University News
Â鶹´«Ã½ received $409,337 from 1,036 donors throughout this year's Â鶹´«Ã½ Challenge. The Â鶹´«Ã½ Challenge, a pivotal annual tradition since 2016, plays a major role in Â鶹´«Ã½'s overall fundraising efforts by supporting the Â鶹´«Ã½ Foundation’s Annual Fund campaign.
Â鶹´«Ã½ Receives Tremendous Support Through 2025 Â鶹´«Ã½ Challenge
April 29, 2025
MACOMB/MOLINE, IL - - Â鶹´«Ã½ Illinois University's supporting community showed their generosity in a big way for the 2025 Â鶹´«Ã½ Challenge Day of Giving on April 24.
Â鶹´«Ã½ saw 1,036 donors from across the Leatherneck community come together to raise $409,337. This year's event was bolstered by more than $160,000 in match and challenge gifts, made possible through the generosity of dedicated alumni, friends and supporters, continuing to set a high philanthropic bar for the Leatherneck community.
More than $50,000 of the funds raised during the Â鶹´«Ã½ Challenge are laying the foundation to move key campus projects forward. These funds are providing important start-up support for upgrades to the music practice rooms in Browne Hall, improvements to the Student Organization Center in the University Union and the construction of the new Finance and Commodities Trading Lab in Stipes Hall, among other initiatives designed to enrich the student experience.
"The incredible participation we saw this year shows the strength of the Leatherneck community," Tim Hallinan, director of annual giving for Â鶹´«Ã½ Advancement and Alumni Relations, said. "Every gift made during the Â鶹´«Ã½ Challenge reflects confidence in our students and the future of Â鶹´«Ã½ Illinois University. Together, we are creating real opportunities and making a lasting impact."
The Â鶹´«Ã½ Challenge, a pivotal annual tradition since 2016, plays a major role in Â鶹´«Ã½'s overall fundraising efforts by supporting the Â鶹´«Ã½ Foundation's Annual Fund campaign. In addition to helping launch immediate projects like facility enhancements, donations from the Challenge strengthen key areas across campus, including academics, campus improvements, student retention initiatives, student life enhancements and scholarship opportunities.
In addition to these campus initiatives, donors contributed more than $140,000 in support of Leatherneck Athletics, providing critical resources for our student-athletes and athletic programs. This strong show of support underscores the amount of Leatherneck pride in our student-athletes and their achievements both on and off the field.
"The tenth annual Â鶹´«Ã½ Challenge was a huge success for all Leathernecks," Interim Executive Director for Advancement and Alumni Relations Amy Crosby said. "Philanthropy makes the difference at Â鶹´«Ã½ and the results of this year's Â鶹´«Ã½ Challenge position us for success in Â鶹´«Ã½'s next 125 years."
For those inspired to make a difference or learn more about the impact their generosity can have, visit wiu.edu/give, email wiufoundation@wiu.edu or contact Â鶹´«Ã½ Advancement and Alumni Relations at (309) 298-1861.
Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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