In this Issue

• ISACorps Alumni Recognition

• News & Announcements

• Upcoming Webinars

Welcome to the ISACorps Alumni quarterly e-newsletter! Visit the ISACorps Alumni webpage to access the newsletter, join the ISACorps Alumni directory, and read more about ISACorps alumni updates and announcements.

ISACorps Alumni Recognition

As a token of our appreciation, we sent over 60 mugs to alumni who have volunteered for a panel, spoken one-on-one with Corps members about their careers, attended a networking event, served as a guest speaker, OR contributed to our newsletter in the past year and a half. Some alumni members have participated multiple times in various capacities. Be on the lookout for more volunteer opportunities and fun giveaways.

Noelle Woodruff

Noelle will be celebrating her five-year anniversary at Western Illinois University as a Financial Aid Associate. In this role, she administers all phases of the operation of student financial aid programs. She participates in the development of the vision and direction of the financial aid department, including short range and long-term planning, development of office goals and objectives, and in the development and implementation of policies and procedures for financial aid programs. Noelle works under general supervision with a team of financial aid representatives, coordinators, managers, and associates.

Noelle became interested in higher education and financial aid because of ISAC. She served in the Corps from 2014-2016 in the Spoon River College district and found that ISAC was a great steppingstone into higher education. “I have a Bachelor of Science degree from WIU, so it was nice to come back to my alma mater.”

Noelle tries to travel once a year if possible. She recently traveled to Iceland after having to postpone her travel plans due to COVID-19. She has also traveled to other exciting places, including Vietnam, Egypt, and Australia.  

Noelle got a puppy a few months after joining the Corps. “She has been my buddy ever since.”

Share your stories with us here https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3787739

or email us at ISAC.CorpsAlumni@illinois.gov

Share your stories with us here https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3787739

or email us at ISAC.CorpsAlumni@illinois.gov

News & Announcements

Have you created a page on BrightCrowd yet? Since the beginning of May, nearly 100 alums have signed up thus far. Think of BrightCrowd as a digital yearbook. This networking platform is exclusively for ISACorps Alumni. It is our instant community. You can add as much detail about yourself as you like. Reconnect and create meaningful connections with your peers and colleagues by signing up today.

Check out this BrightCrowd digital book demo:

https://brightcrowd.com/examples/alumni-reunions

We have sent emails to alums about joining our Alumni Community Directory on BrightCrowd. If you did not receive an email and would like to join, please email ISAC.CorpsAlumni@illinois.gov.

Robert’s session, “Self-Care, Wellness, Creating Boundaries, & Understanding Your Bandwidth,” focused on how to create balance and incorporate self-care activities to help you become more efficient and effective with your time. He also led participants through self-reflective exercises to help us better understand our bodies and needs, and to assist us in developing our path to personal and professional success.

Check out the recording here. If you are interested in being our next guest speaker, please send an email to isac.corpsalumni@illinois.gov!

ISAC recently held their first career networking events at the ILASFAA Conference in Champaign, IL and at the IACAC Conference in Springfield, IL for ISACorps alumni and Corps members completing their second year of service.  Approximately 20 employers from various college campuses attended the events. Both events were a success, and we truly appreciate those that attended! 

2023 CCE Conference Registration Opens

You’re invited to join other equity designers in-person at the 2023 College Changes Everything® (CCE) Conference – DEIA: The Work We Need to Do – on July 13, 2023, at the Tinley Park Convention Center. From our conference website: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) must consist of more than just policies, edicts, and committees tacked onto the side of our organizations. Each of us and each of our organizations are a part of the larger educational system that impacts our students, their careers, and their entire life journey. DEIA work must take a holistic approach and be ingrained in the everyday work we do and in those who are doing the work.  The registration fee is $40. Space is limited and fills quickly. Learn more and register today.

Got questions? Send an email to isac.collegechangeseverything@illinois.gov!

Join the ISACorps!

ISAC is seeking candidates for our ISACorps Community Outreach Worker positions in multiple locations throughout the state. If you know any recent college graduates interested in a public service position focused on helping the next generation on their path to higher education, please share this link: https://www.isac.org/jointheISACorps. 

Get News and Announcements Via SMS Messaging

ISAC now offers alumni more ways to receive information about future events, job postings, our e-newsletters and more, via text message. To use the service simply text your first and last name to (708) 577-1494 today!

We are grateful to the many alums and current ISACorps members who star in our ISAC College Minute™ series of videos—these are quick tips (1-4 minutes) on anything from financial aid to college planning to managing the social and emotional transition to college. We have over 25 videos (with more coming all the time) and a whole new series for first generation college students. Check out our YouTube page for our videos, and feel free to share with your colleagues, students, and families!

Job Opportunities!

Looking for a new job? Check out these positions! ISACorps Alumni Job Postings List.xlsx

Are you looking to change careers or looking for career coaching? Need assistance with your resume or cover letter? Contact ISAC.CorpsAlumni@illinois.gov to set up an appointment.

If you know of any job opportunities in your area and would like to share them with your fellow ISACorps alumni or current ISACorps members, please email ISAC.CorpsAlumni@illinois.gov. 

Upcoming Lunch and Learn: Alumni Connections

Join our monthly Alumni Connection event to network with your fellow ISACorps alums, old and new. Think of this as an informal mid-week gathering to reconnect with former colleagues, create new relationships, meet partners in various industries, and grow your professional network. All virtual chats will be held on the last Wednesday of the month from 12 pm to 12:30 pm CST. Please visit the alumni homepage to register for the events.

• July 26, 2023

• August 30, 2023

ISAC’s PD Webinars

Illinois PaCE: Planning for College and Career Readiness

The Illinois PaCE Framework was developed with extensive input gathered from stakeholders and subject matter experts to provide guidance to students, families, and educators on what types of experiences and information a student should have in order to make the most informed decisions about college and career planning, beginning in 8th grade and continuing through high school. All webinars are available at no cost to school counselors, college and career staff, and school/district administrators. To learn more and register, visit the PaCE Webinars page at www.isac.org/pace/Webinars/.

Additional PD Opportunities and Webinars

• Kegs and Cases: To & Through Learning and Networking Events

• Engagement & Success of UIC and Harold Washington College Adult Learners

• To & Through Data Collaborative: Chicago Scholars



Don't forget to join the alumni directory to update your contact information to receive recent job postings, our quarterly e-newsletter, the latest PD opportunities, alumni event invitations, and more. https://www.isac.org/students/before-college/isacorps/isacorps-alumni-directory.html Want a new alum t-shirt? Fill out this form! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VLWPWVJ

Lastly, subscribe to our e-Messaging listserv to receive information about the latest ISAC-related programs and services, and ISAC-hosted events and symposiums. https://www.isac.org/emessaging/

If you have any questions regarding this e-Message, please contact Alumni Relations by sending an e-mail message to ISAC.CorpsAlumni@illinois.gov.

© 2023 Illinois Student Assistance Commission