University of Illinois Foundation

09/11/2026

A Fighting Illini cheerleader is paying it forward — for good.

David A. Mizer just created the David A. Mizer Cheerleading Education Fund to support Illinois Cheerleading students' education. 🧡💙 His hope? That other alumni and friends jump in too, so even more students get the chance to represent Illinois with pride.

Read more: https://fightingillini.com/news/2026/9/4/former-illini-cheerleader-david-mizer-establishes-cheerleading-scholarship-fund

09/10/2026

A BIG welcome to students at the University of Illinois! The University of Illinois System fall enrollment has topped 102,000 for the first time, extending its string of record fall enrollments, with growth driven largely by new in-state undergraduates. Undergraduate enrollment rose 3.4% overall, with Illinois residents up 4.2% across the system’s universities in Urbana-Champaign, Chicago and Springfield. Including this fall’s total enrollment growth of 1.2% to a new record of 102,267 students, system enrollment has grown 25.5% over the past decade.

The University of Illinois System’s fall enrollment has topped 102,000 for the first time, extending its string of record fall enrollments, with growth driven largely by new in-state undergraduates. Undergraduate enrollment rose 3.4% overall, with Illinois residents up 4.2% across the system’s u...

08/18/2026

We are proud to announce that our home, the University of Illinois Philanthropy Center, has earned WELL Platinum certification from the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI). This is the highest level achievable under the WELL Building Standard. Reaching Platinum certification places the Philanthropy Center among an elite group of buildings nationally. It is only the second building at the University of Illinois, and the first new construction building in the University of Illinois System, to receive this award.

WELL is centered on health and wellbeing. The Platinum rating reflects performance across air and water quality, lighting, thermal comfort, materials, acoustics, movement, nourishment, and mental and community wellbeing.

Read more: https://uif.uillinois.edu/news/232/university-of-illinois-philanthropy-center-earns-well-platinum-certification

Photograph by Andrew Rugge ‑ Copyright Perkins Eastman

08/17/2026

Lynette Marshall and Jeffery Ford have chosen to leave a planned gift to the University of Illinois College of ACES, where Marshall’s career began. Now, after more than 40 years in a profession she views as a calling rather than a job, Marshall and Ford are making that belief personal. They have chosen to leave a planned gift to the College of ACES, the place where Marshall’s own career began. It is a quiet, full-circle decision: the college's first fundraiser, ensuring that the work she helped start will carry on long after her.

Read more: https://aces.illinois.edu/news/what-will-you-leave-behind-aces-legacy-and-good-reason-finally-make-your-will

07/02/2026

Meet Wendy and Chris Harris: two people who believe in investing in the teachers of tomorrow. For over 30 years, they've been part of the Illinois family. Now, they're giving back in a big way—launching the Harris Family Scholarship Fund for Education and a companion scholarship at the University of Illinois School of Social Work to support future educators and social workers.

This is what community looks like: showing up for students so they can learn, grow, and thrive.

06/26/2026

Last week we had an illuminating evening at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry and enjoyed exploring the frontiers of quantum technologies with our panel of University of Illinois experts. It was great to connect with alumni and friends in such a beautiful setting. Thanks to all who were able to join us!

06/04/2026

Zishen Ye is already making a difference for Illinois students just a few years after graduating. Inspired by the hands-on experiences and mentorship he received, he established a fund to help bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world practice. His support creates opportunities for students to gain professional experience, build connections, and prepare for future careers. Ye’s generosity reflects his belief in giving back and supporting the next generation.

https://advancement.illinois.edu/zishen-norman-ye/

06/01/2026

A cancer diagnosis changes everything. For Tai R. (Terry) Shin, his own experience and that of his late wife, You H. (Catherine) Shin, facing the disease, ignited a determination to do something about it. That determination is now the heart of a $6 million gift to advance cancer research across the University of Illinois System.

Shin’s investment will fund a systemwide research award, a named chair at the Cancer Center at Illinois (Urbana), and a named directorship at the University of Illinois Cancer Center (Chicago).

Read more here: https://uif.uillinois.edu/news/225/a-lifelong-commitment-tai-r-shin-s-6m-gift-to-advance-cancer-research-at-the-university-of-illinois

05/28/2026

Michael Lee and Helen Yang have built remarkable global careers rooted in their experiences at Illinois. Now they’re giving back to help future generations do the same. As leaders in business and proud alumni of chemical engineering, their support for scholarships and fellowships is opening doors for students to pursue their ambitions and make their own impact. Their generosity reflects a lasting commitment to empowering innovation, education, and opportunity at Illinois.

https://advancement.illinois.edu/michael-lee-and-helen-yang/

04/20/2026

Barbara Brandt’s passion for genealogy led her to uncover meaningful family history and recognize the importance of preserving these stories for future generations. Through her research, she saw how easily valuable records and materials could be lost without proper care. Brandt is giving back through the Barbara F. and Lawrence M. Brandt Library Endowment, supporting preservation efforts at the University of Illinois Library. Her gift helps protect historical collections, ensuring that future students, researchers, and families can continue to access and learn from these important records.

https://www.library.illinois.edu/friends/gifts-at-work/genealogy-journey-leads-to-endowment/