Illinois State University’s recognition societies are a way to acknowledge and celebrate Illinois State donors, who are an essential part of the University community. The newest recognition society, Forever Redbirds, expands these honors to a new group of Redbird donors, who give consecutively.
Donors are recognized as a Forever Redbird when they make a gift for at least two consecutive fiscal years, regardless of the size of the gift. Because Forever Redbirds recognizes gifts of any size, it encourages recent grads to express their affinity and loyalty to Illinois State however they can financially.
Redbirds who graduated in the last decade are entering their careers and searching for ways to remain connected to their alma mater, such as Richard Greenfield ’17. As a Redbird alum and Forever Redbird, Greenfield has continued to give to Illinois State consecutively since he graduated in 2017.
“I choose to continue to give back to Illinois State University because the University provided me so many amazing opportunities as a student,” said Greenfield. “Therefore, I want to help pay it forward for the next generation of Redbirds!”
Forever Redbirds provides the perfect opportunity to celebrate loyal giving of alumni and friends and to recognize the impact of philanthropy at Illinois State.
Redbirds who give consecutively, like Greenfield, enjoy a number of courtesies as a part of Forever Redbirds, such as special communications to celebrate milestone years of loyal giving, one gift item per year, invitations to recognition events, and exclusive digital content or invitations to virtual campus tours.
To learn more about Forever Redbirds or how to set up an easy recurring sustainable gift to your favorite Redbird program, email AnnualGiving@IllinoisState.edu or call the Office of Annual Giving at 309-438-4483.
