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Donor Stories
Bob Staley
Illinois native Bob Staley, who now resides in Scottsdale, Ariz., has a long history with Central Illinois and a love of the performing arts.
“The Staley family has lived in Loami, Ill. for 200-300 years, and my father was born on a farm in Loami,” Staley said. “We had a place in Scottsdale, and we lived in St. Louis because that’s where my employment was. When I retired, we sold St. Louis and moved to the farm. And it was while we were there, I would say we realized that Springfield had two treasury items: the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum, and Sangamon Auditorium at the UIS Performing Arts Center.”
Bob and his wife Liz went to many shows at the UIS Performing Arts Center. “That’s where Liz first went to a children’s show,” Bob said.
“Liz and I enjoyed going to Sangamon Auditorium a lot, and she went there for a children’s show once. It started getting her thinking about where stage shows are introduced to children. She became aware of the fact that rural children probably never had a chance to see live theatre. She got in touch with Carly Shank [Artistic Programs Director at the UIS Performing Arts Center]. Together they loved the idea of taking live theatre to rural children. She and Liz created what has become the Staley Class Acts.”
The Staley Class Acts series is the UIS Performing Arts Center’s flagship education outreach program. For over 30 years, this program has supported the educational goals of area teachers by providing opportunities for students in preschool through high school to experience artistic, educational, and high-quality performances created for young audiences by nationally touring theater companies.
“Then the idea came a few years ago to endow the program,” Bob said. “To endow this program that was so important to her [Liz].”
Just recently, Staley has given to the UIS Performing Arts Center’s “2nd Act Campaign,” which provides new seats, updated surfaces, and improved equipment for the Center. When the curtain rises again in fall 2026, patrons will return to the performances they love in a revitalized venue.
“This [the UIS Performing Arts Center] is really quite a treasure for Springfield and the whole area,” Staley said.
“Money becomes idle once you pass away unless you’ve directed it somewhere that’s important. And if you’re able to, you can start that process long before you pass away. So, my thinking is that I don’t want money to become useless. I had the good fortune of accumulating some. And my thought was family first, and then after that, where it is needed in areas and interests to your family, so that somehow if you’ve enjoyed something during your lifetime, you leave some money, so the world is a little bit better off in those areas that were important to you. That’s why I became active in philanthropy, and I’ve been active for some time.”
Paul & Lynne O'Shea
For Lynne and Paul O’Shea of Springfield, Ill., giving back to the community comes naturally. “It’s all about keeping and growing and strengthening the community that’s here,” Paul said.
Paul, who was born and raised in Springfield, went to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Architecture, which set his path toward becoming a registered architect in the State of Illinois. Heavily involved with the Springfield community and downtown revitalization efforts, Paul continues to be a strong advocate for community efforts, including those at UIS, along with his wife of 30 years, Lynne. The two recently established the UIS Paul and Lynne O’Shea Athletic Scholarship Fund as a way to continue their legacy of giving.
“We know we won’t always be able to help, so we wanted something to live on,” Lynne said.
Paul and Lynne, who each grew up in a family of four children, greatly appreciate and value the educational opportunities that they were provided.
“I grew up in a home with four kids” Lynne said. “My father was a high school chemistry teacher, and he didn’t get paid much. Mother scrimped and saved. But somehow, they managed to send four of us to college. And it seemed only right that we can give back to others when given the chance.”
“My parents worked hard,” Paul said. “There were four of us growing up, and we were able to get our high school and college education. And we’re thankful for being able to do it. It wasn’t easy, I certainly began working at a proper age in high school – college years especially.”
After receiving his architectural degree from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Paul came back to Springfield to establish an architectural firm with two of his fellow high school classmates.
“We developed a very significant architectural firm,” Paul said. “I feel that what I received through my educational years, I didn’t let it go to waste -- I pass it on. And I think that’s an important process. I think Springfield is a great environment and foundation for so many others to do so many things.”
In Springfield, Paul and Lynne O’Shea have been very active members of the community.
“I became very active in the local Chamber of Commerce and church groups, and other community organizations that were looking out for the betterment of the community at large,” Paul said. “And the community did their role – they also helped the surrounding county and the state. I did see the opportunity as an individual to do what I could and work with others who can work in unison to really make things better.”
“Paul and Lynne have given so much to the City of Springfield, and we can’t thank them enough for their support of UIS," said Dr. Gabe Cagwin, Vice Chancellor for Advancement & Senior Vice President for the University of Illinois Foundation. "Their generous endowment will provide students with an opportunity to get a college degree, that without a scholarship, they might not have been able to afford to come to UIS. Nothing says impact better than that!”
“When I think about UIS – what an asset it is!” Paul said.
Richard and Charlene Osborne
Dick and Charlene Osborne have a long association with UIS. The couple led donations for the Student Union with their gift to name its Osborne Lounge. When Richard Osborne first walked into the new Student Union, he was pleased. "It's up to date in thinking and structure and layout -- a great facility," he said. "UIS now has a community center where people can gather in a relaxed environment to exchange ideas -- and develop relationships and friendships. It cements what the campus is doing, and it is great to be a part of that."
Osborne and his wife Charlene made a $1.5 million gift in 2016 to, in his words, "kick start the building." This wasn't Osborne's first support for his Alma Mater. He also endowed scholarships for students in the College of Business Management. Read more on Dick and Charlene Osborne in UIS Today.
"We are lucky to have such loyal and dedicated partners as Dick and Charlene Osborne," said Dr. Gabe Cagwin, Vice Chancellor for Advancement & Senior Vice President for the University of Illinois Foundation. "It's difficult to put into words how much your work has impacted UIS -- it's immeasurable! Thank you for all that you do, and continue to do, for the university."
Shirley's Story
Shirley Baer of Springfield, Ill. gives to UIS in honor of her late husband, Keith Baer. “I felt it was important that he be recognized," Baur said. "One thing he had said was that he was worried he wouldn't be remembered, so I felt it was important for his memory. Keith was a very generous individual, and I feel like I am a better person because of him."
"Thank you so much, Shirley, for all that you do in support of UIS, the UIS Performing Arts Center, and NPR Illinois," said Dr. Gabe Cagwin, Vice Chancellor for Advancement & Senior Vice President for the University of Illinois Foundation. "Your generous gifts allow us to continue to grow and thrive -- thank you!"
Keith Baer, who graduated from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, loved the arts and was proud supporter of the UIS Performing Arts Center. Shirley now gives to the UIS Performing Arts Center, for renovations at the Center, and to NPR Illinois in his honor and in support of their programs and initiatives.
"I think it's on us to provide opportunities for others,” Baer said. “I feel very fortunate for what I have, and I think it's important to pass that along. You get a better sense of self by doing something for others. This is a small part of what you can do, if you can."
Nearly 10 years ago, University of Illinois Springfield, University of Illinois Chicago College of Nursing and Memorial Health established a partnership to develop the next generation of baccalaureate nurses.
The Kiwanis Club of Springfield Downtown and the University of Illinois Springfield have teamed up to improve the community for 50 years.
Former faculty member Dyanne Ferk advocates a lifelong philanthropy, noting, 'You don't have to be old to give.'
Esports Offers a New Game in Town
A new, cutting edge esports gaming arena opened in fall 2023 at the University of Illinois Springfield. The arena was made possible thanks to the generous financial support of the Springfield-based M.G. Nelson Family Foundation. This support was pivotal in ensuring that UIS was able to outfit the arena with the latest technology and provide for future upgrades and needs.
Giving Back Through Charitable Gift Annuities
Former UIS employee Mary Caroline Mitchell supports the University's endeavors to bolster 'learning how to learn'