School of Technology
Future Fund 2025

CLICK HERE TO GIVE TO THE FUTURE FUND!

The EIU School of Technology (SoT) has experienced many changes since its inception in 1902, but one major theme has always remained the same: a commitment to using hands-on learning to prepare our students for success. We believe our students learn best when they work with our faculty on projects, on equipment and in classrooms and laboratories that provide practical experiences.  Those hands-on learning experiences provide students a better understanding of their work and a competitive advantage in the job market.

New technologies introduced in the classroom help simulate experiences that students can expect in the workplace and provide the tools necessary for the technical professionals of today and tomorrow. In the fast-paced world, technology is changing rapidly, making it necessary for us to work even harder at keeping our students on the cutting edge of their chosen professions.

Finding affordable ways to deliver a quality education to our students presents challenges. The cost of implementing new technologies and training faculty and staff to use them remains high. Our faculty members look forward to opportunities to keep current with advanced methods, but funds are not always available to support their efforts.

The School of Technology Advisory Board has focused on its priority and efforts on raising resources for our students.  The Board decided to increase the level of funding available through an endowed SoT Future Fund, with a goal of reaching $1,000,000 by year of 2025.  The SoT Future Fund will allow us to keep up to date with technological advancements and provide maintenance on existing technologies.

To reach the goal of $1,000,000 by 2025, a SoT Future Fund Committee has been formed, as follows:

• Jonathan Gosse: Director of Strategic Partnerships-The ATP Group, Inc, SoT Advisory Board Chairperson
• Doug Hettinger: Production Manager -Hydro-Gear,SoT Advisory Board Vice Chair;
• Brian Murphy: Vice President for Information Systems and CIO-Sarah Bush Health Systems
• Phillip Sterling: Plant Manager - Centralia Folding Carton, Graphic Packaging International
• Danielle Wilberg: Director of Development-Eastern Illinois University Office of University Development
• Isaac Slaven: Assistant Chair - School of Technology, Eastern Illinois University
• Peter Liu: Chair - School of Technology, Eastern Illinois University

Future Fund Needs:

Computer and Information Technology

• Provide loaner laptops to students
• Keep software licenses up to date
• Upgrade the computing-related equipment and laboratory

Construction Management

• Provide soil and asphalt testing equipment to engage students in research
• Build a dust collection and suppression system for a safe lab environment
• Provide more tools and equipment for students to practice building and construction projects
• Engage students in sustainable building practice and research

 Digital Media Technology

• Provide professional grade cameras and lenses for students to check out and practice outside class.
• Upgrade the high-performance and graphics-intensive computer stations
• Provide students with high-quality professional grade printing and other digital media to practice their skills

Engineering Technology

• Enhance our students’ ability to manage technology through the use of professional tools not currently available to them.
• Enhance important facilities that directly impact our ability to provide accredited programs.
• Provide student groups the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge to their members through competitions and other events.
• Upgrade existing lab equipment and facilities.
• Allow experts from industry to give on-campus training to groups of students.

 Organizational Development

• Deliver courses at remote off-campus locations.
• Enhance our graduates’ ability to compete in the job market by providing them the tools to gain the background and experience needed to successfully enter the worlds of industry, education and government.

Graduate Program in Cybersecurity

• Build a virtual laboratory on telecommunication network and security management
• Upgrade the virtual servers and software licenses
• Provide equipment for students engaged in capstone projects

Graduate Program in Sustainability

• Provide graduate students with equipment and tools to engage them in research on energy, environment and sustainable technology
• Enable students to actively involve in and to support the community and regional economic development 
• Provide students with reliable communication tools and equipment for them collaborate with each other and with the community members

Graduate Program in Talent Development

• Provide development opportunity for students to become highly sought human resource professionals
• Engage students in hands on research and capstone projects
• Provide students with reliable tools and equipment for effective teamwork

Graduate Program in Technology

• Equip our students and faculty with the necessary tools and equipment needed for important research
• Deliver graduate courses on- and off-campus in the most efficient means possible.

The SoT Future Fund is integral to our future and the future of our graduates.  We can only create such opportunities through your support.