:55

10.14.2026

�պ��ֲ� will host Tales at Twilight as part of the Family Night Series on the Historic Upper Quad on Wednesday, October 28, at 6:30 p.m.

�պ��ֲ� invites families and community members to get into the Halloween spirit with Tales at Twilight, an evening of spooky storytelling as part of the College’s Fine Arts Series.

Children and adults alike will enjoy hearing three master storytellers spin spooky tales of the season. The evening will be led by Jacksonville’s own Mike Anderson ’74, whose combination of music, storytelling and humor has made him a sought-after performer throughout the Midwest.

Anderson will be joined by returning favorites Sherry and Bobby Norfolk of St. Louis. Each storyteller will perform at a separate campus location, with audiences rotating between the three venues to experience a variety of entertaining and spine-tingling tales.

The family-friendly event offers an opportunity for the Jacksonville community to celebrate the Halloween season together on �պ��ֲ�’s historic campus.

Tickets for Tales at Twilight are available online. Just $5 for adults, children and students are always free. For more information, to purchase season or individual tickets, or to make a donation to support the Fine Arts Series, contact Jennifer Phebus ’07 at 217.245.3192 or jennifer.phebus@ic.edu. Additional information is available at ic.edu/fas.

Arts

�պ��ֲ� receives $3 million grant to deepen student support and career readiness

emily.titsworth — Thu, 08 Oct 2026 17:48:27 +0000

�պ��ֲ� receives $3 million grant to deepen student support and career readiness emily.titsworth Thu, 10/08/2026 - 12:48

10.12.2026

�պ��ֲ� has been awarded a five-year federal Title III Strengthening Institutions Program grant to expand personalized student support, career-connected learning and opportunities for students to build the skills and experiences they need after graduation.

The grant builds on �պ��ֲ�’s commitment to putting students first by ensuring they have the resources, relationships and experiences they need not only to earn a degree, but to Graduate READY for what comes next. The investment comes as �պ��ֲ� was recently ranked the #1 Best Value Regional College in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report, recognition that reflects the College’s combination of affordability, personal attention, academic quality and opportunities that prepare students for strong futures.

The grant will support Career-Oriented Mentorship for Persistence and Student Success (COMPASS), a new �պ��ֲ� initiative that will strengthen support for students from their sophomore year through graduation. COMPASS also expands career-focused learning, connects with the region’s employers and expands opportunities to develop skills in emerging technologies and AI.

COMPASS will focus particularly on the sophomore year, a critical point when students are moving beyond the transition to college and beginning to make important decisions about their majors, career interests and goals after graduation. While freshmen take advantage of strong support during their first year at IC, the grant will allow the College to create a more intentional Sophomore Experience focused on helping students build momentum toward graduation and their future careers.

At the heart of the new Sophomore Experience will be coaching to help students navigate decisions, overcome challenges and connect their academic interests with future possibilities. Students also benefit from coordinated programming through the Center for Academic Excellence and the Center for Career Readiness & Experiential Learning. Technology-enhanced spaces in high-traffic areas of campus will make academic and career resources more accessible.

President Barbara A. Farley states that this grant reinforces student success as the College’s top priority. “IC students have a team of mentors throughout their college experience, helping them explore possibilities, make good decisions and gain the experiences and skills that prepare them for what comes next.” She goes on to note that, “The Title III grant accelerates students’ preparation for rapid changes in their future professions and the world at large.”

Together, these investments deepen the personalized support that already defines the �պ��ֲ� experience. Every IC student has access to resources designed to help them persist, discover their goals and prepare for life after graduation. COMPASS will build on that student-first approach that makes the first college in �պ��ֲ� the best for undergraduate teaching.

Career readiness in the context of AI is an important element of the initiative. Faculty will receive support to develop best practices in using AI in teaching and learning, with particular focus on how to prepare students for future career success.

The grant will also allow �պ��ֲ� to deepen its relationships with employers throughout Jacksonville, west-central �պ��ֲ� and the surrounding region to create more internships and other work-based opportunities. Students will have greater access to employers and the assurance they are developing the skills employers need.

Employers will also have a stronger voice in helping �պ��ֲ� understand how fields are changing and what graduates need to succeed, while creating more connections between students, experiential learning and career opportunities. These partnerships will allow the College to respond to changing workforce needs while connecting employers with talented graduates.

llinois College previously received a Title III grant in 2017, which helped consolidate student support services in the Lincoln Hall HUB, expanded support for first-year students, and strengthened faculty expertise in the use of instructional technology. Building on that work, College leaders identified an opportunity to extend that same intentional approach to the sophomore experience and the workforce changes precipitated by AI.

The new grant period runs from Oct. 1, 2026, through Sept. 30, 2031.

Together, the investments made through COMPASS strengthens what students can expect from an �պ��ֲ� education: intentional support throughout their college journey, opportunities to put their education into practice and the skills and connections to Graduate READY for meaningful careers and lives of impact.

Learning

�պ��ֲ� names Marcia Short ’86 Homecoming Marshal

emily.titsworth — Fri, 02 Oct 2026 21:33:58 +0000

�պ��ֲ� names Marcia Short ’86 Homecoming Marshal emily.titsworth Fri, 10/02/2026 - 16:33

10.02.2026

�պ��ֲ� will honor longtime College leader, alumna and dedicated supporter Marcia Short ’86 as the 2026 Homecoming Marshal during Homecoming festivities October 9-10.

Short’s connection to �պ��ֲ� spans more than four decades, beginning with her years as a student and continuing through a 31-year career serving her alma mater. She remains deeply connected to the College today through her philanthropy and support for future generations of �պ��ֲ� students.

Short began working at �պ��ֲ� immediately after graduation, first serving as an admissions counselor before moving into the Office of Development and Alumni Relations. Over the next three decades, she held numerous leadership roles in alumni relations, annual giving, major gifts, donor stewardship and development, eventually serving as executive director of development and alumni relations from 2014 until her retirement from the College in 2018.

Throughout that career, Short helped generations of alumni and friends strengthen their relationships with �պ��ֲ� and understand the impact their generosity could have on students. Her own giving reflects the same commitment she spent her career fostering in others.

Short is a Sturtevant Society member and a member of the Heritage Circle at the Society of 1829 giving level. Her contributions have invested personally in the students, programs and opportunities she championed throughout her career.

Her selection as Homecoming Marshal brings Short’s �պ��ֲ� story full circle. Forty years after graduating and serving as co-chair of the student Homecoming Committee, she will help lead a celebration that brings alumni back to the Hilltop and strengthens the connections she spent much of her career building.

Today, Short serves as executive assistant at the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln, a position she has held since 2019.

�պ��ֲ�’s Homecoming will take place October 9-10 and will welcome alumni, families and friends back to campus for a weekend of events, including the annual Homecoming Parade at 10 a.m. Saturday, October 10.

For a complete schedule of Homecoming events and additional information, visit ic.edu/Homecoming.

Alumni

�պ��ֲ� Homecoming returns October 9-10

emily.titsworth — Fri, 02 Oct 2026 21:41:02 +0000

�պ��ֲ� Homecoming returns October 9-10 emily.titsworth Fri, 10/02/2026 - 16:41

10.02.2026

�պ��ֲ� will welcome alumni, families, friends and community members back to the Hilltop for Homecoming 2026 on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 9-10.

The True Blue Forever celebration will feature athletic events, class reunions, alumni gatherings, family activities and the annual Homecoming Parade through downtown Jacksonville.

Homecoming activities begin Thursday, Oct. 8, with the Student Follies Talent Show at 8 p.m. in Rammelkamp Chapel.

Friday is Spirit Day, with alumni and friends near and far encouraged to wear blue and show their �պ��ֲ� pride. The IC Store will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Caine Student Center.

Members of the Class of 1976 are invited to celebrate their 50th class reunion from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Jacksonville Country Club. The College will also recognize outstanding former student-athletes during the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at 5:30 p.m. in Bruner Fitness and Recreation Center. The evening concludes with the Alumni Wine and Cheese Reception from 7 to 9 p.m. at Twisted Tree Music Hall.

Homecoming festivities on Saturday morning begin with Breakfast with the Blueboys from 8 to 9 a.m. in Cummings Dining Hall. Football alumni are invited to share a pregame meal with the team, hosted by Conrad Noll III ’65 and Bobby Noll ’02.

Alumni can also start Saturday with golf from 9 to 11 a.m. at K’s Creek Golf Club.

The annual �պ��ֲ� Homecoming Parade will begin at 10 a.m. in downtown Jacksonville. �պ��ֲ� Society members will have reserved parade seating in the Lincoln Hall parking lot.

Following the parade, the Alumni Association Board of Directors will host the Homecoming Celebration Luncheon from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. under the Homecoming Celebration Tent. The Tent Party and Family Activities will continue from noon to 3 p.m.

Blueboys football will take on Grinnell College at noon on Green Athletic Field at England Stadium. �պ��ֲ� Varsity Club members are invited to cheer on the Blueboys from special viewing areas in the True Blue Lounge and Bruner Classroom 3140.

Several other �պ��ֲ� athletic teams will compete on the Hilltop throughout the day. Lady Blues tennis will face Grinnell College at 3 p.m. at Bellatti Tennis Complex. Blueboys soccer will take on Knox College at 4:30 p.m., followed by Lady Blues soccer against Knox at 7 p.m. on Green Athletic Field.

Saturday will also offer several opportunities for alumni to reconnect with classmates. Reunions for the classes of 1996, 2001, 2006, 2011, 2016 and 2021 will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. in the True Blue Lounge. Members of the classes of 1991, 1986, 1981, 1976, 1971, 1966 and 1961 will gather from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at Barnes House. Literary society cozies and huddles will take place at various times and locations throughout the day.

Other Saturday traditions include an alumni swim meet at 11 a.m. in Coultas Natatorium and an alumni choir rehearsal in Rammelkamp Chapel ahead of the Homecoming football game.

Homecoming events are open to alumni, families, friends and members of the Jacksonville community. For the complete schedule of events and to RSVP, visit ic.edu/Homecoming.

Alumni

�պ��ֲ� earns top U.S. News rankings, named #1 Best Value

emily.titsworth — Tue, 22 Sep 2026 19:32:56 +0000

�պ��ֲ� earns top U.S. News rankings, named #1 Best Value emily.titsworth Tue, 09/22/2026 - 14:32

9.22.2026

�պ��ֲ� continues to earn national recognition for what matters most to students and families: an excellent education, personal attention, affordability and opportunities that lead to a strong future.

In the new 2027 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, �պ��ֲ� ranks among the top five Regional Colleges in the Midwest in several categories, led by a #1 ranking for Best Value and recognition for undergraduate teaching, overall academic quality and social mobility.

The rankings place �պ��ֲ� among the Midwest’s leading colleges:

#1 Best Value
#1 Undergraduate Teaching in �պ��ֲ�
#4 Top Colleges
#5 Social Mobility

For families considering the cost of a college education and their return on the investment, the #1 Best Value ranking carries particular significance. Every �պ��ֲ� student Graduates READY for success. IC graduates finish in four years, in stark contrast to public universities, because each student has access to a success coach who supports them across a wide range of topics, from time management to study skills to life coaching. The Finish in 4 guarantee is part of the College’s Advantage Plus program that provides a minimum of $23,000 in scholarships annually while meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for qualified �պ��ֲ� residents. Plus, by including textbooks in tuition, offering internships and study abroad to all students, and incorporating 200 years of innovation into every area of campus, it’s no wonder the first College in �պ��ֲ� is also the best.

IC’s #1 ranking in �պ��ֲ� for Undergraduate Teaching (#3 in the Midwest) reflects an education intentionally designed to help students become increasingly confident thinkers, collaborators, and problem solvers. Students learn from faculty who encourage exploration and discussion, bring their subjects to life, and invite students to take an active role in their own learning.

Freddie Alvarez ’26 says faculty mentorship was one of the most valuable parts of his IC experience. “The faculty truly care about helping students figure out and achieve their goals,” said Alvarez. “At IC, people genuinely want you to succeed.”

Through internships, research, clinical experiences, hands-on learning and more than 80 academic programs offered both on campus and online, �պ��ֲ� students build experience alongside their degree. The Graduate READY promise reflects IC’s commitment to preparing students for meaningful careers, graduate education and lives of impact.

�պ��ֲ�’s #5 ranking for Social Mobility provides another measure of that impact, recognizing the College’s success in creating opportunities for students through higher education and turning access into achievement. IC takes students further regardless of where they start.

“These rankings affirm what we work to deliver every day at �պ��ֲ�: an exceptional education that is personal, affordable, and prepares students for what comes next,” said President Barbara A. Farley. “Being recognized for value, teaching and social mobility is especially meaningful because students should not have to choose between an education they can afford and one that will transform their future. �պ��ֲ� students Graduate READY for futures they have only begun to imagine.”

Together, being ranked in the top five across multiple categories tells a larger story than any one number can capture. At �պ��ֲ�, students don’t have to choose between quality and affordability, personal attention and opportunity, or a meaningful college experience and preparation for what comes next. At IC, those things belong together and are available to every student.

Admission

�պ��ֲ� Builds Momentum as More Students Choose the Hilltop

katie.bunner — Fri, 18 Sep 2026 20:34:36 +0000

�պ��ֲ� Builds Momentum as More Students Choose the Hilltop katie.bunner Fri, 09/18/2026 - 15:34

9.18.2026

More students are choosing �պ��ֲ�, building momentum on the Hilltop for the third consecutive year. Students and families are discovering an IC experience that combines high-demand academic programs, hands-on learning, lifelong friendships and a promise to Graduate READY.

This fall, �պ��ֲ�’s enrollment reached 1,063 students, exceeding the College’s 10-year average of 998. The growth follows one of the largest incoming classes in IC history last year and reflects continued interest from students looking for a college experience that delivers both the connections they want now and the preparation they need for the future.

“I feel like �պ��ֲ� is preparing me for whatever comes next,” said Rylie Joelner, a current junior from Belleville, �պ��ֲ�. “I love my classes, and my professors really know me and want to see me succeed. I’ve had so many opportunities to learn, grow and figure out what I’m capable of. I feel supported here, and I know I’m building a strong foundation for my future.”

Students are increasingly choosing �պ��ֲ� for programs connected to strong career opportunities. Nursing is the top area of interest among first-year students, followed by education, business administration, engineering and criminal justice. Across those programs and more than 80 others, students gain experience through internships, research, clinical experiences and other opportunities that prepare them for careers or graduate education.

Nursing offers a striking example of that growth. �պ��ֲ� welcomed 67 new first-year nursing students this fall, compared with 36 in 2023. Overall nursing enrollment has increased nearly 65% in three years, from 97 students in 2023 to 160 this fall.

IC is also creating new pathways based on what today’s students and employers need. Recent developments include an online education major, a special education endorsement, a restructured online psychological and behavioral health major, and hybrid programs in digital marketing and financial planning.

“Students and families are seeing the value of what is happening at �պ��ֲ�,” said Stephanie Chipman, vice president of external relations. “They want an experience where they can discover what they’re capable of, but they also want to know their investment will lead somewhere. From internships and hands-on learning to programs aligned with workforce demand, we promise students they will Graduate READY — and we are delivering on that promise.”

That experience is also becoming more affordable for families. Every �պ��ֲ� student receives a minimum of $23,000 in scholarships annually, helping make a private college education more accessible. Through the �պ��ֲ� Advantage Plus, qualified �պ��ֲ� students can receive additional financial support, including 100% of their demonstrated financial need, while included textbooks, internships and the Finish in 4 guarantee add even greater value.

Three consecutive years of enrollment growth reflect something larger happening at �պ��ֲ�. As IC responds to what students, families and employers are looking for, more students are choosing a place where they can build a future — and a community where they belong.

On Campus

�պ��ֲ� mechanical engineering program earns ABET accreditation

emily.titsworth — Tue, 08 Sep 2026 17:38:36 +0000

�պ��ֲ� mechanical engineering program earns ABET accreditation emily.titsworth Tue, 09/08/2026 - 12:38

9.08.2026

�պ��ֲ�’s mechanical engineering program has earned accreditation from ABET, the global accreditor of college and university programs in applied and natural science, computing, engineering and engineering technology, marking a major milestone as enrollment in engineering continues to grow at the College.

The accreditation reflects the strength of one of �պ��ֲ�’s fastest-growing academic programs. As more students choose IC to pursue careers in engineering, ABET accreditation affirms that the mechanical engineering curriculum has met rigorous professional standards for preparing graduates to enter the field since its launch in 2024.

“ABET is internationally recognized for having rigorous engineering standards,” said Josiah Kunz ’12, assistant professor of physics and engineering. “Accreditation recognizes the exceptional talent of our students, and indeed �պ��ֲ� as a whole. A big part of that was demonstrating that our students are ready for the engineering industry. For example, we have various alumni at NASA, as leaders in the energy sector, and as CEOs of their own companies.”

The accreditation comes as �պ��ֲ� continues to see growing student interest in engineering. The College launched its four-year mechanical engineering major to meet the demand of regional employers, including Reynolds Consumer Products and the City of Jacksonville. Students complete an engineering degree entirely on campus while benefiting from the education that defines the �պ��ֲ� experience. Regardless of their major or program, IC students Graduate READY to solve problems, communicate and collaborate effectively, interpret information and lead ethically.

Building on the College’s longstanding Pathways to Engineering program that partners with engineering programs at Washington University and the University of �պ��ֲ�, the mechanical engineering major has expanded opportunities for students who want the career preparation of a professional engineering program within the close-knit learning environment of a small college. As enrollment has grown, �պ��ֲ� has continued to invest in the faculty, facilities, technology and hands-on experiences that support student success.

Hands-on learning is central to the �պ��ֲ� program. Students begin working with engineering design, robotics and computer-aided design early in their studies and gain experience with technologies including 3D printers, laser engravers and industry-standard CAD software. Advanced laboratories and collaborative spaces in Crispin Hall allow students to apply classroom concepts through design, testing and analysis.

Students also gain professional experience through internships, faculty-guided research and projects that address real-world engineering challenges. The curriculum includes preparation for the Fundamentals of Engineering exam, an important first step toward professional engineering licensure.

The program prepares graduates with skills in critical thinking, quantitative reasoning, laboratory practices, design and analysis while emphasizing collaboration, communication and ethical decision-making. Graduates are prepared to enter industry or pursue advanced study in engineering.

For �պ��ֲ�, earning ABET accreditation represents the culmination of years of work to establish and grow a rigorous engineering program designed around student success. It also provides a strong foundation for the program’s next phase as the College welcomes more students interested in engineering careers.

The accreditation strengthens the value of an �պ��ֲ� engineering degree for current students, alumni and the growing number of prospective students considering the program. Graduating from an ABET-accredited engineering program can be important for professional licensure, graduate education and employment opportunities in engineering fields.

ABET accreditation provides an important external validation of that growth. Recognized worldwide, ABET accreditation assures students, employers and graduate programs that a collegiate program has met standards essential to preparing graduates to enter critical STEM fields. The accreditation process evaluates areas including curriculum, faculty, facilities, institutional support, student outcomes and a program’s commitment to continuous improvement.

With ABET accreditation now in place, �պ��ֲ� is positioned to continue building on the momentum of its mechanical engineering program, offering students access to advanced laboratories, industry-standard technology, internship opportunities and close faculty mentorship while preparing them to Graduate READY for careers in a growing field.

Learn more about mechanical engineering at �պ��ֲ� at ic.edu/engineering.

Learning

�պ��ֲ� announces 47th season of Fine Arts Series

emily.titsworth — Mon, 07 Sep 2026 15:27:46 +0000

�պ��ֲ� announces 47th season of Fine Arts Series emily.titsworth Mon, 09/07/2026 - 10:27

9.07.2026

The 2026-2027 Fine Arts Series brings nationally and internationally recognized performers to Jacksonville for a season of jazz, vocal music, storytelling, early music and more.

�պ��ֲ� will celebrate the 47th season of its Fine Arts Series with a diverse lineup of performances featuring nationally and internationally recognized artists, family-friendly programming and the return of the admission-free Engelbach-Hart Music Festival.

The season opens Saturday, Sept. 19, at 7:30 p.m. in Rammelkamp Chapel with Stella Cole, a central �պ��ֲ� native and rising vocal star known for her interpretations of the Great American Songbook. Now based in New York City, Cole brings a fresh approach to classic standards through expressive storytelling and a style that combines the traditions of jazz and popular song.

Before the opening concert, guests are invited to celebrate the start of the season with cookies on the quad in front of Rammelkamp Chapel beginning at 6 p.m.

The Fine Arts Series' popular Family Night Series returns Wednesday, Oct. 28, at 6:30 p.m. with Tales at Twilight on the Historic Upper Quad. Jacksonville musician and storyteller Mike Anderson ’74 will be joined by St. Louis storytellers Sherry and Bobby Norfolk for an evening of spooky seasonal tales. Audience members will rotate between three campus locations to hear each storyteller. Adult admission for the family program is $5, while students and children are admitted free.

The Engelbach-Hart Music Festival returns Nov. 6-8 with three concerts offered free to the community. CreArtBox, a New York-based chamber music and multimedia ensemble, will open the festival Friday, Nov. 6, at 7:30 p.m. The ensemble combines classical and contemporary repertoire with visual art, stage design and spatial storytelling to create immersive concert experiences.

The festival continues Saturday, Nov. 7, at 7:30 p.m. with the annual �պ��ֲ� Faculty Collage Concert, showcasing the talents of IC music faculty. The weekend concludes Sunday, Nov. 8, at 3 p.m. with The Craig Russo Latin Jazz Project, featuring Afro-Cuban rhythms, improvisation and Latin jazz.

The Fine Arts Series continues in the spring semester with the return of Istanpitta on Saturday, Jan. 30, at 7:30 p.m. The early music ensemble performs Medieval and early Renaissance repertoire on historically informed instruments, including vielle, recorder, lute, harp and hand percussion.

On Friday, Feb. 19, at 7:30 p.m., internationally acclaimed organist David Jonies will perform in Rammelkamp Chapel. Jonies serves as director of music and organist at Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago and has performed at cathedrals, concert halls and festivals throughout Europe, Asia and North America.

The season continues Saturday, March 20, at 7:30 p.m. with ~Nois Saxophone Quartet, one of the country's premier contemporary saxophone ensembles. The program will feature a range of works written for the ensemble as well as the world premiere of a new piece by �պ��ֲ� Professor Emeritus of Music Timothy Kramer.

The 47th season concludes Sunday, April 4, at 4 p.m. with Lyyra, an all-women vocal ensemble from The VOCES8 Foundation. The ensemble performs music spanning centuries and traditions, from choral works and folk-inspired repertoire to contemporary compositions and new arrangements.

Adult season tickets are available for $70, a $35 savings over purchasing tickets individually. Adult tickets to individual concerts are $20, except for Tales at Twilight, when adult admission is $5. Students of all ages and children are admitted free of charge to all Fine Arts Series concerts.

For more information, to purchase season or individual tickets, or to make a donation to support the Fine Arts Series, contact Jennifer Phebus ’07 at 217.245.3192 or jennifer.phebus@ic.edu. Additional information is available at ic.edu/fas.

Fine Arts Series 2026-27 Season Calendar

Stella Cole
Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026 :: 7:30 p.m. :: Rammelkamp Chapel

Tales at Twilight | Family Night Series
Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026 :: 6:30 p.m. :: Historic Upper Quad

Engelbach-Hart Music Festival | Free admission
CreArtBox :: Friday, Nov. 6, 2026 :: 7:30 p.m.
Faculty Collage Concert :: Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026 :: 7:30 p.m.
The Craig Russo Latin Jazz Project :: Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026 :: 3 p.m.

Istanpitta
Saturday, Jan. 30, 2027 :: 7:30 p.m.

David Jonies
Friday, Feb. 19, 2027 :: 7:30 p.m.

~Nois Saxophone Quartet
Saturday, March 20, 2027 :: 7:30 p.m.

Lyyra
Sunday, April 4, 2027 :: 4 p.m.

Arts

�պ��ֲ� seeks entries for Homecoming Parade

emily.titsworth — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 16:27:08 +0000

�պ��ֲ� seeks entries for Homecoming Parade emily.titsworth Tue, 09/01/2026 - 11:27

9.01.2026

�պ��ֲ� is seeking community entries for its annual Homecoming Parade on Saturday, October 10, at 10 a.m. in Jacksonville.

The event is a beloved annual tradition held during IC’s Homecoming Week on October 5 - 10. Last year’s parade featured nearly 100 college and community entries.

Community members who would like to place an entry in the parade are urged to register online at ic.edu/HomecomingParade/EntryForm or download a registration form and return it to the Alumni Office at 1201 Mound Ave. in Jacksonville by Friday, September 25.

The parade will be staged in the Jacksonville High School Bowl and Esprit de Corp Academy parking lots. Entries will step off at the corner of West State Street and Church Street and head east on State to the Historic Jacksonville Downtown Square. The parade will begin to travel clockwise around the square before turning south onto Main Street, and then west onto College Avenue. The parade will continue along College and turn south onto Park Street before disbanding at the corner of Park and Edgehill Road. Parade goers are urged to bring a blanket or lawn chair to watch the parade.

For more information or to download a map of the parade route or a registration form, visit ic.edu/HomecomingParade. Contact Katie Carls, executive director of advancement and alumni engagement, with questions at 217.245.3046 or katie.carls@ic.edu.

On Campus

From the Hilltop to the big leagues: IC alumnus Chase Norman ’17 earns sports Emmy

emily.titsworth — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 15:58:52 +0000

From the Hilltop to the big leagues: IC alumnus Chase Norman ’17 earns sports Emmy emily.titsworth Wed, 08/12/2026 - 10:58

8.12.2026

When Chase Norman ’17 arrived at �պ��ֲ� in 2013, he knew athletics had opened the door to college, but he also understood the importance of building a career beyond the playing field.

A football student-athlete and business major with concentrations in management, marketing and sports management, Norman credits �պ��ֲ� faculty with helping him discover a path that would carry him far beyond graduation.

"Professor John Drea ’80 prepared me for life without me even realizing it," Norman said. "The lessons about business, finance and leadership didn't fully click until I started my career. Now I use them every day."

Today, Norman works as a video engineer, helping bring some of the world's biggest sporting events to television audiences. From running fiber optic cables to troubleshooting cameras and broadcast equipment, his work ensures millions of viewers can experience live sporting events without ever seeing the technology behind the scenes.
His dedication recently earned one of the industry's highest honors.

Norman was part of the FOX Sports technical team that received the 2026 Sports Emmy Award for Outstanding Technical Team: Sports Event for its coverage of the 2025 World Series between the Toronto Blue Jays and Los Angeles Dodgers. As a video engineer, he played a critical role in managing the complex broadcast systems that connect cameras, microphones and production equipment throughout the stadium.

The recognition represents years of persistence. Norman began his career as a production assistant, taking on every opportunity to learn before working his way through operations roles and into the technical side of sports broadcasting.

"It means a lot because my hard work doesn't go unnoticed," he said. "Seeing my family hold that Emmy trophy and knowing I earned it at 30 years old is something I'll never forget."

Looking back, Norman says �պ��ֲ�'s close-knit community gave him the confidence to pursue ambitious goals.

"I came from a small school, and it showed me that anything is possible," he said. "If you work hard and keep learning, you can accomplish anything."

Alumni

�պ����ֲ� News

Tales at Twilight to return as part of Fine Arts Series at �պ����ֲ�

�պ����ֲ� will host Tales at Twilight as part of the Family Night Series on the Historic Upper Quad on Wednesday, October 28, at 6:30 p.m.

�պ����ֲ� receives $3 million grant to deepen student support and career readiness

�պ����ֲ� has been awarded a five-year federal Title III Strengthening Institutions Program grant to expand personalized student support, career-connected learning and opportunities for students to build the skills and experiences they need after graduation.

�պ����ֲ� names Marcia Short ’86 Homecoming Marshal

�պ����ֲ� will honor longtime College leader, alumna and dedicated supporter Marcia Short ’86 as the 2026 Homecoming Marshal during Homecoming festivities October 9-10.

�պ����ֲ� Homecoming returns October 9-10

�պ����ֲ� will welcome alumni, families, friends and community members back to the Hilltop for Homecoming 2026 on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 9-10.

�պ����ֲ� earns top U.S. News rankings, named #1 Best Value

�պ����ֲ� continues to earn national recognition for what matters most to students and families: an excellent education, personal attention, affordability and opportunities that lead to a strong future.

�պ����ֲ� Builds Momentum as More Students Choose the Hilltop

More students are choosing �պ����ֲ�, building momentum on the Hilltop for the third consecutive year. Students and families are discovering an IC experience that combines high-demand academic programs, hands-on learning, lifelong friendships and a promise to Graduate READY.

�պ����ֲ� mechanical engineering program earns ABET accreditation

�պ����ֲ� announces 47th season of Fine Arts Series

The 2026-2027 Fine Arts Series brings nationally and internationally recognized performers to Jacksonville for a season of jazz, vocal music, storytelling, early music and more.

Fine Arts Series 2026-27 Season Calendar

�պ����ֲ� seeks entries for Homecoming Parade

�պ����ֲ� is seeking community entries for its annual Homecoming Parade on Saturday, October 10, at 10 a.m. in Jacksonville.

From the Hilltop to the big leagues: IC alumnus Chase Norman ’17 earns sports Emmy

When Chase Norman ’17 arrived at �պ����ֲ� in 2013, he knew athletics had opened the door to college, but he also understood the importance of building a career beyond the playing field.

�պ��ֲ� News

Tales at Twilight to return as part of Fine Arts Series at �պ��ֲ�

�պ��ֲ� will host Tales at Twilight as part of the Family Night Series on the Historic Upper Quad on Wednesday, October 28, at 6:30 p.m.

�պ��ֲ� receives $3 million grant to deepen student support and career readiness

�պ��ֲ� has been awarded a five-year federal Title III Strengthening Institutions Program grant to expand personalized student support, career-connected learning and opportunities for students to build the skills and experiences they need after graduation.

�պ��ֲ� names Marcia Short ’86 Homecoming Marshal

�պ��ֲ� will honor longtime College leader, alumna and dedicated supporter Marcia Short ’86 as the 2026 Homecoming Marshal during Homecoming festivities October 9-10.

�պ��ֲ� Homecoming returns October 9-10

�պ��ֲ� will welcome alumni, families, friends and community members back to the Hilltop for Homecoming 2026 on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 9-10.

�պ��ֲ� earns top U.S. News rankings, named #1 Best Value

�պ��ֲ� continues to earn national recognition for what matters most to students and families: an excellent education, personal attention, affordability and opportunities that lead to a strong future.

�պ��ֲ� Builds Momentum as More Students Choose the Hilltop

More students are choosing �պ��ֲ�, building momentum on the Hilltop for the third consecutive year. Students and families are discovering an IC experience that combines high-demand academic programs, hands-on learning, lifelong friendships and a promise to Graduate READY.

�պ��ֲ� mechanical engineering program earns ABET accreditation

�պ��ֲ� announces 47th season of Fine Arts Series

�պ��ֲ� seeks entries for Homecoming Parade

�պ��ֲ� is seeking community entries for its annual Homecoming Parade on Saturday, October 10, at 10 a.m. in Jacksonville.

When Chase Norman ’17 arrived at �պ��ֲ� in 2013, he knew athletics had opened the door to college, but he also understood the importance of building a career beyond the playing field.