News & Stories
Each University of Illinois donor has a unique and inspirational story tied to their giving, and we’re thrilled to share them.
UIS Recognizes Alumnus W. Robert Felker '74) with an Honorary Doctorate
June 08, 2026 04:45 PMThe University of Illinois Springfield recognized distinguished alumnus W. Robert Felker, '74 CPAE, with an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters at Spring 2026 commencement, honoring his remarkable professional achievements and enduring commitment to UIS.
Illinois alum gift expands ACES experiential, international experiences
June 08, 2026 03:00 PMRon and Melanie Warfield know firsthand the power of international exchange. Their $1M gift to ACES at Illinois creates the Ron and Melanie Warfield Global Scholars and Experiential Learning Innovation Fund.
A Lifelong Commitment: Tai R. Shin’s $6M Gift to Advance Cancer Research
June 01, 2026 10:11 AMA cancer diagnosis changes everything. For Tai R. Shin, his own experience and that of his late wife, You, facing the disease ignited resolve—now at the heart of a major gift to advance cancer research across the University of Illinois System.
UIC Gift is Driving ALS Research
May 28, 2026 04:16 PMAfter their teammate’s death, UIC alumni launched a foundation funding ALS research at UIC, advancing understanding of the disease.
Young Alum Establishes Fund to Support Experiential Learning
May 28, 2026 01:15 AMZishen Ye is already giving back years after graduating. Inspired by mentorship he received, he established a fund to bridge classroom learning and real‑world practice — creating opportunities for students to gain experience and build connections.
Michael Lee and Helen Yang Establish Opportunities for Engineering Students
May 25, 2026 12:00 AMMichael Lee and Helen Yang built remarkable global careers rooted in Illinois. Now they're giving back. Their support for scholarships and fellowships opens doors for students to pursue their ambitions and make their own impact.
Preserving History: Genealogy Journey Leads to Endowment
March 25, 2026 03:03 PMBarbara Brandt's ('71, EDM '82, PHD '87) passion for genealogy revealed how easily records can be lost. Through the Brandt Library Endowment, she's helping preserve historical collections at the University of Illinois Library.
Gies Business Launches Illinois' First Student‑led Venture Capital Fund
February 13, 2026 12:00 AMThanks to alumni Doug ('90) and Debbie Ackerman ('90), Gies College of Business has launched the university's first student‑led venture capital fund, giving students hands‑on experience investing in emerging startups.
2026 UI Advancement Internship Accepting Applications
February 09, 2026 04:15 PMThe University of Illinois Advancement Internship for summer 2026 is now accepting applications.
ACES alum Bill Tarter Jr. invests in the next generation of students
February 06, 2026 12:00 AMBill Tarter Jr. ('74) knows firsthand how life‑changing scholarships can be. Now he's giving back through the Tarter Family Scholarship—helping students overcome financial barriers and pursue opportunities in agriculture and science at Illinois.
Meredith Chamber Singers: Nurturing the Soul Through Music
January 13, 2026 11:18 AMThanks to a gift from Paul Yarrington, the School of Music has its first named choir.
Love Like Sean: Gies Business alumnus, family honors son’s legacy with scholarship
January 09, 2026 09:47 AMIn 2023 Sean Richards was tragically killed. In the wake of their loss, his family channeled grief into something that reflected his remarkable spirit: the Love Like Sean Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to spreading joy and encouraging acts of kindness.
Giving back and honoring a legacy
December 10, 2025 10:00 AMFor Adrienne Washington, supporting the University of Illinois School of Labor and Employment Relations is more than giving back. It’s about honoring a legacy that began long before her own time at Illinois.
From farm roots to paying it forward: Jim & Ellen Holmes invest in Illinois students
November 05, 2025 02:44 PMJim & Ellen Holmes have devoted their lives to service—first to their country and now to the next generation of students. Their generosity opens doors for students, strengthens ag, and carries forward the land‑grant promise.
Donors contribute $656 million in new business for Fiscal Year 2025, shattering the previous fundraising record by $157 million
October 30, 2025 04:24 PMThe University of Illinois Foundation released new business numbers, giving highlights, and endowment performance for Fiscal Year 2025.
Dr. John A. Coyne South Clinic Ribbon Cutting Celebration
October 15, 2025 09:49 AMA multi‑year commitment for expansion of the College of Veterinary Medicine’s satellite clinic renamed Dr. John A. Coyne South Clinic in recognition of his generous investment.
Larry Gies Makes Transformational $100 Million Gift to Illinois Athletics
September 09, 2025 01:56 PMUniversity of Illinois alumnus Larry Gies has made a $100 million gift to the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics (DIA). It is the largest gift in DIA history and represents one of the largest single gifts ever received by a college athletics program.
1977 U. of I. Graduate Leaves Her Legacy to Preserve Historic Round Barns
August 27, 2025 09:15 AMThe generous gift from Leah Wightman ensures that the round barns will continue to serve the university and College of Veterinary Medicine while representing and preserving the rich history of Illinois agriculture for future generations.