Illinois College is mourning the loss of Dr. Axel D. Steuer H’13

Steuer, President Emeritus of Illinois College, died at the age of 81 on August 14, 2024. He served as 13th President of Illinois College from 2003 - 2013. His defining legacy at Illinois College is one of integrity, service, and excellence.

During his tenure, Steuer was committed to campus beautification. His passion for the environment influenced numerous campus improvements. Collaborations, like the partnership with Starhill Forest Arboretum, and projects such as closing Mound Avenue to unify the campus, developing the Lower Quad, and enhancing green spaces, transformed the College into a more connected and environmentally-conscious community.

Together with his wife, Loreli Steuer H'13, Steuer embraced the College's history and played a significant role in bringing its rich past into the spotlight, including its involvement with the Underground Railroad. The Steuers joined Professors EmeritiPaul and AlmutSpalding in donating the Abraham Lincoln statue in 2009 to an area that was named the Steuer Walkway at the time of Steuer's retirement in 2013. Along with honoring the history of Lincoln's association with the College and the greater Jacksonville community, this iconic statue has become intrinsically tied to tradition on campus. Students pose for photos with Lincoln on the first day of classes and on admission tours.

The IC community was deeply impacted by Steuer's passion for philosophy and social justice. He was instrumental in rewriting the College's Mission and Core Values Statements, ensuring that ethics and moral values were at the forefront of Illinois College's identity. The expansion of a nationally-recognized education for all students was one of his top priorities in the strategic plan entitled Realizing the Vision. In addition, his efforts to enhance the College's international presence and focus on experiential education enriched the lives of countless students, many of whom remember him not just as a leader, but as a mentor and advocate.

Steuer's academic legacy continues at Illinois College. During his ten years on campus, he spearheaded endeavors to renovate historic Whipple Hall. This development, with a generous donation from Dr. Khalaf Al Habtoor, H'10, houses the Al Habtoor Leadership Center. Home to the Al Habtoor Leadership Program, this endeavor empowers Illinois College students to be effective citizen-leaders globally.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Steuer was known for his personal touch. Whether engaging in thoughtful conversations with students or hosting dinners and picnics at Barnes House, he made it a point to connect with those around him on a personal level. Axel and Loreli could be seen on evenings walking their dogs through campus and they loved chatting with students, faculty and staff along the way.

"I saw a president who took notice in what his students did and was willing to network and connect to his students on a personal level instead of strictly academic," Julian Nelms '13, said as a student during Steuer's presidency. At the time of his retirement, President and Mrs. Steuer estimated they had hosted over 3,500 students for dinner over a 10-year period, including Gabrielle Esparza '16. At the time, Esparza described the impact it had on her as a student when she said, "By inviting students into their home, I not only recognized how sincere and kind the Steuers [were] in their role as President and First Lady, but also what makes IC such a special place."

President Steuer's impact on Illinois College and the broader community will be felt for generations.

Steuer's full obituary can be found online.