Strategic Communications and Marketing News Bureau

Two win free tuition in drawing to benefit U. of I. parents groups

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The Moms and Dads associations at the University of Illinois have granted free tuition to two winners of its annual benefit drawing.

Maureen McMahon, of Chicago, won two semesters of in-state tuition for her son, Brendan, a freshman majoring in mechanical engineering.

“Now I can rest easy knowing that my parents will not be burdened with tuition payments for the next year,” Brendan McMahon said.

One semester of in-state tuition was awarded to Patrice Merchant of Evanston, Ill., for her son, Casey, a freshman majoring in consumer economics and finance.

“Winning the tuition drawing has relieved some of the stress of paying for school,” Casey Merchant said.

The annual drawing is held at the final home Illini football game. Proceeds from the drawing are used to support programs and projects that benefit all students at Illinois. The tuition waiver takes effect with the spring semester.

The UI’s two parent organizations are believed to be the first such organizations in the U.S. The Dads Association was founded in 1922; the Moms Association followed in 1923.



This article was imported from a previous version of the News Bureau website. Please email news@illinois.edu to report missing photos and/or photo credits.

Read Next

Earth and Environmental Sciences Researcher portrait standing in front of graphics from study

Researchers advance first-of-its-kind AI tool for translating life-saving weather warnings across the US

A new study led by Joseph Trujillo-Falcón documents how artificial intelligence is used to translate life-saving weather forecasts and alerts into non-English languages.

Arts Photo of a group of violinists from Apollo's Fire standing and playing onstage.

Krannert Center announces performers for 2026-27 season

Krannert Center for the Performing Arts’ 2026-27 season features a variety of performers, including jazz and classical music, theater and dance.

Life Sciences Research News Veterinary Medicine Photo of researchers in the laboratory. They are standing in front of dozens of fish tanks.

One simple trick makes zebrafish a better model for microbiome research

A new advance in animal husbandry involving a popular aquarium fish should speed the pace of microbiome research, scientists report.

Strategic Communications and Marketing News Bureau

507 E. Green St
MC-426
Champaign, IL 61820

Email: stratcom@illinois.edu

Phone (217) 333-5010