Numerous academic, cultural, and scholarship programs at Illinois State are beneficiaries of $1.8 million in support from State Farm Companies Foundation. The funding over two years supports programs in the six colleges, Athletics, and campus-wide minority recruitment initiatives.
The Actuarial Science program and the Katie School of Insurance and Financial Services are two programs targeted. The University’s Little Village and Auburn Gresham project, which is part of the larger Chicago Teacher Education Pipeline project, received support to continue preparing teachers for inner-city schools.
State Farm’s gift also supports the New Innovation for America’s Promise project in the Mennonite College of Nursing, creating partnerships between the college and local schools.
The Illinois Shakespeare Festival is enhanced with funding that supports outreach programs that introduce Shakespeare to school children and community members. There is funding for the Karin L. Bone Athletics Study Center for student-athletes, and the Minority Achievement Program as well.
“We are thrilled to announce this new gift and celebrate the continuing commitment of State Farm Companies Foundation,” President Al Bowman said. He noted that the investment “will provide numerous long-term benefits to many diverse areas of the University, and we are grateful for their support.”
