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Sneak Peek:
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Building Upon a Legacy of Student Success
At Eureka College, student success is more than a goal—it is a defining part of our legacy. From our earliest days, our founders championed access to education for all, establishing a commitment that continues to shape our mission today. Now, we are building on that tradition by reimagining how we support students so they can thrive ’neath the elms and beyond.
The Student Success Initiative is a comprehensive, multi-phase effort designed to strengthen student support, improve retention and graduation outcomes, and modernize campus infrastructure in alignment with the evolving demands of higher education.
From scholarships that open the door to a Eureka College education to intentional programs that support students through graduation and into their careers, student success is embedded in every stage of the experience. At the center of this effort is a new, centralized Student Success Center, to be housed in a transformed Melick Library, bringing essential services together in one accessible, student-focused space.
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"I am extremely grateful to have been awarded this scholarship. This support affirms that my hard work is recognized and valued, by the college and those around me in my community. Thank you for investing in my dreams."
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Scholarships & Support Services: Cornerstones of Student Success
At Eureka College, student success starts with scholarships providing opportunities for an accessible and affordable college education. The Student Success Initiative continues with programs and services like peer mentoring and academic advising that support students on their journey through college.
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"I would like to thank you for choosing me to be awarded this scholarship. This means a lot to me because it will help alleviate the financial burden for this school year. This opportunity will allow me to focus on my studies and not be as stressed as I complete my third year at Eureka College. After graduating from Eureka College, I plan on pursuing a Doctorate of Physical Therapy."
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The comprehensive Student Success Initiative is designed to:
- Increase retention, persistence, and graduation rates
- Expand and centralize student support services
- Enhance scholarship opportunities, especially for first-generation and under-resourced students
- Strengthen technology, systems integration, and academic support
- Advance career readiness, leadership development, and pre-college preparation
- Elevate the student experience from recruitment through post-graduation success
Research shows that centralized, “one-stop” student success models improve student satisfaction, streamline services, and foster stronger outcomes through better coordination and accessibility.
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"I am proud to come to a school that cares so much about their students and does everything they can for their success.”
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A Transformational Approach
The new Student Success Center will bring essential resources together in one place—making it easier for students to access the support they need to succeed academically, professionally, and personally.
By reimagining the Melick Library, an existing campus space will be transformed into a dynamic hub for connection, guidance, and opportunity.
Why This Matters Now
Higher education is changing—and students increasingly rely on comprehensive support systems to meet academic, financial, social, and emotional needs.
Eureka College is responding to several key challenges and opportunities:
- An underutilized 27,000-square-foot library ready for modernization
- A competitive higher education landscape requiring clear, accessible pathways to student success
- Growing workforce and regional development needs that depend on well-prepared graduates
Beyond Campus: A Community Resource
The Student Success Center will also serve as a community-facing space, reinforcing Eureka College’s role as a hub for collaboration.
By welcoming civic, business, faith, and cultural organizations, the Student Success Center will extend its impact beyond campus—strengthening partnerships and supporting the broader community.
Student Success Center
More than a building, the Student Success Center is a bold investment in our students’ futures—one that will shape their experiences on campus and open doors long after graduation.
Student Success Center: Project Vision
The existing 27,000-square-foot Melick Library is being transformed into a vibrant Student Success Center—bringing together academic advising, tutoring, mentoring, financial aid, and career services in one convenient, student-centered location. Thoughtfully designed spaces for studying, collaboration, and connection will create an environment where students can focus, recharge, and thrive.
The library will remain at the heart of the building, reimagined with modern resources and flexible spaces that support today’s learners. By centralizing academic and student support services, the center will offer seamless access to the tools and guidance students need—within a welcoming, intuitive, and technology-enhanced setting designed for both sustainability and success.
Student Success Center: Under Construction
Construction began April 2025, marking the start of a transformational investment in student success. Phase I of the Student Success Center is scheduled to open May 7, 2026, bringing new, modernized spaces to students ‘neath the elms.
Phase I: Construct the offices and meeting spaces for financial aid, career services, and academic advising. Renovate library spaces, construct technology-enabled meeting rooms, and open collaborative spaces on the first floor of the building.
Phase II: Create collaborative student-centered spaces, modernize, and relocate library resources on the third floor.
Phase III: Complete the lower level to house archives, as well as additional technology-enabled meeting rooms, collaboration spaces with dedicated commuter student space.
Then and Now
Melick Library Dedication:
In 1967, construction on the new Melick Library was completed. Ronald Reagan attended and spoke at the dedication of the library.
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Student Success Center Phase I:
Now—after 58 years—the library is being modernized with the latest technologies, study spaces, and resources necessary for today's students to succeed.
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We Invite You to Support the Student Success Initiative
The $11 million project is being funded through state support and generous donors, including a $1.25 million lead gift provided by an anonymous donor who was a first-generation college student back in 2022.
This important initiative requires a commitment on behalf of the College, the Board, the Faculty, as well as our friends and alumni to bring the full vision of the student success initiative to fruition. Additional funding is needed to complete and maintain this comprehensive intitiative including:
- Expand life-changing scholarships—for those who need financial help to attend
- Provide programs like peer mentoring and tutoring to help students navigate college life and classes
- Strengthen technology, systems, and academic support that power student success
- Advance career readiness, leadership development, and pre-college preparation
- Elevate the student experience from recruitment through graduation and beyond
Will and Mimi Ball have set up a scholarship fund to give back to Eureka College. Why do they feel it is important to give to the College?
"For us, investing time, treasure and talent in Eureka College is our way of making a positive contribution to society. We have incredibly talented leaders, faculty and staff who are committed to providing personalized attention and quality instruction to students to help them succeed academically and as citizens. We are very proud to contribute to the success of our students and this remarkable institution."
-Will Ball, Hon. ’22, former trustee (2017–2025), and Mimi Ball
Please join us as we make this vision of student success a reality.
Your engagement in this initiative can make a real impact on our students’ lives.
Learn More
To learn more about the Student Success Initiative and to take a tour (in-person or virtual) of the new Student Success Center, please contact the Office of Advancement. Call: (309) 467-6317 or Email: development@eureka.edu
Tour Schedule (by appointment only):
May 21 – Virtual Tour 12:00 noon
May 28 – Lunch and Tour 12:00 noon
June 11 – Virtual Tour 12:00 noon
June 25 – Lunch and Tour 12:00 noon
July 16 – Virtual Tour 12:00 noon
Aug 6 – Lunch and Tour 12:00 noon
Give Now
Each gift provides scholarships, enhances student programs and provides space for them to thrive. Make your gift online or give us a call to discuss the giving options that are right for you.
Give Later
You can make a three-year pledge or make a deferred gift. Please let us help you find the best option for you and your family. Call: (309) 467-6317 or Email: development@eureka.edu
Establish your legacy with a planned gift that invests in student success for years to come.
