CUSchoolsFoundation

New Board Member Spotlight - Janet Ellis-Nelson
Having served as a special education teacher for thirty years and a principal for nine years, the success of students and teachers in our community is still very important to her. She hopes she can make a positive difference to area schools while serving on the Champaign Urbana Schools Foundation Board!

Please help us welcome Janet!

Champaign Unit 4 Schools Urbana School District #116

New Board Member Spotlight-

Terry Thies serves as the Associate Director for Family Engagement for New Student and Family Experiences at the University of Illinois Urbana – Champaign. Terry brings over 20 years of higher education experience and has supported students and families throughout her career. In her current role, Terry is responsible for engaging Illinois families in their student’s academic journey at the University. Terry also brings experience in fundraising as the former chair of “Lawyers Feeding Illinois,” a statewide philanthropic campaign facilitated by the Illinois State Bar Association which raised funds to support the regional foodbanks in Illinois. Terry holds a bachelor’s degree from Millikin University and completed her master’s degree at the University of Illinois Urbana – Champaign.

Terry is committed to ensuring that all students have equitable opportunities to learn, grow, feel valued, and succeed. Supporting educators with the resources they need is essential to that mission, and the CU Schools Foundation plays a key role in bringing the community together to make that possible. Terry looks forward to contributing to the work of CUSF.

Champaign Unit 4 Schools Urbana School District #116

Our team had an awesome time packing school supplies for the Champaign Unit 4 Schools Annual School Supply Giveaway!

Unit 4 families — don’t miss it! The giveaway happens Tuesday, August 4 from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM at Marketplace Mall.

It’s always great to be part of something that directly supports our community’s kids.

Let’s get ready for a great school year! 📚✨

Grateful to share that we once again received a generous donation from the Christie Clinic Illinois Marathon at this year’s annual race banquet. Each year, the marathon directs funds to local charities across Champaign-Urbana, strengthening organizations that serve our students, families, and most vulnerable neighbors.

We’re honored to be part of this tradition of community impact — and thankful for everyone who makes the marathon possible. CU’s generosity continues to shine. 💙

Our Champaign Unit 4 Schools YES (Youth Employment Services) student had an unforgettable day yesterday — meeting both the Champaign and Urbana mayors! She came ready with thoughtful questions, and each mayor offered insightful answers that gave her a real look into leadership, service, and community impact.

Makayla shared:
"The mayors talked about important challenges such as homelessness, housing, and gun violence. They also explained the importance of giving back to the community, staying involved, and using your voice.

I learned that young people have more opportunities and power to make a difference than they may realize. One message that stood out to me was that your story does not have to end where it starts. The meetings inspired me to become more involved in my community and showed me that leadership is about helping people and making a positive impact.”

We’re deeply grateful to Mayor DeShawn Williams and Mayor Deborah Frank Feinen for opening their doors, sharing their thoughts, and giving our student the kind of access that helps young leaders see what’s possible right here at home in CU!

City of Champaign - Municipal Government Urbana, Illinois - City Government

New Board Member Spotlight -
After 25 years as an art educator in Unit 4, Shannon’s commitment to arts education and to creating meaningful, enriching experiences for students remains central to her professional identity. In addition to her work in the classroom, she has served for many years as a volunteer grant scorer, which has given her a broad and thoughtful perspective on both the needs of educators and the strategic role CUSF plays in turning innovative ideas into reality. She is eager to help guide the foundation’s work in ways that continue to empower educators and inspire students across our community.

Welcome, Shannon! 🎉
Champaign Unit 4 Schools Urbana School District #116

New Board Member Spotlight -
Krissy is the current business manager for United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers Local 97 and delegate to the East Central Illinois Building And Construction Trades Council . As someone who was born and raised in Champaign County, she supports CUSF because of their dedication to the teachers and students of this community. As someone who grew up in a neighborhood that did not have many opportunities, it warms her heart to be in a room full of people that recognize that and want to make a difference, and she is looking forward to contributing to that difference.

Please help us welcome Krissy to our board!

Meet Makayla — Our Summer YES Program Student! 🌟

We’re excited to welcome Makayla, a rising junior at Central High School, to the Champaign Urbana Schools Foundation team this summer through the Youth Employment Services (YES) Program.
Makayla started with us on June 8 and is already off and running — jumping into projects, learning the behind‑the‑scenes work of a nonprofit, and bringing great energy to the office. We’re thrilled to support her as she builds real‑world skills and explores future career pathways.
Programs like YES help students gain confidence, experience, and a clearer sense of what’s possible. We’re proud to be part of her journey this summer!

Champaign Unit 4 Schools

Linda Prom grew up in Wisconsin and earned a bachelor’s degree in business and marketing in 1992. She moved to Champaign in 1994 with her husband, Chris. In 2000 she earned an associate’s degree in accounting from Parkland College. Linda and Chris have 3 children who graduated from Central High School. Throughout the years she has served as treasurer for a number of different organizations including the PTSA (Parent Teacher Student Association) and also the Soccer Booster Club for Central High School. She is excited to support classroom experiences and opportunities for our local public school students. Please join us in welcoming Linda!

Celebrated the 2025-2026 school year with our annual CUSF Board Summer Social! As people roll off and new ones roll in, we are grateful to every individual in these pics including those who were unable to attend. Huge shoutout to for the delicious apps and the gorgeous setting. Thank you, board members and staff, for your commitment to our schools and enjoy your summer!🌞