© 2024 WGLT
A public service of Illinois State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

ISU 'Redbirds Rising' Fundraising Campaign Goes Public

Illinois State University
The quiet phase of the comprehensive campaign at ISU began three years ago.

Illinois State University is entering the public phase of its long-awaited major fundraising campaign.

Dan Kelley, chair of the $150 million Redbirds Rising: The Campaign For Illinois State University effort, said support for ISU has been strong in all segments, including corporations and business donations. But he said the campaign intends to build on one particular segment.
 

The $150 million fundraising campaign entered its public phase this week.

"What we have seen recently is an uptick in alumni donations, and that's where a good share of this $55 million above the last campaign we hope will come from," said Kelley.

ISU's first comprehensive campaign was back in 2004. It raised $96 million.

Kelley said ISU has seen contributions from more than 14,000 first-time donors in the last several years.

ISU President Larry Dietz said the money raised will be devoted to three main areas.

"The first one is scholarships. It includes scholarships for students to pay their expenses. But it also includes faculty development and support of the faculty," said Dietz.

Other targets include support of student leadership, revamping learning spaces, and improving technology.
     
More than 40,000 donors have already contributed more than $103 million in outright gifts and commitments since fiscal year 2014, the beginning of the campaign’s quiet phase.

WGLT depends on financial support from users to bring you stories and interviews like this one. As someone who values experienced, knowledgeable, and award-winning journalists covering meaningful stories in central Illinois, please consider making a contribution.

WGLT Senior Reporter Charlie Schlenker has spent more than three award-winning decades in radio. He lives in Normal with his family.