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, additional awards were introduced that are given out annually, Philanthropist of the Year, Faculty/Staff Philanthropist of the Year, Corporate Philanthropic Supporter, 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.

2026 Celebration of Philanthropy

The 2026 Celebration of Philanthropy was held on April 2, 2026 in the Student Union Ballroom.

Evelyn Brandt Thomas was presented with the 2026 William E. Winter Award.

The following awards were presented during the event.
Philanthropists of the Year to Sean Grant & Taryn Grant
Corporate Philanthropic Supporter to Bank of Springfield
Faculty/Staff Philanthropist of the Year to Bruce Sommer
Young Philanthropist of the Year to Mike Kasprzyk.