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Dear Chancellor Whitney,

My name is Brandon Smith, and this fall will mark the beginning of my senior year at UIS. The past three years that I have spent at this university have been incredibly beneficial and productive. I have lived in Springfield my whole life and I am very grateful to have such a wonderful university right here in my hometown. At UIS, I have been able to be a part of an exceptional learning community while also being able to remain close to my loved ones in the Springfield area.

How I chose my field of study

My chosen major is elementary education. I chose my field of study when I was in seventh grade. I had always planned to go into the education field but was unsure if that was what was really for me. When I was younger I would use old math and reading books from previous grades and “teach” my younger sister what I was learning. I had a pretend classroom and I would make up assignments and tests and grade her.

How I chose my field of study

My interest in public health is dated back to my undergraduate days. I was involved is several medical outreaches where my colleagues and I provided free preventive and clinical services to inhabitants of rural communities. I could see smiles on their faces and how impactful our interventions were on a larger scale rather than providing clinical services to individuals.

Scholarship Luncheon

Scholarship Luncheon

The annual Scholarship Luncheon is one of our favorite events at UIS. It is a time to celebrate the achievements of our students and the giving spirit of our donors. Our scholarship recipients are on their way to realizing their dreams, all thanks to our generous donors who believe our students are worthy of the scholarships they have gifted to UIS.

Stewardship

Stewardship & Donor Relations

At the University of Illinois Springfield (UIS), Stewardship and Donor Relations play a pivotal role in creating and cultivating lasting connections between the institution, its students, and its generous supporters. UIS strives to ensure all donors feel valued and engaged at every step of their philanthropic journey. Through personalized communication, recognition events, and meaningful stewardship initiatives, UIS fosters a culture of appreciation, service, and support.

Campaigns

Faculty and Staff Campaign

Each year, the Faculty and Staff Campaign encourages all UIS employees to make a gift to UIS during the current fiscal year. Gifts of any amount, to any area of UIS, “count” as part of the campaign. Special efforts are carried out in March to raise awareness and have fun while promoting employee giving. To answer questions and provide encouragement to give, each unit on campus has a Faculty and Staff Campaign ambassador.

Alumni Resources

Alumni Resources are available to all alumni. With more than 44,000 members, the global UIS Alumni family has shared experiences and pride in the University of Illinois Springfield and its predecessor, Sangamon State University. We strive to provide our alumni with not only a strong network, but also helpful resources to continually support them throughout their lives and careers.

Alumni Gala

Alumni Gala

The UIS Alumni Gala is an annual event that celebrates achievement and service by the University community. Each year alumni and friends are recognized for their contributions to the university, their community and the world.