BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – Illinois Wesleyan University kicked off its $125-million Transforming Lives: The Campaign for Illinois Wesleyan University with gala celebrations in both Bloomington and Chicago, and announced that more than $73 million had been pledged so far from alumni and friends across the country.
During the kickoff galas, it was announced that Honorary Campaign Chairs B. Charles “Chuck” Ames and Joyce “Jay” Eichhorn Ames made an endowment gift valued at $25 million. The gift is the largest ever received by Illinois Wesleyan.
“We are extremely fortunate to have alumni like Chuck and Jay Ames, who believe it’s important to give something back,” said University President Richard F. Wilson. “The Ames gift, along with many others received thus far is a testament to the impact the University has had on the lives of our alumni and friends and this community.”
The campaign is the most ambitious in the history of Illinois Wesleyan, with a goal of raising $125 million over the five-year campaign period. Nearly 80 percent of the campaign goal will go to support student scholarships, need-based financial aid and faculty and program endowments. In addition, several new building projects will be funded.