CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — The “With Illinois” fundraising campaign officially ended June 30 and concluded with a $200,000 personal contribution from Chancellor Robert J. Jones and his wife, Dr. Lynn Hassan Jones.
The “With Illinois” campaign was the most ambitious and successful fundraising campaign in university history, reaching the initial $2.25 billion goal 15 months ahead of schedule.
Chancellor Jones and Dr. Jones contributed to the Illinois Commitment program that provides four years of free tuition to admitted students whose families earn less than $67,100 a year.
“With so many opportunities here at Illinois where a gift can create transformative experiences, Lynn and I had some long and thoughtful conversations about where our gift might have the most impact,” Robert Jones said. “In the end, the choice really became clear when we looked at our grandchildren and imagined the limitless possibilities waiting for them. And we realized nothing on Earth opens up more possibilities than an education. So, I guess in some ways, this is a gift that we’re making to future Illinois students and also to their grandparents.”
In addition to support for student scholarships, the naming of the Gies College of Business and the Grainger College of Engineering, as well as COVID-19-relief funds were highlights of the “With Illinois” fundraising effort. During the campaign, more than 170,000 alumni and friends from around the world provided gifts to support students, faculty, research, programs and facilities.
The final fundraising tally and additional information about “With Illinois” will be shared during a communitywide event to celebrate the conclusion of the campaign. This event is scheduled for Oct. 14 as part of the university’s Homecoming and the University of Illinois Foundation’s annual meeting weekend.
Editor’s note:
For more information, contact Vice Chancellor for Advancement Barry Benson, 217-244-1206, email bensonb@illinois.edu
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