The Pay It Forward Student Fund is sponsored and funded by Ron Whitton ’80 of Dentsmart and in part by the students, faculty, and staff of the College of Business. The fund provides a unique opportunity to help students develop personally and professionally.
Whitton ushered in a new phase of the student fund in fall 2017 when he announced a matching campaign. The Illinois State alum issued a challenge to students in the College of Business to make donations to help their peers and promised to personally match their gifts dollar for dollar. The initial purpose—and the continuing underlying theme—of the campaign is to get students in “the habit of giving back” to the school before they graduate so that it becomes “part of who they are.”
This year, the Pay It Forward committee is excited to offer a special limited-edition College of Business crew neck for $25, with the proceeds going toward the Pay It Forward Student Fund.
Featuring the iconic “Thumbs Up Reggie” design, this crew neck is more than just a piece of apparel—it’s a symbol of unity, generosity, and school pride. By contributing, donors are directly supporting College of Business students, helping to ease financial worries and allowing them to achieve academic and professional success. By coming together—students, faculty, staff, and alumni—we can ensure this spirit of support and generosity thrives, creating a lasting impact for the entire College of Business community for years to come.
Join us in making a difference! With your $25 purchase, you’ll not only be supporting Illinois State University College of Business students but also receive a limited-edition crew neck as a thank-you for your generosity.
