Who's Giving Now?

Paula (Polly) and Lou Myers

It took Paula (Polly) Myers nineteen years to finish her undergraduate degree. Now she and her husband, Lou, have created an Access Illinois Scholarship to help deserving students complete their degree. The couple gives to many causes, and its an honor to have them choose UIS as one of those causes.

Read about why Polly considers her 19-year degree worth every minute.

Herb and Elizabeth Denniss

Elizabeth Denniss lived in Japan until she was eight. While there she gained a fierce commitment to education, a commitment she and her husband Herb are honoring through a gift in their will to UIS. They hope their gift will help students who want to study in Japan.

Read about Herb and Elizabeth's legacy gift to UIS, including a large collection of beautiful Japanese Hakata dolls.

Robert and Ruth Vogele

Robert and Ruth Vogele, who collect art primarily from 1940 through the present, have given over 20 works of art by contemporary artists to UIS--including one large-scale public work of art by John Henry entitled Dodger.

The Vogeles' hope is that their donations will inspire UIS' students to a fresh appreciation of art. At right: Sculptor John Henry and donor Robert Vogele.

Horace Mann, "Founded by Educators for Educators"®

Horace Mann has generously supported Girl Tech at UIS, a summer program for middle-school girls that gives them a chance to explore technology. According to coordinator Mary Sheila Tracy, "Horace Mann has been hugely generous to us." At right: UIS' Kara McElwrath, works with girls at Girl Tech.

Alfred O. Therkildsen

In the fall of 2009, Alfred O. Therkildsen gave a gift that enables UIS students to do research related to The Nature Conservancy's wetland restoration at Emiquon. Sadly, Mr. Therkildsen passed away in 2012. UIS is proud to honor him through the continued work at the Therkildsen Field Station at Emiquon. At right: Mr. Therkildsen and his stepson David Barrows.

Margaret Wepner

In 2005, Margaret Wepner left an unrestricted estate gift to UIS. By doing so, she was supporting her husband's efforts on behalf of the university: Wilbur Wepner, who served on the Committee for Higher Education, helped to found UIS (then Sangamon State University) in 1969. At right: Margaret Wepner.

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