News & Stories
Each of our donors has a unique and inspirational story tied to their giving, and we’re thrilled to share them.

Charles Lee Isbell Jr. named chancellor at University of Illinois Urbana‑Champaign
June 05, 2025 10:55 AMLeading computer scientist, academic innovator and provost at the University of Wisconsin‑Madison, will become the 11th chancellor of the University of Illinois Urbana‑Champaign and vice president of the University of Illinois System.
Herb Paaren makes $2M gift to fund new Drug Discovery and Cancer Research Pavilion
June 03, 2025 03:09 PMA new facility at UIC will bring medical, pharmaceutical, chemistry and cancer programs under one roof in pursuit of ground‑breaking therapeutic drug discoveries.

University of Illinois Philanthropy Center Recognized as Finalist for the Chicago Building Congress 2025 Merit Award
May 23, 2025 09:35 AMThe UI Philanthropy Center, which opened in February 2024, was honored as a finalist in the category “Commercial Construction Under $50 Million.”

Gies Business announces creation of Origin Ventures Office of Entrepreneurship
May 21, 2025 09:07 AMGies College of Business at the University of Illinois Urbana‑Champaign announces the launch of the Origin Ventures Office of Entrepreneurship.

UIS honors 2025 philanthropic award recipients
May 08, 2025 02:15 PMThe University of Illinois Springfield recognized five outstanding individuals for their exceptional generosity, leadership and support of the university during the annual Celebration of Philanthropy on April 30, 2025.
Reichard Capital CEO Donates $5 million to Elevate Gies Business Real Estate Program
April 28, 2025 08:58 AMGies College of Business has received a $5 million gift from alumnus Nate Reichard, CEO of Reichard Capital. In recognition, the Real Estate Finance Academy will be renamed the “Reichard Real Estate Academy.”
Memorial fund honors Griffin James' dedication to education, community
April 16, 2025 03:10 PMThis scholarship, aimed at helping undergraduate students further their education at the Gies College of Business, reflects Griffin’s dedication to higher education and his deep commitment to his community.

Lead gift to name and support MacFarlane Artisan Village
April 11, 2025 10:37 AMA substantial lead gift from Joan and Peter Hood will help “get the ball rolling” on improvements in Allerton Park and Retreat Center’s Artisan Village.

Wolf Creek Farm Awarded 2025 Glen “GB” Brandt Prize
March 28, 2025 03:12 PMWolf Creek Farm given award that honors a grower/producer/farmer who exemplifies an entrepreneurial spirit and advances innovation through their business practices.

Marilynn Preston supports well‑being initiatives for College of Media students
March 26, 2025 09:22 AMPreston’s generous support of a multi‑year series on wellness and self‑care is aimed at helping nurture students while on campus and prepare them for a career in a demanding field.

Alum and textbook author makes gift to renovate auditorium
March 18, 2025 02:10 PMCarolyn Jarvis' textbook has been helping nursing students learn health assessment skills for decades. Now her gift to UIC Nursing will help students get the most out of classroom lectures.

Ted's Café
March 10, 2025 09:31 AMBeckman Institute founding director Ted Brown is making a generous gift to the café renovation.

Generosity Repaid
February 28, 2025 10:22 AMScholarship Established to Benefit Study Abroad Students

Investing in Education
February 28, 2025 10:05 AMAlumni Couple Establish New Fund to Support Students
Morningstar Design Fund to advance collaboration
February 13, 2025 02:20 PM$1 million Morningstar Design Fund will advance design education and business collaboration

Kaplan Family Writer‑in‑Residence Series
February 13, 2025 02:15 PMA love of reading and giving back leads campus couple to support the next generation of writers.

2025 UI Advancement Internship Accepting Applications
February 03, 2025 02:25 PMThe 2025 CASE paid summer internship at UIF is now accepting applications.
Important Year‑End Giving Announcement
December 10, 2024 04:41 PMFoundation staff will promptly process all contributions received during December and will be monitoring phone and email messages during the holiday break, should assistance be needed with a year‑end gift intention.