Can you provide us with some information about your background? Your education and career?
Barb: I grew up on a farm in Lincoln, Illinois. I graduated from Lincoln High School and received an Illinois state scholarship. This scholarship provided tuition and fees for four years at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. While in school, I worked at the biology and math libraries. I graduated in 3.5 years and received my Bachelor of Science in math education. After teaching at Mahomet Seymour Jr. High, I returned to complete my Master of Science degree in math education. I returned to teaching at Farmer City-Mansfield before teaching at Parkland Community College. I taught computer science before moving to the math department. I went back to the University of Illinois and earned my PhD in 1991. I continued teaching at Parkland until I retired.
El: I went to high school in Spring Valley, Illinois. After high school, I attended community college for two years in LaSalle-Peru and then went on to Carthage College. I graduated in the last class from Carthage, Illinois before the college moved to Wisconsin. I went on to work for JC Penney in sales throughout part of Illinois and Iowa. I owned a children’s clothing store in Champaign for a bit before taking classes at Parkland. I worked as a computer analyst for the University of Illinois System for the last 20 years of my career before retiring.
Can you tell us more about how you have stayed connected to the University of Illinois since your time as a student?
Barb: Once we were at a place to start giving back, we started with athletics. We watched basketball games, football games, and still attend volleyball games. We also participated in Rebounders, Quarterback Club, and Networkers. I served as President of Networkers for one year. For our two youngest children, we wanted to send them to college without the need for student loans so that they could graduate debt free. Our daughter pursued a career in special education. While she pursued her advanced degree, it was clear to us that many graduate students needed additional support. We decided to create two endowed scholarships for graduate students. More recently, we have started supporting Illinois Neurodiversity Initiative (INI) to support students with additional resources in academics, mental health services, and career training. This program is important but requires families to pay additional fees. We want to make sure this program is available to the students that need it.
Giving to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is clearly important to you. Can you explain what compelled you to give and keep giving? What do you hope your philanthropy accomplishes for the University?
Barb: We initially started giving because we wanted to go to basketball, football, and volleyball games. It has turned into so much more. We decided to support education, special education, and ACES. We continue to do so because we can afford to, and we feel that it is a wonderful opportunity for us to give back. I benefited from a scholarship when I went to school and that was really important to me. I feel obligated to return the favor and then provide support for students, so that they can hopefully graduate debt free.
What advice can you share about how to make a lasting impact at the University of Illinois?
You can just give a little bit. You don’t have to give a lot, and it is always appreciated. One of the things we really enjoy with the College of Education is the opportunity to meet our scholarship recipients. A little bit goes a long way with them. Money could be donated to help with a travel expense to Chicago, babysitting support, or textbooks. Every dollar is cherished.
What is your favorite University of Illinois memory?
Barb: I have two favorite memories. When I was 10, my cousin was a student on campus. He gave us a tour of campus and took us to a football game where we got to see the Marching Illini. I fell in love with the University of Illinois at that time. My second favorite memory was walking across the stage at my PhD graduation and having my husband hood me.
El: I worked at the University of Illinois System for 20 years in central administration. I enjoyed my time there and it was a great place to work.