Olamide Adeyooye

The Illinois State University Student Foundation is setting up a scholarship in Olamide Adeyooye’s name to commemorate her legacy and influence at Illinois State.  Adeyooye, a senior laboratory science major from Berkeley, was the victim of a violent crime and died in October.  After being born in Nigeria, she came to the United States when she was eight years old.  Adeyooye’s diploma will be awarded posthumously at the December Commencement ceremony.

To endow the scholarship in Adeyooye’s name, a minimum of $15,000 must be raised. The Student Foundation is challenging all Illinois State students to help raise the needed funds for the scholarship.  They are announcing the endowment through a variety of campus communication venues and hope to present the first scholarship during the sesquicentennial celebration in 2006-2007.  The Illinois State University Foundation has already given $5,000 to the Olamide E. Adeyooye Scholarship.

Scholarships are an integral part of financial aid at Illinois State University.  With declining state support of higher education and the rising cost of tuition, each scholarship awarded to an Illinois State student helps not only that student to afford a college education, but also keeps student tuition at the lowest possible level.  Last year, alumni, corporations and friends of the University gave more than $13 million to benefit Illinois State students.

The Student Foundation encourages student involvement to help play a part in building a new tradition at Illinois State; make a difference in the lives of Illinois State students, now and in the future, by enhancing the quality of life and students experience at Illinois State; and demonstrate that today’s students care about the future of the University.

To make an on-line gift to the Adeyooye scholarship or for any other Illinois State scholarship, program or technology gift, click on Development and fill in the form.

For a complete listing of how to make a gift, including those not through a Web site, visit Giving and for areas of interest for gifts, visit Giving Interest or call the Office of Development at (309) 438-8184.  Donors are recognized through recognition programs such as the President’s Circle, 1857 Society and Heritage Club as well as through various publications.

“The giving process at Illinois State University is streamlined through our Web site to enable those who wish to support our University to do so in the easiest manner possible,” said Dianne Ashby, vice president of University Advancement. “Click on any of the Web sites listed above or click on the Make a Gift symbol at the bottom of this page.  Your gifts to Illinois State will allow Illinois State to continue providing an excellent education for every student who comes through our doors.”