The Campaign for Eastern Illinois University


Eastern Illinois University has a long history of helping students defy expectations so that they could become the people they dared to dream they might be. But you know this — you're part of our history. You know from experience that Eastern changes lives. You also know that the first step to changing a life is to insist that it be based on excellence.

But as the state of Illinois continues to reduce funding for both Eastern and for the financial aid programs that make college possible for many of our families, it will become more and more difficult for us to provide our students with an environment in which greatness will thrive. Now more than ever, it is imperative that we offer them an education that is both excellent and affordable. Now more than ever, the economic prosperity, the intellectual capacity, and the moral character of our state and nation rest on the shoulders of the men and women we prepare to learn, to lead, and to serve.


2011 Results Update


Faculty and staff donations are definitely on the rise! Over the last year, we've seen our total participation numbers go up more than 50%, along with many other encouraging statistics:

  • 581 total donors, up 233 from last year.
  • 222 payroll deductions, compared to 76 last year.
  • 122 first-time EIU donors.

Click here to see 2012 participation numbers.

What's your EIU story?

Last year, Polenzani won the Metropolitan Opera's prestigious Beverly Sills Artist Award.
Matthew Polenzani '91