Student Affairs

Donaldson Student Leadership Fund

Jane (BA Teaching of English & MS Journalism) & Bill Donaldson established the Donaldson Student Leadership Fund with the Illinois Leadership Center. Thanks to this generous gift, ILC has established two programs that will launch this academic year. The Donaldson Student Leader Retreat is a training program for officers of registered student organizations to develop leadership skills, learn about campus culture, and understand the importance of collaboration. The Donaldson Leader in Residence Program is a multi-day series of events featuring a notable alum-in-residence who will engage with students, faculty, university leaders, and the broader community. These programs will create groundbreaking opportunities for immersive engagement, focused on exemplary leadership competencies and real-world experience.

Chinn Family Scholarship

Juliana (EdM Education) & Daniel Chinn established the Chinn Family Scholarship with the Asian American Cultural Center. This scholarship supports students studying to work with people with intellectual, emotional, or physical disabilities. Rex Li, a PhD student majoring in Special Education, was awarded the inaugural Chinn Family Scholarship. Rex stated, “As an individual coming from an immigrant, working-class family, and also as the first generation to be receiving a college education, I am well aware of the struggles and persistence involved that has allowed me to attain my current position in society. The knowledge and strategies that I have garnered from interactions with individuals with disabilities continues to serve as a reminder on understanding how differences may be valued.”

Illinois Student Food Pantry Fund

Thanks to the generosity of many alumni and donors, the Illinois Student Food Pantry Fund, which launched in the fall semester of 2020, has been able to ensure that the entire student community has access to nutritious food and key necessities in a welcoming and educational space. Food Insecurity is real. Research estimates that between 9-50% of college students will experience some form of food insecurity. The Illinois Student Food Pantry, located in the ARC, is focused on the development of students in a supportive and inclusive space with Food Science and Human Nutrition Students on hand to answer questions and provide resources.

Make Every Day Matter Scholarship

Todd Salen (BS ’79 Advertising) was inspired to start the Make Every Day Matter scholarship due to the impact volunteerism and engagement had on his life while a student at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Todd was a student leader on campus, with involvement including being a member of Phi Kappa Psi fraternity, serving on Interfraternity Council, and helping organize concerts for Starcourse. While a member of Starcourse, Todd organized a benefit concert to fight hunger with headliner Harry Chapin. This scholarship, which will be awarded for the first time in the Spring of 2023, will recognize an active member of the Greek system who demonstrates exemplary public and community service.