Division of Intercollegiate Athletics (DIA)

Summary

Fighting Illini Athletics leads the way. The Division of Intercollegiate Athletics (DIA) impacts all areas of the University of Illinois, and serves as a powerful, wide-reaching marketing and advertising operation that is ideally positioned to boost the institution’s visibility. DIA is optimally positioned to positively impact the campus community, as well as Illini Nation at large. Through the generosity of donors across the world, critical financial investment in student-athlete scholarships, capital projects and enhancements to student-athlete programs provide athletics with a competitive edge over our competitors. As athletics continues to grow, so will the university. While expenditures on the student-athlete experience have grown exponentially over the past decade, this is the time to marry investment with impact. Join us in building a program that stands as a beacon for our university and our state in the decades to come. The Fighting Illini can and should be the model modern-day athletic program against which all others are measured. Our charge is clear. The time is now. If we invest in our Illini, WE WILL WIN.

Priorities

I FUND

We are changing the world, one student-athlete at a time. The mission of the I FUND is to pay the scholarships and fund the academic support services for our more than 500 Fighting Illini student-athletes. However, what we actually do reaches far beyond. A gift to the I FUND can help shape the future of educators, CEO’s, doctors, engineers, astronauts, writers and scientists. Tomorrow’s leaders are today’s Fighting Illini student-athletes. Support the I FUND and join the fight as we strive to deliver world-class athletic and academic experiences at the University of Illinois.

Illini Infrastructure

Pursuit of an ambitious agenda to invest in facility improvements and additions for Fighting Illini student-athletes is key to sustained success. Included in our plans are a new football performance center, Olympic sport training spaces, a stand-alone soccer venue, improvements to the baseball and softball facilities, improvements to Huff Hall, improvements and renovations to the Ubben Basketball Complex, a renovation of the outdoor track and field complex, and renovations to the south and east side of Memorial Stadium. Fighting Illini Athletics facilities must demonstrate an institutional commitment to building, supporting, and sustaining a winning athletic program. Join the fight as we work together to invest in world-class facilities.

Student-Athlete Enhancement

Fighting Illini student-athletes are at the center of every decision we make, and we are committed to providing them with the resources required realize their full potential as students, athletes, and people. The efforts made to enhance the student-athlete experience are impressive, and include programs such as academic advising and learning enhancement, personal skill development, nutrition and healthy lifestyles, leadership training, diversity and inclusivity workshops, mental health counseling, resume writing and professional interview workshops, community service, sports medicine and physical care, fitness counseling and mental conditioning. Support of the student-athlete includes travel for Illinois and non-Illinois related competitions (Olympics and world championships), as well as travel for academic and humanitarian programs. Enhance the experience of Fighting Illini student-athletes through support of these programs.