Inaugural philanthropy awards presented at Gratitude Gala

On March 25 at its inaugural Gratitude Gala for donors in the 1857 Society, Illinois State University presented three awards to recognize donors’ outstanding philanthropic achievement.

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Illinois State: Summer 2023

“We welcome you here tonight to celebrate your investment in the University, which continues to grow stronger each day. Illinois State has gained its strong reputation because we share a common goal: ensuring the success of our students,” said Interim President Aondover Tarhule. “I appreciate your investments in our future. They bring dreams to reality, aspirations to fruition, and make the impossible, possible.”

The three awards honor the University’s greatest ambassadors, who through their own generosity, motivate others to give back and enable Illinois State to move boldly forward.

Redbird Philanthropist Award

Jim ’74 and Carole Mounier ’75

The Redbird Philanthropist Award recognizes an individual or couple who demonstrates outstanding civic responsibility to Illinois State University through voluntary commitment of their time, talent, and financial contributions. Recipients of this award have also served in leadership roles, provided vision, and involved others in philanthropic activity.

Having transferred to Illinois State, Jim and Carole Mounier met through Greek life. After reconnecting with their alma mater in 2007 during an alumni event in Rockford, they established the Mounier Golf Scholarship, which is awarded annually to a student-athlete from the men’s or women’s golf teams. In 2012, the Mouniers generously contributed toward construction of the golf training center’s first phase, and in 2014, committed the largest single gift commitment in Illinois State University history. In recognition of the couple’s generosity, the golf training center was named the Jim and Carole Mounier Golf Training Facility at Weibring Golf Club.

The Mouniers’ belief that participation in sports builds character and leads to success motivates their desire to give back. The Mouniers have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to bettering the University, today and into the future.

Innovation in Philanthropy Award

Kay Wilson ’63

The Innovation in Philanthropy Award recognizes a donor who demonstrates creativity in their philanthropic efforts. Such donors have established a new initiative, expanded the University’s reach, or benefitted a new discipline.

Local philanthropist Kay Wilson graduated from Illinois State with a degree in mathematics and earned a master’s degree from the University of Illinois before pursuing a career at State Farm Insurance Cos. and teaching part time at Illinois State. Her husband, Dr. Thomas D. Wilson, served Illinois State for 31 years as an accomplished professor in the Politics and Government Department.

In 2002, Thomas established a scholarship for political science majors performing public service internships. Thomas and Kay were inducted into the College of Arts and Sciences Hall of Fame in 2012. Thomas sadly passed away in October 2017, but in 2020, Kay honored his love of learning by creating the Thomas D. Wilson Scholarship for Milner Library student workers. Kay has also founded the Kay B. Wilson Scholarship for future math educators, the Wilson Family Model United Nations Endowment, and the Wilson Family Student Assistance Fund to provide for students experiencing temporary financial hardship or need.

Kay was also an early supporter of Mennonite College of Nursing’s Springfield location, which seeks to increase the college’s capacity to educate more future nurses in Central Illinois. In 2018, Kay expanded her support to include funding for community college students pursuing nursing education as part of the University’s dual enrollment program. Her most recent philanthropic endeavor supports retention and success of mathematics students through teaching-related faculty development, peer mentorship, and tutoring. Today, Kay remains an active participant in the University through gifts of her time, talent, and treasure.

Above and Beyond Philanthropist Award

Drs. Carson and Iris Varner

The Above and Beyond Philanthropist Award recognizes an Illinois State University faculty or staff member who, in their philanthropic support of Illinois State, has gone above and beyond their professional role at the University to have an even greater impact. This year’s recipients have devoted their lives to enhancing the University and leading its students.

Longtime faculty members Drs. Carson and Iris Varner arrived at Illinois State in 1975. They were inspired by the global business tied to Illinois’ corn and soybean farms and decided to create an international business major at Illinois State. They created the interdisciplinary major and minor and graduated the first contract major in 1981.

In recognizing the importance of study abroad opportunities for international business students, they established connections with universities abroad, including partners in Angers, France, and Paderborn, Germany. In 2009, they established the Carson and Iris Varner International Business Experience Fund. In 2018, the Varners stepped up to donate $1 million to expand the International Business Institute, which was introduced in 2008 and housed the international business major and minor. The newly transformed space was named the Carson and Iris Varner International Business Institute.

Over the years, the Varners have grown their philanthropy, donating funds to create the Founders Day bell used in Illinois State’s annual ceremonies, funding the addition of a world clock and map in the State Farm Hall of Business, and contributing to funds that built the theatre on the grounds of Ewing Manor.

The 2023 award recipients represent just a few of the many generous donors who make up the University’s 1857 Society. Together, 1857 Society donors have contributed more than $98 million in gifts and commitments and more than $78.8 million in estate or deferred gift commitments.

In his closing remarks at the Gratitude Gala, Vice President for University Advancement Pat Vickerman thanked attendees for their support.

“Tonight we celebrate everyone in this room, for your selfless and generous support that provides the promise of an outstanding ISU experience for our talented and deserving students,” Vickerman said. “We are profoundly grateful for your investment in Illinois State, for fueling our success, and inspiring our students, faculty, and staff to ‘Glady Learn and Teach.’”

The 1857 Society is comprised of donors whose gifts and commitments meet or exceed $50,000. To learn more about the 1857 Society or to make a gift today, visit Giving.IllinoisState.edu.