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."