BS in Accounting

The events and characters that tell our story are extraordinary. The Rev. John M. Ellis, a Presbyterian missionary in the East, saw the need for a “seminary of learning” in the new state of Illinois. His plans drew the attention of Congregational students at Yale University, and seven of them, in one of the famous “Yale Bands,” came westward to help found the College.

The first president of Illinois College was Edward Beecher who left his position at the Park Street Church in Boston and firmly imbued the new College with New England traditions and academic foundations.

His sister, Harriet Beecher Stowe, author of the influential anti-slavery novel, Uncle Tom’s Cabin, visited the campus, and his brother, Henry Ward Beecher, preached and lectured here. Beecher Hall, the first college building in Illinois, was built in 1829 and is still used today.

The Illinois College Mission

True to its founding vision in 1829, Illinois College is a community committed to the highest standards of scholarship and integrity in the liberal arts. The College develops in its students qualities of mind and character needed for fulfilling lives of leadership and service.

The Illinois College Vision

Illinois College will build an international reputation for inspiring achievement and empowering students to make a difference in the world.

The Illinois College Affirmation of Community Responsibility

To ensure that all members of our community live, work, and learn in an environment where they can thrive, we affirm four guiding virtues: commitment, curiosity, clarity, and civility.With commitment.

We will work diligently to support our community and pursue excellence.With curiosity, we will be eager to learn, open to new information, ready to take risks, and earnest in our pursuit of growth.

With clarity, we will be open and honest with each other, and act with integrity at all times.With civility, we will treat one another with respect and care, and seek justice and understanding within and beyond our community.

Through commitment, curiosity, clarity, and civility, we pledge to uphold the mission and vision of Illinois College, ensuring that, both individually and collectively, we do all we can to make a positive difference in our world.