Celebration of Philanthropy

The University of Illinois Springfield and the University of Illinois Foundation host an annual Celebration of Philanthropy event to celebrate individuals who make a difference through philanthropic support. Each year the William E. Winter Award for Outstanding Advocate Leadership is given to recognize individuals outside the university structure who play active roles in securing private support. In 2025, three new awards were introduced that will be given out annually, Philanthropist of the Year, Faculty/Staff Philanthropist of the Year, and Young Philanthropist of the Year.

William E. Winter Award for Outstanding Advocate Leadership

This award recognizes individuals outside of the University structure who play active roles in securing private support for the University of Illinois. William E. Winter, who passed away in 2016, became a director of the University of Illinois Foundation in 1984. His service to the Foundation included heading up the volunteer component of the University’s first major campaign in the early 1980s.

Winter earned an A.B. degree from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 1942. In April 1946, he went to work for the St. Louis, Missouri-based 7Up® Company and rose to become chief executive and chairman. His career in the soft drink industry spanned 55 years.

2025 Celebration of Philanthropy

The 2025 Celebration of Philanthropy was held on April 30, 2025 in the Student Union Ballroom.

Mary Mitchel Beaumont was presented with the 2025 William E. Winter Award.

Three new awards were presented during the event.
Philanthropist of the Year to Betty Marcy
Faculty/Staff Philanthropist of the Year to Bryan Rives
Young Philanthropists of the Year to Samuel Dunklau and Rebecca Anzel.