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Donor Stories

Anthony and Lucy DiTommaso
Anthony and Lucy DiTommaso

Anthony and Lucy DiTommaso

Anthony “Tony” and Lucy DiTommaso, residents of suburban Chicago and South Carolina, are proud graduates of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and longtime supporters of the University of Illinois System.

“I was well prepared for a business career,” Tony said. “Because the University of Illinois has been such a large part of our lives—and our children’s lives—it felt natural to give back. I started about 30 years ago with the business school and later became involved with the Foundation.”

Tony has served the University of Illinois Foundation Board of Directors in various roles for over 12 years, including as its immediate past chair. For much of that time, the couple directed their giving toward scholarships for the business school and student-athletes.

More recently, a visit to the University of Illinois Springfield inspired them to expand their philanthropic focus.

“We toured the facilities at UIS and were very impressed with the advances in technology and teaching methods, especially in the nursing program,” Lucy said. “Nursing plays a vital role in the healthcare system, so we wanted to branch out and support that area as well.”

That experience led the DiTommasos to support the College of Health, Science, and Technology Scholarship Fund at UIS, further extending their impact across the U of I System.

Tony sees their philanthropy as part of a broader responsibility.

“I hope our kids learn from us that giving back is a way to show appreciation for the opportunities we’ve had,” he said. “This country offers the chance to be successful and to access some of the best healthcare in the world. You can show your gratitude through both good deeds and philanthropy.”

“It’s not just about us—it’s about those who come after us,” he added. “It’s about education, careers, and motivation. Giving back is one way we can help build a better future for our kids and grandkids.”

Lucy summed it up simply: “It’s the gift of gratitude.”

Tony echoed that sentiment: “I always said that if I ever achieved any success in life, I would give back to the University. I’m happy I was able to do that. We made these donations because we believed we could make a difference in the lives of students and their futures.”

Dr. Gabe Cagwin, vice chancellor for advancement and senior vice president for the University of Illinois Foundation, praised the DiTommasos for their enduring support.

“Anthony and Lucy DiTommaso have shown an extraordinary commitment to advancing education and empowering students at UIS,” Cagwin said. “Their support of the College of Health, Science, and Technology Scholarship Fund opens doors for countless students to pursue their passions and reach their full potential. We are deeply thankful for their vision, generosity, and the difference they continue to make in the lives of our students and in the future of our university.”


Rich and Connie Frankenfeld

Rich and Connie Frankenfeld
Rich and Connie Frankenfeld

Rich and Connie Frankenfeld are passionate advocates for education and active supporters of their community. Longtime volunteers with organizations such as ImpactLife and the Grace Lutheran Food Pantry, the couple finds fulfillment in giving back and helping others succeed.

“We both started out with parents who didn’t go to college and wanted their kids to go to college and advance beyond what they were able to,” Connie said. “That was a way up.”

The couple met at Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois, where they both studied in the teacher education program. After graduation, Rich accepted a teaching position in District 186 in Springfield, where he enjoyed working with students.

Connie went on to build her career at the Illinois State Library. Rich later transitioned from teaching to working as a lobbyist for the Illinois Education Association and eventually finished his career at the Teachers’ Retirement System of the State of Illinois. It was during his time there that he spoke at a Department of Education event—an experience that laid the foundation for his desire to start a scholarship at the University of Illinois Springfield.

He was impressed by both the faculty and the students, particularly those returning to school to earn teaching certificates after time in the workforce. That experience inspired the couple to establish a scholarship supporting UIS students.

“We’re interested not only in our own growth, but in expanding opportunities for others in our community,” Connie said. “Receiving a scholarship from the State Library to pursue my master’s degree inspired me to help others climb that same ladder.”

“We just feel that the university has a very positive influence in our community,” Rich said. “It means a lot that people can stay local and go to school.”

Dr. Gabe Cagwin, vice chancellor for advancement and senior vice president for the University of Illinois Foundation, expressed his gratitude for the Frankenfelds’ support.

“We are incredibly fortunate to count Rich and Connie Frankenfeld among our most dedicated supporters,” he said. “Through the UIS Frankenfeld Scholarship Fund, they are making a profound and lasting impact on the lives of our students. It’s hard to express just how meaningful their generosity is—thank you, Rich and Connie, for all you have done and continue to do for UIS.”


Bob Staley

Carly Shank, Bob Staley, and Sarah Brewer
Carly Shank, Bob Staley, and Sarah Brewer

Bob Staley, an Illinois native who currently resides in Scottsdale, Ariz., has a long history with central Illinois and a love of the performing arts.

The Staley family has had ties to the Loami area, southwest of Springfield, for 200 to 300 years. Bob's father was born there on the family farm.

Bob and his wife Liz raised their family of four daughters in St. Louis, where Bob was employed.

"When I retired, we sold the St. Louis house and moved to the Loami farm," Staley said. "And it was while we were there, we realized that Springfield had two crown jewels: the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum, and Sangamon Auditorium at the UIS Performing Arts Center.”

Bob and Liz went to many shows at the UIS Performing Arts Center.

“Liz and I enjoyed going to Sangamon Auditorium a lot, and she went there for a children’s show once," Staley said. "It got 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 theater. She got in touch with Carly Shank (Artistic Programs Director at the UIS Performing Arts Center). Together they loved the idea of live theater for 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 that was so important to Liz," Staley said.

In continued support of the venue, Staley has also given to the UIS Performing Arts Center’s “2nd Act Campaign.” This campaign, which provides new seats and improved equipment for the Center, will return patrons to the performances they love in a revitalized venue, when the curtain rises in fall 2026.

“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 to you and your family. That’s why I became active in philanthropy, and I’ve been active for some time.”

The Staley's gift will leave an enduring legacy, helping to shape the future of arts education for years to come.

"Bob and Liz Staley believe every child deserves a chance to experience the magic of live theater," said UIS Chancellor Janet L. Gooch. "Thanks to their vision and generosity, thousands of children now get that chance every year. The Staleys' generosity is about more than giving back, it's about making sure things that meant the most to their family bring joy to others."


Paul & Lynne O'Shea

headshot of Paul and 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.


Charlene and Richard Osborne

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."


Keith and Shirley Baer

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." 


UIS and UIC students along with leaders from UIS and Memorial Health gathered around an Anatomage table displaying a 3D image of a human.

Together for Nursing

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.


A group photo of players from the UIS women's soccer team.

The Perfect Partnership

The Kiwanis Club of Springfield Downtown and the University of Illinois Springfield have teamed up to improve the community for 50 years.


Dyanne Ferk

A Tradition of Giving

Former faculty member Dyanne Ferk advocates a lifelong philanthropy, noting, 'You don't have to be old to give.'


people about to cut the ribbon on the new eSports Arena

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.


Mary Mitchell and her husband David

Giving Back Through Charitable Gift Annuities

Former UIS employee Mary Caroline Mitchell supports the University's endeavors to bolster 'learning how to learn'