News & Stories
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.