Illinois State University’s sixth annual Birds Give Back on February 22, 2024, surpassed giving day goals and had impressive showing of support from the entire Redbird community.
Vice President of University Advancement Pat Vickerman highlights the remarkable support from the Redbird network of alumni, faculty, staff, students, and friends during Birds Give Back.
“This is more than teamwork; it’s the spirit of Redbirds in action. Our collective enthusiasm and philanthropy continue to energize our future; reaffirming the incredible power and impact of our united efforts for Illinois State,” said Vickerman.
This year, with a primary focus on participation, Redbirds easily met the goal of 4,000 gifts with over 4,200 gifts and raising over $1.6 million in challenges, pledges and gifts. There were over 50 challenges issued by Redbird alumni across campus in various colleges and departments, including a university-wide 3,000 Gift Participation Challenge issued by Maureen O’Brien ’93 who added $50,000 to the Birds Give Back totals in support of Redbird scholarship.
Ronald Stevenson ’70 ’74, Mark Dunaway ’84, Harlan Fuller ’77, ’79, Tom ’83 and Connie ’83, ’86 (Kostopoulos) Kitzinger, Nikita Richards ’06, ’15 and even Interim President Aondover Tarhule and Dr. Roosmarijn Tarhule, among many others, announced challenges to the Redbird community to support the causes on campus that elevate student experiences and student success.
“It was an incredible day to be a Redbird! We are so grateful to the thousands of alumni, employees, parents, friends and even students who chose to be a part of something transformational. Together, we have provided funding for scholarships, facility and equipment enhancements, experiential learning opportunities and so much more,” said Senior Managing Director of Annual Giving and Philanthropy Engagement Jillian Nelson.
The Agriculture Department in the College of Applied Science and Technology saw a significant increase in participation this year, earning second place on the “Biggest Boost” by department leaderboard for percentage of growth in participation over last year’s giving day with 205 total gifts.
“We are very grateful for everyone who supported us during Birds Give Back. Funds generated will help us support our mission to provide a premier educational experience for our Agriculture students. This was a true team effort between students, faculty, staff, alumni. A special shoutout goes to Dan ’70 and Pam ’69 Kelley. Not only did they generously support our Birds Give Back featured projects, but also served as true ambassadors, encouraging others to support Agriculture. We are excited and grateful about our results, raising over $29,000 overall,” said Interim Chair Department of Agriculture Dr. Aslihan Spaulding.
“We are also proud of the fantastic work by Program Coordinator at ISU’s Horticulture Center Jessica Chambers, who has done a great job all around engaging our Horticulture Center supporters and raising funds for our summer internship programs,” added Spaulding.
The School of Communication also saw a significant increase in participation this year, topping the department and school leaderboard, raising over $90,000 from over 480 gifts. Dr. Aimee E. Miller-Ott is serving as Interim Director and Professor for the School of Communication.
“Our School relies on donor support to facilitate many of our programs and to advance students’ opportunities including student scholarships and awards, professional development opportunities, student travel to present research and accept media outlet awards, much needed equipment, student recruitment and retention, and tuition scholarships for students with financial hardships,” said Miller-Ott.
Not only was it one of the most fun days I have had since stepping into the interim director role, but I also felt extreme Redbird pride in our School. We more than doubled our number of gifts, while our Forensics, Speech and Debate program finished second in the number of gifts on the campaign leaderboard. We would not have been as successful as we were if not for Julie Navickas and the thoughtful, well-crafted, and engaging social media plan that she and her social media and special event student interns implemented seamlessly. We have outstanding alumni, current faculty and staff, and community supporters. Our donors who created the giving challenges were invaluable to our success,” added Miller-Ott.
Heather E. Dillaway, PhD, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, shared in the sentiments of the day as well.
“All of us in the College of Arts and Sciences are deeply grateful for the overwhelming support we received from friends and alumni during Birds Give Back. Donors who made contributions this year are making a real difference in the day-to-day lives of students, faculty, and staff. For example, the forensics team, which is the oldest registered student organization at Illinois State University, will be able to continue to produce national champions. The geology program, in which field experience is critical, will be able to continue taking its students into the field to gain hands-on experience. To all donors who supported the College of Arts and Sciences this year: you are an integral part of what makes ISU great!”
The last challenge of the day, the Record Breaker 4,440 Gift Challenge (to surpass last year’s record setting year with 4,439 gifts) was announced by an anonymous Redbird and retired educator. Though this challenge has not yet been met, the Birds Give Back giving site remains open until Monday, February 26. Anyone is welcome to participate, help unlock the Record Breaker Challenge and view the status of other challenges. For questions about Birds Give Back or giving an annual gift, contact the Office of Annual Giving at 309-438-4483 or AnnualGiving@IllinoisState.edu.
