The History of IACS
The idea of having a state bookstore association arose in 1969 when a few dedicated store managers saw the need for bringing together colleagues within the state of Illinois to discuss and find solutions to common problems and further educate themselves in the ever changing world of bookstore management.
The Illinois Association of College Stores was officially established on October 26, 1970 following a meeting of 21 college store managers in Springfield, Illinois. This non-profit organization exists for the benefit of the membership. Individual contribute to the operation of IACS by serving on committees, taking part in association activities and by letting the association officers know their desires. Participation of all members is encouraged.
Our Purpose
Service to its members is the most important function of the Illinois Association of College Stores. IACS serves its members by bringing together those people who are engaged in selling course materials, supplies, general merchandise, and other services to the students and faculties of educational institutions in Illinois and the Midwest.
One of the most important services is educational programming. A minimum of one meeting, usually two days in length, is scheduled each year in the fall and hosted by different schools. These conferences consist of well planned program topics and feature member and guest speakers. Tours of the local bookstore(s) is often available so members have the opportunity to see different merchandising ideas and the products other stores have available. An occasional table top exhibit of associate members' merchandise may also be a feature on the program agenda. An informal dinner and evening of entertainment are usually a part of each meeting's program.
In addition, IACS issues a newsletter where meeting dates, job openings, bookstore surveys, current trends, and course materials, supply, general merchandise, or service information is published and shared. Any member seeking information may start and/or respond to a blog online in the members area. A membership directory is also available on the member resources page.
2023 IACS Officers & Board of Directors
President
Christine Klippert
Manager, Bookstore
College of Lake County
19351 W. Washington
Grayslake, IL 60030
847.543.2278
Christine began her Bookstore Experience in 2009 as a temporary employee during rush(beginning of the semester). She became full-time in 2012 working as an Operations Clerk overseeing cashiers, the website and collaborating with the store manager on projects. She was then promoted to Manager in 2014 and since then has overseen remodels of two spaces as well as an operation change: Moving from Open Stacks to Full Counter Service. Her next endeavor is to bring Inclusive Access to the College as another way to save students money.
Vice President
OPEN-Send your nominations to Christine Klippert, cklippert@clcillinois.edu!
Title
College
Address
Telephone
Short Bio
Treasurer
Liz Schreiber
Lead Retail Associate and Buyer
College of Lake County
19351 W. Washington
Grayslake, IL 60030
847.543.2803
Liz began her career in the college bookstore industry in 2014 as the General Merchandise Buyer for the College of Lake County Bookstore. In 2020, she was promoted to the Lead Associate and Buyer where she helps oversee operations and continues to buy general merchandise for all 3 CLC campus store locations. Liz loves the college store industry and enjoys working with staff, students, and faculty throughout the college. In her spare time (when she’s not working her 2nd job), she likes reading, spending time with her husband and parents, visiting Florida, and playing with her 2 black cats.
Secretary
OPEN-Send your nominations to Christine Klippert, cklippert@clcillinois.edu!
Title
College
Address
Telephone
Associate Representative
Cary Caldwell
Digital Development Executive
Verba | Vital Source
227 Fayetteville Street, Suite 400
Raleigh, NC 27601
704.446.2054
Cary began her career in Higher Ed as the Merchandise Manager for Gardner-Webb University Campus Shop and was promoted to Assistant Manager within her first year of employment. In 2012 she was named GWU Campus Shop Manager and was given the responsibility of the Campus Post Office and Concessions as well. She has a true passion for helping bookstores find ways to increase student success. Cary obtained her BA in Communications in 2005, and her MBA in 2008 from Gardner-Webb. She has served on the National Association of College Stores Foundation Board, as well as, served as President for the College Stores Association of North Carolina. She likes to spend her spare time with family and friends; fishing, hiking, playing games, sitting around a fire pit roasting marshmallows, listening to music, and watching her son and his friends play.
Associate Representative
Dave Gliva
Bookstore Manager
Waubonsee Community College
Rt. 47 @ Waubonsee Drive
Sugar Grove, IL 60554
630.466.2909
Bio...
Associate Representative
Cecelia Noble
Director of Business Development
Akademos
200 Connecticut Avenue
Norwalk, CT 06854
630.842.1413
Cecelia Noble is the Director of Business Development at Akademos. Cecelia joined Akademos where she brings over 9 years of experience in higher education, working directly with faculty, students, and administration on course content creation, implementation, and design. Cecelia is passionate about education and working with Saas implementation for student success and into a learning management system. Cecelia holds a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education and Teaching from Illinois State University.
Associate Representative
Tara Richardson
Operations Specialist
Kishwaukee College
21193 Malta Road
Malta, IL 60150
815.825.9445
Tara started as a dual credit high school student at Kishwaukee College, where she completed her education and started her career. She became the full-time Operations Assistant in 2008 and was later promoted to Operations Specialist. Tara, in a variety of roles, (and with her trusted colleague, the textbook buyer), handles the day-to-day running of the Kish Bookstore. She is the General Merchandise buyer, merchandising lead, website specialist, customer service specialist, and more. As Kishwaukee College has undergone change over the years, Tara has been there for many major developments, including the construction of a new larger bookstore, the downsizing of storage/backstock areas, cross-training with the Printing and Mail Services team, and more. In recent years, the Bookstore has become a one-stop shop and is now the only food source on campus. Tara has led the efforts to source grab-and-go entrees for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. She has coordinated with local businesses to sell pastries, popcorn, ice cream, and more. Tara consistently implements creative solutions and new ideas.
When not at work, she is busy raising two wonderful girls with her partner of 17 years. They love anything outdoors and go kayaking, four-wheeling, hunting, fishing, and horse riding. Spending time with family and friends is their priority.
MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE
Mike Goodwin
Account Representative
Texas Books
Kelli Golembeski
Account Executive
L2 brands
Cary Caldwell
Digital Development Executive
Verba | Vital Source
CONSTITUTION COMMITTEE
Jill Christy
Hammes Bookstore Manager
Kankakee Community College
Alyssa Boaz
Bookstore Text Buyer
Illinois Valley Community College
MEETING/ANNUAL CONFERENCE COMMITTEE
Cody Lopez
Regional Sales Manager, Central Region
Redshelf
Scott Baseler
Retail Assistant Manager
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
EDUCATION COMMITTEE
Helen Nakos
Manager Bookstore & Auxiliary Support Services
Joliet Junior College
Cody Lopez
Regional Sales Manager, Central Region
Redshelf
Christine Klippert
Manager, Bookstore
College of Lake County
CURRENT MEMBERS
Joliet Junior College
Illinois Valley Community College
College of Lake County
Kankakee Community College
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Highland Community College
Moraine Valley Community College
McHenry Community College
Elgin Community College
Eastern Illinois University
Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville
Illinois Eastern Community Colleges
Lincoln Land Community College
Waubonsee Community College
Kishwaukee Community College
Augustana College
Aurora University
Eureka College
Verba | Vital Source
Redshelf
L2 brands
Re-Focus The Creative Office
Signature Announcements
Spectrum Uniforms
Hamelin Brands
Lad Custom Publishing
CI SPORT
DR Instruments
JP Sales
Oak Hall
Bob Haskins & Associates
Dawn Dubow
Nebraska Books
MBS Books
Independent College Bookstore Association
National Association of College Stores