EIU Media Relations

"You Are EIU" Fund-Raising Campaign Going Strong w/ $7.4 Million Collected

Eastern Illinois University’s “You Are EIU” fund-raising campaign has already collected $7.42 million in gifts, putting it well on its way to raising the targeted $10 million by June 2006.

Since its inception in July 2003, the three-year campaign has enjoyed strong, steady support. It was bolstered further in February with a $2 million gift to the endowment from the Tarble Foundation.

“I’m thrilled with the campaign’s progress,” said EIU President Lou Hencken. “This money is going to some great uses here on campus.”

The funds have been used, for example, to build a physics observatory and fund a musical competition, as well as to establish scholarships and support existing educational programming.

“When we set the goal at $10 million, we realized it was an extremely ambitious goal, and we thought we were setting the sights really high,” Hencken said. “It was something I knew we’d have to work really, really hard to obtain. With the numbers we’re seeing now, I’m confident we’ll meet the $10 million goal.”

Funds have been raised in three areas: annual giving, in which donations are given on a year-to-year basis for a variety of uses; endowment funds, for scholarships and special projects; and infrastructure funds, for facilities needs.

During the campaign, the university has received 65 new endowments; officials would like to see that number hit 100. Endowment funds are important, as those funds remain intact as the generated interest benefits the university. Five new charitable gift annuities have also been added, and there have been 12 additions to the Heritage Society, which honors individuals and corporations who commit to supporting the university through planned gifts.

Nine percent of alumni are giving to the university, a 14.5 percent increase from the previous year. The goal is to raise alumni participation to 12 percent by the end of the campaign.

“I think our alumni are realizing that Eastern is a quality institution,” Hencken said. “Donors are recognizing what a truly excellent university we are, and they’re willing to give their money so we can continue the academic quality of this institution.”

Karla Evans, executive director of development at EIU, said the funds raised in this campaign will have effects well beyond the next few years.

“Our alumni and friends have been extremely supportive of our campaign initiatives,” Evans said. “In addition to the dollars receipted, we have received a tremendous outpouring of support from donors who have made planned or deferred gifts to EIU, which will mature long after the campaign has ended. These gifts will benefit Eastern far into the future.”

The outpouring of support is a testament to the positive impact Eastern has made, said Jill Nilsen, EIU vice president for external relations.

“The tremendous response we’re seeing to this campaign is an indication of how special Eastern is to so many people,” Nilsen said. “This campaign gives our friends and alumni an opportunity to give back to the university that has enriched their lives. We are very happy with the generous support we’ve received, and I look forward to seeing the campaign goal realized, because the effects will benefit Eastern and its alumni for years to come.”