UIS plants the first of 1,000 donated Japanese maple trees on campus

University of Illinois Springfield Interim Chancellor Karen Whitney, faculty and staff helped to plant the first of 1,000 donated Japanese maples on Tuesday, April 27, 2021 near the UIS Pond on campus.

The maples, along with a pagoda, lanterns and granite statuary, are being donated by New Berlin business Davidsan’s Japanese Maples. The business will soon be closing as owner Gale Myers prepares to retire. Davidsan’s will work closely with the UIS Grounds Department on the design of a walking path and several groves of trees.

“This donation is being made to honor more than 30 years that Springfield has had a sister city relationship with Ashikaga, Japan and 20 years of the University of Illinois Springfield’s relationship with Ashikaga University” Myers said. “I traveled with UIS to Ashikaga three times in the early 2000s. During those trips I fell in love with Ashikaga, and I have been permanently influenced by Japan, the Japanese people and their culture. I brought home the idea that the world is one community. I believe that spreading that idea will increase international understanding and the well-being of all.”

Myers hopes the trees will serve as a beautiful symbol of contemplation and inspiration, each one adding to the well-being of the people in the world community. 

UIS plans to start planting the first 100 trees, and place the pagoda, near the UIS-LLCC bike trail behind the UIS Police Station, next to the campus pond. Trees will eventually cross to the other side of University Drive. Planting all of the trees will take about a year. 

“UIS has had a strong relationship with Ashikaga University (formerly Ashikaga Institute of Technology), for the past 20 years. We have exchanged students, staff and faculty each year since 2001,” said Jonathan GoldbergBelle, UIS director of study away programs, who helped coordinate the tree donation. “The generous gift from Gale Myers, who participated on our program to Ashikaga several times, and Davidsan’s Japanese Maples celebrates that relationship and the impact that it can have on program participants. It will enhance the beauty of our campus and continue to delight those who stroll along the path or pause in the gardens for decades to come.”

In 2000, UIS received the Tree Campus Higher Education designation from the Arbor Day Foundation. In order to receive the designation, UIS had to form a Campus Tree Advisory Committee and come up with a Campus Tree Care Plan.

“This very generous gift will enhance the beauty of our campus for many years to come,” said Brian Beckerman, UIS superintendent of grounds. “It comes at a time when many of our original trees are succumbing to age and the elements. The plantings will greatly enhance the diversity of our campus tree population and will provide enjoyment for so many for decades to come.”

In the fall, when GoldbergBelle hopes COVID-19 restrictions have eased, he is planning to have a larger, more formal dedication ceremony for the trees. Attendees would be encouraged to stroll the path between the maples and enjoy speakers and refreshments. He also hopes to livestream the event, so UIS’ friends in Ashikaga, Japan could participate.

UIS raises $5 million as Reaching Stellar cruises toward fundraising campaign goal

The University of Illinois Springfield Reaching Stellar fundraising campaign made great strides during the past fiscal year. 

UIS secured approximately $5 million in gifts during fiscal year 2020, which ran from July 1, 2019, through June 30, 2020. The successful year of fundraising means the University cumulatively has raised $36.82 million – or 91.89 percent – of the $40 million Reaching Stellar campaign goal as of Sept. 30. The campaign has two more years until it closes. 

“The Reaching Stellar campaign ultimately will help UIS further develop several areas of expertise and service, but foremost is the intent to improve access for students to acquire a University of Illinois education,” said UIS Interim Chancellor Karen Whitney. “To this effect, UIS has been extremely fortunate to have affirmation from a wide-ranging group of supporters: Alumni, community friends, corporations and foundations, students and staff.” 

Reaching Stellar: The Campaign for the University of Illinois Springfield, aims to raise $40 million to benefit students, faculty and the central Illinois community. The initiative – which publicly launched Oct. 10, 2017, and is the largest fundraising campaign in UIS history – will continue through 2022. 

Gifts to Reaching Stellar support the campaign’s five priorities: 

• Scholarships: Affirming the aspirations, energy and diversity of our students 
• Academic Excellence: Learning that empowers the future 
• UIS Center for Lincoln Studies: To instruct, inspire and elevate us all 
• “The Public Good”: Engagement. Collaboration. Impact. 
• Facilities and Technology: Building tomorrow’s University today 

Jeff Lorber, vice chancellor for advancement at UIS, said there are some significant, visible examples of what the generosity demonstrated throughout the Reaching Stellar campaign has helped accomplish on campus. 

“Our donors have helped us realize some of our big dreams and ideas in a relatively short period of time. The building of the Student Union was brought forth in part by private giving of all levels from hundreds of individuals and organizations,” said Lorber, who also serves as senior vice president for the University of Illinois Foundation. “Sangamon Experience, the interactive exhibition space that opened earlier this year at UIS and celebrates the history and impact of the local region, was initiated through a single multi-million-dollar gift.” 

Reaching Stellar is part of a comprehensive fundraising initiative of the three universities of the University of Illinois System, located in Urbana, Chicago and Springfield. The collective goal for the systemwide effort is $3.1 billion: To date, financial commitments totaling more than $2.83 billion, or 91.14 percent, have been made toward that systemwide goal. 

“Despite the disruptions caused by the global pandemic, University of Illinois Springfield donors did not waiver and in fact, they continued to invest generously in UIS,” said Jim Moore, president and CEO of the University of Illinois Foundation. “In a year when UIS is celebrating its first 50 years, the UIS Reaching Stellar Campaign is helping to ensure the next 50 years and beyond will be even more impactful.” 

To learn more about the Reaching Stellar campaign, visit uis.edu/reachingstellar/ or contact the UIS Office of Advancement at advancement@uis.edu or 217-206-6058.

UIS students thank donors at the annual Scholarship Luncheon

University of Illinois Springfield students got a chance to say thank you to their scholarship donors during the 23rd annual Scholarship Luncheon on Nov. 6.

A record crowd of nearly 300 people packed the Student Union Ballroom as they celebrated how scholarships have made a difference in the lives of students.


“This scholarship is a gift that keeps on giving,” said donor Carol Esarey. “Every year we get to meet the recipients and that's another gift. It’s wonderful just to get to know the young people that are getting gifts.”

Esarey and her husband Clark started the Carrie Gibson Esarey and Dorothy Neland scholarship funds in honor of their mothers.

“For me, a good many years ago I obtained a four year tuition free scholarship to University of Illinois,” said Clark Esarey. “I feel it's very important to pay back the wonderful thing it was. It changed my life!”

UIS alum Dexter Burns, who is the youngest scholarship donor in UIS history, started a scholarship fund to help students pay for international study away programs.

“I think the fact that people believe they have to wait years and years to give back is a misconception,” he said. “I always say that philanthropy doesn't have to be reserved for the rich and famous. Anything you can give can help someone.”

UIS student TyTianna Murray received the James F. Lundquist Memorial Scholarship, which is also helping her travel internationally.

“The scholarship has impacted me in a way that I can find the funds to actually travel and experience the world,” she said. “I feel like this opportunity will increase my awareness around the world globally, so I know how to communicate with a lot of people.”

UIS Vice Chancellor for Advancement Jeff Lorber says fundraising for the UIS Reaching Stellar campaign is currently about 80 percent complete.

“Our campaign goal for Reaching Stellar is $40 million,” he said. “As of about a week ago, we have topped the $32 million mark. We still have the better part of three years left in the campaign, so we are ecstatic about the level of support we've received to date, but we still have a ways to go.”

Students thank donors at the 22nd annual UIS Scholarship Luncheon

The University of Illinois Springfield recognized scholarship donors during the 22nd annual Scholarship Luncheon on November 7, 2018. More than 270 people participated in the luncheon.

During the event, students got a chance to personally thank their donors and tell them about impact scholarships have made in helping them reach their educational goals.

“It’s a pretty exciting day,” said Jeff Lorber, UIS vice chancellor for advancement. “For some of us, it’s the most exciting day of the year on campus.”

UIS student Rebecca Smith qualified for two institutional scholarships this academic year. She came to the luncheon to meet her donors for the first time and to say thank you.

“Both of my scholarships are situational and beyond just the financial help, which is a miracle, the vote of confidence from someone who feels like you can succeed is huge when you’re a non-traditional student,” she said.

Scholarship donors Frank and Linda Kopecky started a scholarship to help English and legal studies majors. Frank is a UIS emeritus professor of legal studies and Linda earned her master’s degree in English from UIS. She taught English for several years at Springfield College.

“We’re both educators and we feel that our education has been a powerful, positive force in our life,” said Linda. “I was helped greatly by scholarships going through school, so this seemed perfectly natural and just the right thing to do.”

UIS student Thomas Rivera receives financial support from the Ted Mims Scholarship Fund, which was created by UIS alumnus Bill Hoffman in honor of a former professor who had an impact on his life. Hoffman recently retired following a 16-year career at Microsoft and more than 40 years working in information technology.

“It’s important for me because it helps me out a lot,” said Rivera. “This scholarship here helped pay for a lot of my books, online sources and things I needed for the coursework this year.”

Hoffman, who attended the event, has been looking forward to meeting Rivera for the first time.

“Probably, whether he’s interested or not, I’m going to give him some career advice and maybe save him a step or two,” said Hoffman.

Thanks to the support of donors, UIS currently offers approximately 630 institutional scholarships worth more than $636,000. Students may apply for the scholarships on the Financial Aid website.

Scholarships are one of the top goals of Reaching Stellar: The Campaign for the University of Illinois Springfield, which is currently underway.

UIS Reaching Stellar campaign has impressive year totaling more than $5.1 million

On June 30, the University of Illinois Springfield marked the end of fiscal year 2018 (FY2018) with more than 16,000 gifts and commitments in new business totaling more than $5.1 million. New business is comprised of new gifts, grants, pledges and deferred commitments. The University also registered $3.2 million in outright cash gifts, pledge payments, annuity/life income gifts and estate distributions. Both the new business and cash gift totals are among the best in university history.

“The core mission of the University of Illinois is to transform lives and serve society,” said Susan J. Koch, chancellor of the University of Illinois Springfield. “Our donors, community leaders and supporters are taking UIS toward greater excellence and impact for our students, our University, our state and beyond.”

The University launched the public phase of its largest philanthropic campaign on October 10, 2017. The campaign, Reaching Stellar, has a $40-million goal through 2022 to benefit students, faculty and the Springfield community. This is the largest fundraising campaign in the Springfield community's history. The campaign is at its half way point and as of June 30 over $22.1 million has been secured toward the five campaign priorities:

• Scholarships: Affirming the aspirations, energy and diversity of our students
• Academic Excellence : Learning that empowers the future
• UIS Center for Lincoln Studies : To instruct, inspire and elevate us all
• The Public Good : Engagement. Collaboration. Impact.
• Facilities and Technology : Building tomorrow’s University today 

“The Reaching Stellar campaign is off to a great start due to our donors and the leadership of our UIS Campaign Committee led by co-chairs are Hy Bunn, president and CEO of Bunn-O-Matic Corporation, and Saul Morse, of counsel at Brown, Hay & Stephens LLC,” stated Jeff Lorber, vice chancellor for advancement, University of Illinois Springfield and senior vice president, University of Illinois Foundation. UIS Campaign Committee members include Micah Bartlett, Bob Felker, Julie Kellner, Pam McClelland, Larry Shiner, Janice Spears, Julie Staley and Guerry Suggs.

The campaign has numerous areas which have received support such as UIS Student Union, UIS Center for Lincoln Studies, NPR Illinois, UIS Athletics, the Illinois Innocence Project, Brookens Library, and the new Field Station on Lake Springfield to name a few.

Campaigns can transform a university and its community. This past January, the UIS Student Union was officially dedicated and overnight it became the heartbeat of campus. With a new 50,000-square-foot facility on the UIS quad, the UIS Student Union serves as the center of students’ social and organizational activities with its conference rooms, lounges, booths and nooks to encourage discussion, collaboration, and study. Today, a large dining hall and coffee shop serve as gathering places to attract students and serve as a central meeting site for numerous campus organizations. This $21-million investment was made possible through the commitment of student fees and private gifts.

Richard Osborne, an alumnus and lead donor, is excited to consider the opportunities for future success that exist at UIS. "When I received my master’s degree from UIS, the school had just started its migration to the current campus. Since then the school has grown dramatically and is developing into a full scope university. Building a first-class student union is an important and needed step, allowing students to connect and create lifelong relationships. My wife Charlene and I are very pleased to support the UIS Student Union project as well as endowed scholarships in the College of Business and Management."

Giving to the campaign, Reaching Stellar, is a key priority of the University of Illinois Springfield, Sangamon County and the Springfield community. Giving to this campaign will help enrich the University of Illinois Springfield, accelerate economic development, enhance innovation and increase fundamental research in our community, region and state. The response in the first year after the public announcement of the Reaching Stellar campaign has demonstrated that the communities supporting UIS are rallying. The top three sources of support are from UIS alumni (39%), corporations (17%) and friends/ non alumni (24%).

“I have long considered UIS a true asset to the Springfield community," said Saul Morse, co-chair of the UIS Campaign Committee. “The University adds millions in revenue to Springfield and thousands of UIS alumni work in our community. Now only a couple years from the University’s 50th anniversary, the prospects for this institution of higher education and its effect upon our community are limitless.”

More information about the Reaching Stellar campaign for the University of Illinois Springfield is available at www.uis.edu/advancement/reaching-stellar. Please contact Jeff Lorber, vice chancellor for advancement, University of Illinois Springfield (217) 206.6058; jlorber@uis.edu.

Students thank donors at the 21st annual UIS Scholarship Luncheon

The University of Illinois Springfield recognized scholarship donors during the 21st annual Scholarship Luncheon on November 8, 2017. Nearly 250 people participated in the luncheon.

During the event, students got a chance to personally thank their donors and let them know the difference the scholarship has made.

“It’s an opportunity for them to get to know each other and really just reminisce about how these experiences provide for a greater future for all of our students,” said Jeff Lorber, UIS vice chancellor for advancement.

One of the donors in attendance was Nancy Simpson, who started the Bill and Nancy Simpson Athletic Scholarship in honor of her late husband.

“We just wanted to support the university and the students and it seemed like the athletic program was just getting off to a good start and we thought we’d be part of it,” she said.

Much like Simpson, Tom Marantz, CEO of the Bank of Springfield, and his wife Nancy started the Jack Marantz Scholarship Fund for athletics in memory of his father.

“We’ve really enjoyed it do it,” he said. “We’ve really enjoyed meeting the students every year. I think this is a highlight event for me to attend.”

Tyrone Pernell, a Management Information Systems major at UIS, says scholarship have made it possible for him to obtain an education.

“Scholarships have helped me get through school a little faster, it’s helping me not have to worry about paying back tuition, it’s helping me become a better person,” he said.

“I just feel like it’s a good opportunity for people to say thank you and show gratitude and everything,” said Melissa Van, a business administration major.

UIS recently kicked off the “Reaching Stellar: The Campaign for the University of Illinois Springfield.” One of the top goals of the $40 million campaign is to raise money for scholarships.

“That includes current use scholarships, as well as endowments that will live on,” said Lorber. “It’s building a greater, stronger university and allowing us to attract top notch students and retain them.”

UIS fundraising campaign seeks to raise $40 million to benefit students, faculty and the community

The University of Illinois Springfield launched the public phase of the largest fundraising campaign in its history on Tuesday, October 10. More than 300 people attended the day’s events to kick off the capital campaign, “Reaching Stellar: The Campaign for the University of Illinois Springfield.”

“At the University of Illinois, we have one goal at the core of our mission: to transform lives and serve society,” said UIS Chancellor Susan J. Koch. “This fundraising campaign is a strategy for taking UIS—with donors’ help—toward greater excellence and greater impact for our community, our state and beyond.”

The goal of the campaign is to raise $40 million to benefit students, faculty and the Springfield community. As of October 10, 2017, the University of Illinois Foundation had received commitments of more than $18.4 million in gifts, grants and pledges, according to Jeff Lorber, UIS vice chancellor for advancement. The campaign will continue through 2022.

The UIS Center for Lincoln Studies, a campaign priority, will be a national base for scholarship, teaching and public history about Lincoln’s life, leadership and legacy. It will incubate and sustain university-community collaborative projects, connecting UIS students with myriad opportunities available locally in Springfield, as well as connecting Lincoln to a national and international context.

Other campaign priorities include: scholarships; academic excellence; facilities and technology, including the new Student Union; and programs that contribute to the public good. These programs include outreach into the community, such as NPR Illinois, the Illinois Innocence Project, Sangamon Auditorium and others.

“UIS is crucial to the formula that has made the University of Illinois System synonymous with excellence,” said University of Illinois President Timothy J. Killeen at the campaign kickoff. “It is a place where students thrive in an intimate setting, and then move on to share those talents to lift the workforce and their communities.”

The UIS Campaign Committee is leading the Reaching Stellar campaign for UIS. Co-chairs are Hy Bunn, president and CEO of Bunn-O-Matic Corporation, and Saul Morse, of counsel at Brown, Hay & Stephens LLC, and director, University of Illinois Foundation. Other members include Micah Bartlett, W. Robert Felker, Julie Kellner, Pam McClelland, Larry Shiner, Janice Spears, Julie Staley and Guerry Suggs.

“As we begin this new campaign, only a few years from the University’s 50th anniversary, the prospects for this institution of higher education and its effect upon our community are limitless,” said Morse.

“This campaign is as important to the greater Springfield area as it is for the University,” said Bunn. “I’m excited to see UIS thrive through support from the University’s many alumni and friends.”

Students thank donors at 20th annual UIS Scholarship Luncheon

The University of Illinois Springfield recognized scholarship donors during the 20th annual Scholarship Luncheon on November 3, 2016. Nearly 300 people participated in the luncheon.

“These scholarships make a difference and provide the opportunity for students to experience higher education and to become productive citizens,” said Jeff Lorber, UIS vice chancellor for advancement.

One of the donors in attendance was Marilyn Lawler, who represented the American Association of University Women (AAUW). The organization currently provides four scholarships to UIS students and hopes to add more in the future.

“I think this is a wonderful event and it really brings together the organization that I represent with the students that we’re helping,” said Lawler. “It makes it so much more meaningful and it makes us want to work hard to make more money for more scholarships.”

For scholarship recipients, such Crystal Terrazas and Eli Cook, the extra helps means they can focus on their course work without worrying about finances.

“I’m so thankful. Words just can’t describe how thankful I am that I was able to receive the scholarship. It helps out so much for me and my family,” said Terrazas.

UIS Associate Professor of Management Information Systems (MIS) Dave Larson sees the impact scholarships can have on a student’s performance in the classroom. He’s started his own scholarship to help out students in the MIS program.

“Without the financial support, I’m not sure I would have gotten the two degrees I’ve received here,” said Larson.

During the event, students got a chance to personally thank their donors and let them know the difference the scholarship has made.

“Your investment goes a long way. Investing in students is one of the best investments you can make,” said Cook.

UIS receives $1.5 million gift for student union

Richard and Charlene Osborne, of Chicago, Illinois, and Scottsdale, Arizona, have made a $1.5 million commitment to the University of Illinois Springfield in support of the student union building.

Richard Osborne earned his MBA from UIS in 1973. He is Senior Managing Director of Madison Industries, a private equity firm in Chicago. Prior to joining Madison, Osborne served as CEO, Chairman and President of Scotsman Industries, Inc. Under his leadership, Scotsman sales grew from $150 million to $750 million. In 2013, Osborne received the University of Illinois Alumni Achievement Award—the University's highest honor bestowed upon graduates.

"The Osbornes' extraordinary gift for the student union demonstrates their generous spirit and strong confidence in UIS," said Chancellor Susan J. Koch. "Dick attended UIS in the early days of the university, and since his graduation, he has seen the university grow and flourish. With their gift, Dick and Charlene can know they will have a personal and lasting impact on the future of our campus. Their gift is that important."

The new student union at UIS, with its many spaces for people to gather, will provide a focal point for campus life. The largest lounge, a prominent feature of the first floor, will be known as the "Osborne Lounge." The union will also include campus dining services, a coffee shop, a ballroom with seating for up to 450 people, and a Student Leadership Center that will house student government, volunteer offices and workspaces for student organizations.

"When I received my master’s degree from UIS," said Osborne, "the school had just started its migration to the current campus. Since then the school has grown dramatically and is developing into a full scope university. Building a first-class student union is an important and needed step, allowing students to connect and create lifelong relationships. We are very pleased to support the student union project."

UIS students led the drive to bring the student union to campus. In 2012, they overwhelmingly passed a referendum approving a student fee that will help cover almost half the cost of the building.

"The student union will foster a greater sense of community and provide students a place to socialize—a feature the university is currently lacking. This centralized location will, essentially, increase retention among students," said Josh Lawson, president of the UIS Student Government Association.

The student union building has been designed by Dewberry Architects of Peoria working with Workshop Architects from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Other professional services consultants that were heavily involved in the design of the building were Crawford, Murphy & Tilly, Inc., TRC Worldwide Engineering, Inc., Massie Massie & Associates, and Ricca Design Studios. In November 2015, School Designs, an online resource for school architecture and construction, presented Dewberry with an Outstanding Design award for the UIS Student Union. Construction is scheduled to begin in spring 2016 for the $21.75 million, 50,000-square-foot building.

Philanthropic contributions to the University of Illinois Springfield are coordinated by the UIS Office of Advancement, in conjunction with the University of Illinois Foundation. For more information on contributions to the student union, contact Jeff Lorber, UIS vice chancellor for advancement, at 217/206-6058 or jlorber@uis.edu.

Learn more about the UIS Student Union project by visiting www.uis.edu/studentunion.

UIS Computer Science Department receives nearly $20,000 from State Farm

As part of the company’s Community Reinvestment Act, State Farm Insurance presented the University of Illinois Springfield Department of Computer Science with a check for $19,995 during a presentation on December 4, 2015.

The grant will be used to upgrade the university’s Netlabs enhancing current remote on and off campus access for undergraduate and graduate students within the Department of Computer Science.

The Computer Science Department, with 460 undergraduate students and 726 master’s students in fall 2015, has the largest enrollment of any department at UIS. The technology upgrades will be able to accommodate the increased enrollments in the Computer Science and Information Systems Security degree programs.

The improvements will also provide greater efficiency and effectiveness for students when the department moves core courses to a virtual environment with remote access, expands and streamlines online learning, and will enhance remote access for programs offered by the Center for Systems Security and Information Assurance, including UIS’ annual Cyber Defense Conference and Cyber Defense and Digital Forensics Conference.

UIS students thank donors at Scholarship Luncheon

The University of Illinois Springfield recognized scholarship donors during the 19th annual Scholarship Luncheon on October 28, 2015.

“It’s an opportunity for donors or individuals who support scholarship activities at the institution to meet the students who are beneficiaries of that support,” said Jeff Lorber, UIS vice chancellor for advancement.

Former UIS Chancellor Richard Ringeisen and his wife Carolyn returned to campus to meet the recipients of the endowed scholarship in their name.

“The importance of financial aid, you just can’t overstate it,” said Ringeisen. “We love having a scholarship.”

UIS student Kyla Randle of Chicago was this year’s recipient of the Ringeisen Scholarship. She says it would have been difficult to continue her education without the support.

“I received a scholarship at a time I really needed it, so it really made me realize that I’m here for a reason and I’m here to pursue an education,” she said.

The event often brings students and donors together for the first time. That was the case with Sally Pancrazio and scholarship recipient Greg Irwin. The James J. Pancrozio Scholarship is named in honor of Sally’s late husband who was a UIS faculty member.

“Once my husband passed away, this was a way to honor him and the fact that he was a founding faculty member and also co-authored the proposal that started the Human Development Counseling Department,” she said.

Irwin, who is majoring in Human Development Counseling, wants to become a family marriage counselor and help people. He promises to pay it forward.

“I’m trying to help other people in the community and in the world and this allows me to better myself at that, so I can help other people,” he said.