Ashley ShannonJournalism major, Illinois State University

“We Redbirds fly together. We can be the difference and

empower all Redbirds so that they continue to rise.”

“Together the Redbird community will make certain that the future of Illinois State University soars to even greater heights.” Larry H. Dietz, Ph.D.

President, Illinois State University

A UNIVERSITY O N T H E

RISEAs president, I am often asked what sets Illinois State apart. The answer is our focus on the student. What we do in the classroom, in the laboratory, in the art studio, and in civic outreach efforts. In all aspects of campus life, including our scholarly pursuits, the University always places the interests and needs of students first. We make that promise to future Redbirds invit-ed to study here, and we keep it once they are part of the campus community.

The results of this student-focused educational experience are impressive. They are appre-ciated by students and documented repeatedly, as ISU is consistently in the national spotlight. The following highlights just a few consistent points of pride:

• Top 100 public university according to U.S. News & World Report • Top 10% graduation rate among all of the nation’s universities• Top 10% freshman retention rate• Ranked by College Factual as 22nd “Best College for the Money” out of 1,200 schools

across the country • Very low student loan default rate of 2.8 percent compared to the national average of

11.8 percent, which reflects ISU’s graduates ease in joining the workforce.

While we have much to celebrate, there is more that we can do—and should. We have high standards and aspirations for what we can yet achieve at Illinois State. But to accomplish our vision, we need the philanthropic partnership of our Redbird alumni and friends. It is conse-quently with enthusiasm that we launch Redbirds Rising: The Campaign for Illinois State.

This $150 million campaign will be the most ambitious in the University’s history. It will pro-vide the resources to ensure that today’s Redbirds and those who will enroll in the future will benefit from a unique and exceptional educational experience. With additional private support, our teacher-scholars will have the resources to explore and seek leading-edge knowledge and pursue creative activity, often in collaboration with students. Our academic and student pro-grams will advance to new and higher levels of achievement and impact.

Your support of this campaign will bolster the ISU experience for future Redbirds in signif-icant ways. They will embark to have an even more positive impact in their field and commu-nity. There is no doubt that philanthropic support of Illinois State will have a transformational, reverberating effect in reaching people, places, and organizations in ways that we cannot begin to imagine.

I invite you to join with others to reflect on your own Redbird experience, and consider ways in which you can help future Redbirds pursue their dreams and aspirations. Together the Redbird community of benefactors will make certain that the future of Illinois State University soars to even greater heights.

Larry H. Dietz, Ph.D. President, Illinois State University

Redbirds carry a commitment to build upon accomplishments of the past with the goal of obtaining a higher achievement level for the benefit of future generations. This dedication has defined Illinois State since its founding in 1857. As a result, the University has touched the lives of countless people by pursuing scholarly endeavors, fostering the next generation of leaders, and seeking innovation. Every endeavor is marked by a “can-do” Redbird spirit.

We began as a small place of learning on the prairie. Our early leaders had a vision that may have seemed unrealistic at the time. Their aspirations—and those of all who followed over the next 160 years—were pursued with a passion and dedication needed to make what was envisioned become a reality.

Success has been achieved despite challenges. Facing them is part of what makes Illinois State special. The campus community has always had the drive to overcome obstacles, seek out new ways of addressing problems, and dream about what could be. Redbirds throughout time have never been simply satisfied with the status quo.

we now stand at the threshold of a new opportunity and venture.

Today’s Redbird community enjoys the fruits of those who labored in the past. Because they rose to the challenges of their time, Illinois State is a thriving university marked by ded-icated staff and faculty. Students partner with professors who masterfully blend teaching excellence with academic pursuits outside the classroom, resulting in myriad opportunities for students to develop new skills as they gain knowledge. With such a foundation for learning and teaching, it is not surprising that Illinois State attracts talented students eager to make their mark on the world.

Past generations dared to dream of that which did not yet exist, building upon a vision to develop a public university focused on training teachers. Illinois State has evolved and expand-ed in scope to now be ranked among the finest of universities in the country. Similar to the challenge facing our founders more than a century ago, we now stand at the threshold of a new opportunity and venture. Now we are the ones asked to imagine what could be. We must consider the question of how this university can more deeply impact the lives of current and future Redbirds in ways that would astonish and please prior campus visionaries and leaders.

This is our moment in the history of the University to pursue a new vision. We can once again make appreciable Redbird dreams become a reality. We can expand even further the boundaries of learning, knowledge, creativity, and competition through Redbirds Rising: The Campaign for Illinois State. With your help, current and future generations of Redbirds will soar to advance themselves and the University in ways unprecedented.

visionStudent learning is the focal point of every higher education institution. What differs is the model of teaching. Illinois State’s approach reflects the University’s commitment to individualized attention, which results in unique student-faculty partnerships and mentoring opportunities.

Full-time faculty are at the front of ISU’s classrooms, giving students the advantage of learning from a scholar who is as strong in teaching as research. Professors draw from their per-sonal scholarly endeavors to share practical applications that tie concepts to current events and global dilemmas.

The commitment to scholarship runs deep across the Univer-sity. Undergraduates in each college regularly engage with faculty in research that is presented nationally or in a journal publication. Students marvel at the opportunity to gain such experience that builds confidence, along with an impressive resume.

the commitment to scholarship runs deep across the University.

Equally significant is the effort to advance scholarship by providing students financial support. Through scholarships, the University awards millions to students annually. These private dollars make a significant difference, easing a student finan-cial burden so heavy many recipients would otherwise not be able to attend. They have more time to focus on their collegiate goals. They also benefit from the confidence and encouragement gained in knowing someone has invested in their future.

That fact made a huge impact on Daniel Jackson, an educa-tion major driven to teach in Chicago’s inner-city schools. He re-ceived support from Illinois State’s Black Colleagues Association (BCA). “Without the BCA, there would not be a Daniel Jackson at ISU,” he said. “Not only have they helped me out, they created a spark in me.” He is more determined than ever to excel at ISU and teach to motivate struggling students.

Emma Byall ’17 also benefited from financial support through a scholarship. An international business major, she had the expe-rience of completing a summer internship in Australia because of generous donors. “I couldn’t have done it without them,” she said. “I’m really grateful. It gave me the confidence and expe-rience I needed to know that I can make a difference.” It also helped open the door to her current job with an international logistics and supply chain business.

Private support also strengthens individual departments in their effort to recruit faculty at the top of their field, which again directly impacts students. An endowed professorship or chair is a prestigious designation that helps create distinction around a program. Endowed faculty positions draw top students and at-tract faculty in their discipline from throughout the nation. They create a unique, challenging, and rewarding academic environ-ment in which students thrive.

With scholarship as a priority in the Redbirds Rising cam-paign, Illinois State will have the means to attract the brightest students who are eager to learn from the best professors. There will be no question that the University supports student scholars and their faculty mentors, who together are working to change the future.

scholarshipScholarship as defined at Illinois State results in learning initiatives that take students out of the traditional class-room and often beyond their comfort zone. Each year, for example, biology students are led by faculty in the Costa Rican jungle to conduct experiments and complete fieldwork. The experi-ence builds confidence and provides insights that are not feasible in a cam-pus laboratory.

Students on the University’s Solar Car Team have equally unique expe-

riences. Members build a solar vehicle and compete annually in a national race against top-tier research institutions. They have traveled as far as the United Arab Emirates to test their skills.

The pattern of students excelling is found across campus, from nursing

graduates consistently exceeding the state and national pass rates on the required licensure exam to theatre stu-dents performing at the Lincoln Center and members of the forensics team capturing national titles.

Faculty have an equally impressive record in scholarly pursuits. Their

research results in solutions to com-munity or global issues and advances knowledge in their given field. One example of such work is done by Distin-guished Professor of Biology Stephen Juliano, whose mosquito research has made him an expert on how to stop the spread of West Nile virus.

Collaboration across disciplines has resulted in a creation of equipment

that can be used at crime scenes to immediately process evidence. Profes-sors Michael Gizzi of criminal justice, Jamie Wieland of technology, and Christopher Mulligan from chemistry have partnered to develop the tool and bring it to market. Mulligan is making certain the equipment can do chemi-cal analysis, while Gizzi focuses on the legal aspects of its use and Wieland works on financially viable options.

Such partnerships result in scholarly ex-periences that consistently take Illinois State’s teaching and learning to a new level. Private support has been key to these ventures, which will continue to be feasible far into the future as a result of the Redbirds Rising campaign.

visionIllinois State is committed to providing a collegiate experience that facilitates civic engagement and develops leadership. The need for both has never been more urgent, as graduates are thrust into a rapidly changing world regardless of their chosen field.

The University is responding by intensifying efforts to prepare students in creative problem-solving; the ability to adapt; and perhaps most importantly, the confidence to lead. This personal growth is achieved at Illinois State through ac-tive involvement, which results in students gaining practical knowledge, applying academic concepts, and gaining the char-acteristics of effective leaders.

creating such enriching and empowering moments that go beyond traditional classroom learning requires private support.

Students like College of Business graduate Brett Gilbert ’17 learn to work in a team structure, improve communication, prior-itize, organize, and influence. “Some of my peak experiences at Illinois State were running Business Week,” Gilbert said. “It was very challenging to organize and lead our student teams. But we made it happen! I feel like this and other Registered Student Organizations positions have helped expand my ability to lead.”

Creating such enriching and empowering moments that go beyond traditional classroom learning requires private sup-port. Redbirds Rising will generate finances needed to continue providing the best experiences for students regardless of their background or income.

The University will be positioned to further nurture and pre-pare students as they mature into capable leaders and citizens who are adept innovators, ready and able to positively influence their community and field. With your support, our students can and will seize transformative learning opportunities that change their minds, hearts, and lives.

leadershipleadershipISU students gain confidence as ef-fective and ethical leaders by learning what it means to be an innovative problem-solver capable of making sound decisions. These skills develop along with confidence as effective and ethical leaders through myriad options that range from overseeing one of ISU’s 400-plus Registered Student Organi-zations to participating in university governance or working as Resident Assistants.

Civic outreach that ranges from community projects to Alternative

Spring Break treks across the nation and beyond our borders hone an exper-tise in planning, organizing, and priori-tizing projects. Participants experience the reward of serving others, which is often life changing.

All of these opportunities are feasible because of external funding, which

supports initiatives such as ISULeads Leadership Certification. The program provides an opportunity to study and discuss the characteristics of effective leaders, as well as put those traits into action with community service projects.

LeaderShape is yet another option for students looking for life-skills

training. This weeklong program focuses on self-discovery and learning from practical experiences designed to strengthen each student’s leadership concepts and abilities.

These are but a sampling of programs in place to prepare students to lead as they go forward into a world that is guaranteed to change rapidly and radically. More can and will be done as new experiences and opportunities are made possible through Redbirds Rising.

visionStudents must be empowered to navigate a future workforce marked by massive opportunities and disruptions as new tech-nologies steadily emerge. This reality creates the challenge of keeping pace across campus with changing teaching tools that are often specific to a discipline.

The University’s efforts to develop innovative learning environments that support modern pedagogy are intense and unending. Illinois State stands firm in the commitment to pro-vide a curriculum that prepares students to function in the 21st century.

From the arts and sciences to business and education, learning spaces are the frontline for interdisciplinary research and creative endeavors. Classrooms need to be designed as flexible teaching-learning spaces that allow for hands-on experiences. They must foster teamwork and collective problem-solving that cuts across fields of study. Laboratory equipment likewise must be updated regularly to keep pace with the changing workplace.

learning spaces are the frontline for interdisciplinary research and creative endeavors.

The story of Spencer Simpson ’16 exemplifies why this is crucial. “The high-tech simulation lab attracted me to Menno-nite College of Nursing,” she said. Training in the lab allowed her to learn fundamental clinical skills in a realistic environment, which led to her selection as one of just 56 students across the country chosen for an externship at Mayo Clinic. That opportu-nity led to a job offer in Mayo’s surgical unit immediately after graduation.

As Simpson’s experience reveals, much has been accom-plished on campus to date across disciplines. Other examples include upgrades and renovations completed from Milner Library to the culinary lab. Looking ahead, each college has developed a blueprint of how innovation can be better inte-grated into areas of study to encourage a more entrepreneurial mindset in students.

With this approach to teaching and learning, our graduates will have gained a competitive advantage. They will be adept and practiced in embracing technology as a valuable tool because of the financial investment made by other Redbirds to bolster Illinois State’s educational experience.

innovation

innovationIncorporating technology to provide students with innovative learning op-portunities is not new at Illinois State. The educational experience of students in all six colleges has been enriched through the use of cutting-edge teach-ing tools.

One example is a unique Social Me-dia Analytics and Command Center

(SMACC) in the School of Commu-nication. The lab empowers students to analyze public conversations from social media outlets. The information is displayed visually and allows for study of trends and sentiments across locations.

Mennonite College of Nursing pro-vides real-world clinical experience

in the Nursing Simulation Lab, which has patient rooms equipped as a real hospital setting. Students gain assess-ment and diagnostic reasoning skills, as scenarios require they take charge of the patient. Providing care requires teamwork, assessment, delegation, and proper use of hospital equipment. Graduates consequently have the skills and confidence to care for the ill in hospitals starting with day one of employment.

The opportunity for more innovative learning spaces increases with each additional program of study. The cybersecurity major in the College of Applied Science and Technology is one of the more recent. Students will be trained to meet the corporate need for protection against hacking. Redbirds Rising creates the opportunity to empower Illinois State in such new endeavors that are initiated to meet a clear and present need in society.

CAMPAIGN CHAIRS

“The future of Illinois State—all that we stand for and will yet accomplish—depends on what we do today.”

“Now is the time to leverage our strong foundation and rise to new heights of excellence.”

“Redbirds Rising presents an exciting opportunity for those of us who love Illinois State to invest in its future.”

Ken ’73 and Deborah (Hypke) Glover ’73

Jim ’74 and Carole (Czerniak) Mounier ’75

Dan ’70 and Pam Kelley

PHILANTHROPY RISING

All that Illinois State University has become is to the credit of those who have gone before us. They had the vision to see potential growth. Perhaps more importantly, they had the con-viction and courage to unify as change agents who turned aspirations into blueprints and accomplishments.

Now we must build on the past as we unite to write the future of the University. We too must come together through involvement and partnership to shape what Illinois State can and will become.

we are being asked to rise to the challenge of advancing the University.

Will we be lauded for bold expectations and decisive actions that others will appreciate when looking back to our era? Future students, faculty, and staff will undoubtedly evaluate our level of investment in the University. How will they grade our commitment to continue the legacy of aspiring to create greater opportunity and impact?

These are the questions that will be an-swered through Redbirds Rising. This campaign presents a special occasion to think about our place in the history of Illinois State. We are be-ing asked to rise to the challenge of advancing the University by investing in individuals who will become discoverers and competitors, art-ists and performers, leaders and innovators.

By supporting people and programs from every academic discipline, we demonstrate today—and to future generations as well—our understanding of the powerful Illinois State experience. As a united community of Redbirds, we will be known as leaders not only with a dream to advance the University, but the drive to make a lasting impact on the place that has so impacted us.

Help us write this next chapter in Illinois State’s prestigious history. We ask for your generous support of Redbirds Rising: The Campaign for Illinois State. Together we will empower our Redbird community to take flight. We will elevate the level of scholarly excellence. We will provide students with the teaching and collegiate experience needed to attain levels of achievement and impact once deemed un-reachable.

Your investment in Illinois State University through this $150 million fundraising campaign will touch the lives of countless Redbirds. Your philanthropic commitment will elevate the level of scholarly achievement and enable aspiring Redbirds to pursue their dreams of an Illinois State experience.

Your investment will educate future leaders who will shape the organizations and communities they will join. You will empower graduates to facilitate innovation and problem-solving in an increasingly complex world.

Achieving these results requires a successful campaign, which depends on an active response from Redbirds across the nation and around the world. Here are two ways that you can make an impact.

RISE TO THE CHALLENGE. Philanthropy is a powerful form of leadership. Individuals who invest their financial resources in Redbirds Rising are making a statement of faith in future generations, while casting a vote of confidence in Illinois State’s mission and core values. For many, the act of contributing to the campaign is an expression of gratitude. Is there a mentor or motivator who lifted you up as a student or young professional? Become a person of such influence in another’s life by making a gift.

SHARE YOUR STORY. There are more than 210,000 living alumni, each with their own unique memories of how Illinois State University shaped their future. How did the Redbird experience enrich your life? Reflect on the faculty and staff who invested in your education, as well as the opportunities that lifted you up in preparation to pursue your passion. Share your story, news of the campaign, and Illinois State’s ongoing accomplishments with alumni and friends of the University.

The future of Illinois State—all that we stand for and will yet accomplish—depends on what we, the alumni and friends of Illinois State, do today. Your financial gift, pledge, gift of real estate, or planned gift can make a difference for our current and future Redbirds, giving them the resources needed to maximize their talents and continue rising.

RISE TO THE CHALLENGE

For more information visit RedbirdsRising.IllinoisState.eduor call University Advancement at (309) 438-8184

STUDENTS U P P O RT

FACULTY S U P P O RT

FACILITYS U P P O RT

PROGRAMS U P P O RT

CAMPAIGN VOLUNTEERS

AREAS OF INVESTMENT

Brent Alsman

Bob Augustine

Kathy Augustine

Thomas Barger

Jim Bennett

Leslie Bertagnolli

Hank Campbell

Frank Chiodo

Clyde Coombs

Jacalyn Ferree

John Freese

Marilyn Freese

Gary Gemberling

Al Goldfarb

Beverly Grimes

Sandra Groves

Paul Harmon

Sandra Harmon

Mark Hauptman

Ed Hines

Judy Hines

Matt Johanson

Sue Johanson

Wonsook Kim

Thomas Clement

Emily Kimmey

Betty Kinser

Jim Koch

Donna Koch

Vickie Lannie

John Lawrence

Tamara Lemke

Rick Lewis

Joanne Maitland

Edward Manley

Dave Martin

Frances Owen

Kevin Petschow

Keith Powell

Joseph Rives

Cinda Roth

Michael Schermer

Stan Shingles

Connie Fako Shoemake

Kelley Smith

Steve Smith

Sharon Tarvin

Thomas Tegtmeyer

Heidi Voorhees

Robert Walling

Susan Lee Walling

John Wroan

Jeanne Wroan/ISUGiving

“Your contribution promises to lift our students toward higher

achievement, give them new fields at Illinois State to explore, and

propel them as they strive lifelong to better our society.”

Susan Kalter, Ph.D.Professor, American Literature and Native American Studies, Illinois State University

“Illinois State is a place where innovation and collaboration spark artistic expression and offer solutions to tomorrow’s problems.”

John Baur, Ph.D.Associate Vice President for Research

and Graduate Studies, Illinois State University

This document is available in alternative formats upon request by contacting University Marketing and Communications at (309) 438-8404.

University Marketing and CoMMUniCations 18-1575 printed on recycled paper ♻

(309) 438-8184

/ISUGiving

RedbirdsRising.IllinoisState.edu