Supporting Excellence at Illinois State University

The Illinois State University Foundation is a not-for-profit organization that manages the private gifts that are given to the University each year. These dollars support many student scholarships, professorships, research, and other opportunities for students of Illinois State. Not only does the Foundation manage the portfolio investments of the University’s endowment, but it also is in charge of distributing dollars to fulfill the wishes of our loyal alumni and friends who support the University. The Foundation ensures that money given to Illinois State is used as the donor intended and is consistent with the mission of the University.

Mission Statement: "To elevate Illinois State University through the power of philanthropy."

Vision Statement: "To allow Illinois State University to dream big and to achieve those dreams."

Gifts of money, property, historic papers, art, or other items of educational, artistic, or historic value, are entrusted to the Foundation to ensure a brighter future for students and faculty. Whatever your passion, the board of the Illinois State University Foundation works to ensure that your gifts support those passions for future generations of Illinois State students.

Board of Directors

Officers

Dan Kelley '70, Chair
Retired President, GROWMARK
Shari Buckellew MBA '01, Vice Chair
Executive Director of Business Operations, St. John's Lutheran Church
Michael Jones '92, Secretary
Retired Vice President, State Farm
William England '77, Treasurer
Retired Partner, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Board Members

Greg Ayers '90
Ann Baughan '83
Retired VP of Operations, State Farm Insurance
Andrew Bender '98
Deputy General Counsel/ Senior Vice President, Illinois Agricultural Association/ COUNTRY Financial
David Brown
Partner, Hansen, McClintock and Riley Attorneys
Eric Burwell '90
Principal, Burwell Management Company
Zack Fortsch '83
Retired Partner, RSM
Robert Freitag '84
joyce gillie gossom '78
The Princess, Best Gurl, Inc.
Benjamin Hart '95
Executive VP of Administration, Heritage Enterprises
James Knecht '68
Judge, 4th District Appellate Court
Ed Manley '79, M.S. '83
Retired Consultant & Senior Curriculum Manager, Microsoft Corporation
Jack North
Retired Senior Executive VP, State Farm
Tim Pantaleone '07
Internal Audit, State Farm
Thomas Reedy '81
Senior Managing Partner, Dillon Kane Group
John Rigas '81
Retired Co-Founder, Microsystems
Trish Roark '85
Retired Operations Vice President, State Farm
Robert Rush '68, M.S. '79
Retired Executive VP, COUNTRY Trust Bank
Kathleen Savio '87, M.S. '89
Former Group Chief Transformation Officer, Zurich Insurance
Sue Silvey '70, M.S. '75
Retired Administrator, District 87
Steve Smith '89, M.S. '93
CEO, Association Management Center
Carl Sneed '72, M.S. '73
Retired VP/Chief Lending Officer, State Farm Bank
Matt Taphorn '88
Retired Division CFO, Caterpillar
Ron Thein '89
Chief of Staff, State Farm
Derek Vogler '93, MBA '95
VP of Investment, COUNTRY Trust Bank
Larry Williams '77, M.S. '79
Agent, State Farm Insurance

Ex-Officio Members

Aondover Tarhule
President,
Illinois State University
Darren Tillis
Board of Trustees Representative, Illinois State University
Pat Vickerman
VP for University Advancement, Illinois State University
Ani Yazedjian
VP for Academic Affairs and Provost, Illinois State University