UI Foundation/UI Advancement Weekly Update 06.24.22

Dear Team:

With less than a week until we close out the 2022 fiscal year, I want to start by saying thanks once more for your incredible effort this year.  Our fundraising and engagement programs yielded millions of dollars in philanthropic support and countless meaningful engagements with our alumni, donors, and friends. You are all to be commended for your great work and dedication to the University of Illinois. THANK YOU!

While we certainly want to celebrate our good fortune and success, it’s also time to stay focused on the road ahead. The new fiscal year will kick off as quickly as this one closes. The beginning of a new year offers the opportunity to reset, refresh, and rethink what we can do better and how we can make an even greater impact.  During my current travels, I am trying to take some time to think about what I can do personally to get better and what I can do to better support all of you. More on that in a few weeks.

For now, I’ll sign off with a quick shout-out to our UIUC advancement team on being selected for five CASE Circle of Excellence Awards.  CASE announced the 2022 winners this week and our UIUC colleagues took home two golds, two silvers, and one bronze award. Kudos to all involved.  Thank you for doing award-winning work and for taking the time to submit your work to be judged by your peers.  Congratulations!!! To learn more about the CASE Circle of Excellence awards click here.

Thanks again for all you do.  Enjoy the weekend and stay cool!

Best,

Jim

PS:  I mentioned how much I loved seafood Paella. This was dinner one night with UIF Board members Dr. Steve Irwin and Dr. Paul Tucker.