News & Stories
Each University of Illinois donor has a unique and inspirational story tied to their giving, and we’re thrilled to share them.
A Message on the Foundation's Endowment Strategy and Progress
October 30, 2026 04:00 PMA statement from the University of Illinois Foundation
Because of You: University of Illinois Foundation Announces Record‑Setting $748.3 Million in FY26 New Business
October 23, 2026 09:30 AMMore than 50,000 donors and nearly 194,000 gifts push UIF past last year’s record by $92.3 million
Larry Gies pledges $100 million matching gift to Gies College of Business
October 20, 2026 11:24 AMThe pledge, which will potentially generate $200M for scholarships, students, and faculty support, brings his lifetime giving to the University of Illinois Urbana‑Champaign to $350M, making him its largest benefactor.
Omair Ahmed Makes Transformational Investment in UIC Men’s Basketball
September 23, 2026 05:01 PMLandmark gift from Chicago entrepreneur and Goldfinch founder/CEO to significantly elevate resources, opportunities and profile of Flames program.
Former Illini Cheerleader Establishes Cheerleading Scholarship Fund
September 11, 2026 10:35 AMFormer University of Illinois cheerleader David A. Mizer has established the David A. Mizer Cheerleading Education Fund, creating a new scholarship opportunity for members of the Fighting Illini Cheerleading program.
Ensuring opportunities to learn, grow, and succeed
September 09, 2026 11:42 AMFor Jack Blevins, giving back has never been about recognition. It is about ensuring future generations of Illinois engineers have the same opportunities to learn, grow, and succeed that shaped his own life.
Retired UIS Professor Gives Back to Help People Get Where They Want to Be
September 08, 2026 10:31 AMSharron LaFollette’s support will help create opportunities for future generations of students to gain meaningful professional experience while exploring careers that align with their passions.
University of Illinois Philanthropy Center Earns WELL Platinum Certification
August 18, 2026 08:57 AMThe University of Illinois Philanthropy Center has earned WELL Platinum certification—the highest level achievable under the WELL Building Standard, and one of the most rigorous recognitions a workplace can earn.
What will you leave behind?
August 17, 2026 10:08 AMLynette Marshall and Jeffery Ford have chosen to leave a planned gift to the College of ACES, where Marshall’s career began. It’s a full‑circle decision: the college's first fundraiser, ensuring that the work she helped start will carry on long after her.
Volkmann Scholarship honors library director and mentor
July 29, 2026 11:23 AMCarl Volkmann passed away in 2013, but his commitment to helping future public librarians lives on through the Volkmann Scholarship he and his family established at the iSchool.
Nursing scholarship helps students dedicated to caring for others
July 15, 2026 09:01 AMEsther Lam ('96, MA '04) and her husband, Dr. Wilfred Lam, created the Wilfred and Esther Lam Pre‑Nursing Endowed Scholarship Fund, helping students pursuing nursing and service careers.
Beyond the court
July 09, 2026 09:48 AMFormer women’s basketball star Sara E. Wynes stays dedicated to helping her team through giving.
Alumnus W. Robert Felker ('74) recognized with 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.