Donors honor immigrant heritage through gift to ISU’s Multicultural Center

The current Instructional Technology and Development Center, where the Multicultural Center is expected to open in summer 2021.

Dr. Fariborz (Frank) Naeymi-Rad ’75, an international student to Illinois State from Iran, and Dr. Theresa A. Kepic ’73, a resident of Illinois State’s first International House in fall 1970, committed a $250,000 gift to support renovations and upgrades within the University’s Multicultural Center. Their gift will also support technology infrastructure at the center to connect students to alumni and other U.S. and international multicultural centers.

Better together: Donor’s gift inspires collaboration and community

Michael D. Schermer headshot

When veteran Illinois State student affairs professional Michael Schermer was asked if he would consider supporting the University’s new Multicultural Center, the answer was an easy one. “I said, ‘Of course! Tell me what you want me to do,’” recalled Schermer ’73, M.S. ’78, a longtime Illinois State employee and advocate for addressing students’ needs. In recognition of his generosity, the center expected to open in summer 2021 will house the Michael D. Schermer Conference Room.