UI Foundation/UI Advancement Weekly Update 10.01.21

Dear Team:

What a week it has already been, and we are not finished yet!  "Together, we are UNSTOPPABLE," Foundation Weekend 2021 kicked off last night with a garden party at President Killeen's home.  More than 200 people gathered (appropriately outdoors) for the first official Foundation event in 18 months.  It was wonderful to see so many good friends in person and to feel the energy of human interaction.  We are certainly not out of the woods, but it is clear, COVID will not stop our University of Illinois faithful from supporting our extraordinary system of universities.

Some of the most faithful are our UIF Board members.  Despite not gathering in person since February 2020, their dedication and loyalty to the university — and to Zoom — helped successfully lead the university's philanthropic giving during a very uncertain time.  So, if you see a Board member this weekend or are in touch with one in the days ahead, please thank them for the great job they have done and continue to do.

Speaking of success, this morning, we released the Foundation's Annual Meeting video, which illustrates the power of the incredibly generous community of philanthropists who believe in and support the University of Illinois.  I urge you to watch the video if you haven't already, and when you do, be proud of your contributions to our success in FY21 (I would also ask that you not critique the "actors," we all have day jobs).  The takeaway from the video for me is just as our Foundation Weekend theme states, "Together we are UNSTOPPABLE!"  And together means all of us – alumni, friends, foundations, corporations, and advancement staff.  The reason donors invest in the University of Illinois is because they believe in what we do and the impact the university makes on the world's most significant issues and challenges.  Thank you for your part in stewarding our donors' investments in the ability of the University of Illinois to transform lives and serve society. 

We may be celebrating FY21 this weekend, but we are already a ¼ of the way through FY22.  As we begin October and kick off the fiscal year's second quarter, let's keep the momentum going and continue to be unstoppable.  And don't forget to have an enjoyable weekend, too.

Regards,

Jim