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We Pledge To Keep Our Administrative Costs Low

I am honored to serve the Eastern Illinois University Foundation as its President.

This responsibility has particular significance for me. Were it not for the generosity of EIU and this Foundation some 20 years ago, I could not have afforded a college education. So, I am keenly aware that this Jason Anselemnt Presidentorganization truly serves as a "foundation" for EIU and its students.

Sadly, in recent years college students have become more and more reliant upon financial assistance to fulfill their dream of a higher education. As state support has diminished, our students and their families have been asked to pay or borrow more and more. The current job market, or lack thereof, has only increased this burden.

As you know, EIU has a proud history of providing one of the most affordable higher educations in the Midwest. In my view, a student body with a diverse socio-economic background is one of Eastern's advantages and a critical part of the educational experience.

For EIU to thrive and remain affordable, it is critical that those who benefited from a first class education do our part to ensure its future success. Fortunately, many have already answered the call to help achieve the greatness expected by the current Capital Campaign. But growing the Foundation's portfolio and the scholarship and grants it funds is not the task of a few. An astounding number of us are satisfied with the education we received at Eastern. I suspect as many received some financial help.

Each of us has an opportunity to pay some of our benefits forward. Every contribution will help our next generation of alumni. The more that join our efforts, the larger the impact. The greater our successes today, the sooner tomorrow's students can help join our ranks as benefactors.

For our part, the Board of Directors will endeavor to continue to minimize the risks associated with your investment while maximizing returns. We pledge to keep our administrative costs low even as our workload increases.

My decision to attend Eastern Illinois University was among the best I have ever made. I know many if not most of you believe the same. Let's commit to providing the same opportunity for future alumni in the generations to come!

Jason Anselment, President
Eastern Illinois University Foundation

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Our Mission...

The Eastern Illinois University Foundation exists for the following purposes:
To encourage and provide private support to Eastern Illinois University, including the region which the University serves, and to promote the ideals of volunteerism and philanthropy among alumni, friends, and employees of the University;
To assist and support Eastern Illinois University's educational and cultural mission through encouraging philanthropic gifts of cash, property and other materials of educational and artistic value;
To enhance the educational activities of Eastern Illinois University students and employees by participating in and supporting academic and artistic programming through scholarships and grants.