IC welcomes alumna to leadership role

Illinois College welcomed Olivia Dobbs Flores '20 as director of alumni engagement in early December.

Flores joins the Office of Advancement and Alumni Engagement as Illinois College begins an exciting countdown to its bicentennial in 2029, a historic milestone that will celebrate the College's enduring traditions and the alumni connections that continue to shape life on the Hilltop.

She brings a love for her alma mater, deep connections throughout the IC community and the skills she has gained professionally in her career.

"I am eager to bring my experience and passion for connection back to the College," Flores said. "The chance to return and help strengthen those same lifelong bonds for other alumni truly feels like coming full circle."

Since graduating, Flores has worked for companies like Enterprise and Zillow in client services, operations and management. These experiences have helped her cultivate expertise in data analysis, customer relations, problem-solving and communications. The combination of skills and adaptability made her the ideal candidate according to Katie Carls, executive director of advancement and alumni engagement.

"Olivia brings a unique perspective and a relationship-first approach that will help more people engage with IC in personal and meaningful ways," Carls said. "Her experience, creativity and energy is exactly what this role needs, and she is a perfect addition to our established team."

Flores will lead engagement efforts to strengthen relationships with Illinois College alumni and families, deepening pride, involvement and philanthropic support that advances the College's mission.

Flores will oversee alumni engagement initiatives including Homecoming, regional gatherings and campus traditions, highlighting the areas of campus that hold special meaning in the community. Flores will also direct the work of the Illinois College Alumni Association Board of Directors to support initiatives that drive alumni participation in student enrollment, employment and philanthropy.

In the months ahead, alumni can expect expanded opportunities to connect with IC through regional gatherings, campus traditions, mentoring, and renewed efforts to strengthen class-based reunion engagement.

Flores shared that the role was a professional and personal fit.

"This has always been a place that values meaningful connections and lifelong involvement," Flores said. "Illinois College holds a special place in my family's heart."

A native of Long Beach, California, Flores earned her bachelor's degree in communications and rhetorical studies with a minor in psychology from Illinois College in 2020. As a student, she played soccer and was an involved leader across campus, notably earning the William Jennings Bryan Professional Promise Award as a senior. She has served as the volunteer assistant women's soccer coach at Illinois College for the past three years. She resides in Jacksonville with her husband, Anthony Flores '20 and their daughter.

To learn more about ways to get involved at Illinois College, email [email protected] or visit ic.edu/alumni.