Redbirds came together to make a difference this June as Illinois State University celebrated #RedbirdImpact Month. Five years ago, the Alumni Association’s Redbird Engagement and Development (RED) Committee launched #RedbirdImpact Month as part of its efforts to encourage alumni to be more civically engaged. The concept started when the committee began inviting alumni to participate in the Center for Civic Engagement’s Alternative Breaks Alumni Weekend.
Last year the Alumni Association, the Center for Civic Engagement, and the Office of Annual Giving developed the most robust #RedbirdImpact Month plan yet, challenging alumni and donors to practice civic engagement through service and philanthropy. After wide support and challenges met in 2022, the areas came back together this year to set higher goals of 450 service hours and $5,000 in gifts.
At the end of the month, the service challenge exceeded expectations with over 730 hours recorded. Annual Giving saw an increase in new donors looking to make an impact through scholarships and raised a large number of gifts with final counts still being totalled.
“It is humbling to see Redbirds unite to support the Red and White Scholarship. This past year, 55 scholarships totaling more than $250,000 was awarded to students who faced unexpected obstacles like unemployment, illness, or the death of a parent. Now that’s some serious #RedbirdImpact!” said Jillian Nelson, senior director of Annual Giving. “Seeing Redbirds give back in time and treasure is what makes ISU proud.”
Alumni networks across the country set up projects so Redbirds had the opportunity to serve, and just as important, an opportunity to connect. They cleaned parks, packed and labeled food at food banks, sorted and donated books, and cleaned a Boys and Girls Club. Individuals could share their #RedbirdImpact and enter to win the month’s prize package (with Nina Hubert ’77 being this year’s winner and serving 33 hours this June). Others shared:
- “My wife, Wanda, and I volunteer twice a week and deliver Meals on Wheels in Hendersonville, Tennessee. We began doing this 12 years ago.”—Tom Ogan ’77
- “I am a state representative for a national group called ALAN that specializes in young adult literature, fighting censorship, and providing advocacy for all students.”—Shannon Baer ’12
- “I volunteer at OSF St. Joseph Hospital. I have been volunteering there for over 25 years. I love helping visitors find their way to their loved ones; or find where they need to be.”—Jim Lindoerfer ’72
- “I volunteer at our church thrift shop once a week, and I give tours at The Bradley House in Kankakee which was Frank Lloyd Wright’s first prairie-style house that changed the face of American architecture.”—Suzanne Thompson ’68, M.S. ’71
- “I volunteer at ARC, which used to be the ISU recreation center. I help hang their art shows. I also participate in their art club, drawing and painting. Go Redbirds!”—Robert Meeker ’87
- “I have volunteered my time in the fire service for the last 11 years since graduation. Now I’m educating new recruits in the Champaign community to better prepare upcoming firefighters to handle some of the toughest moments in life.”—Ted Auterman ’12
Alumni and friends interested in civic engagement opportunities or hosting an event during the year can contact the Office of Alumni Engagement at (309) 438-2586 or alumni@IllinoisState.edu.
