Message from VPUA
Greetings Friends, Alumni, and Donors,
I recently read an article that encouraged its readers to develop an “Attitude of Gratitude.” The author expounded that “an attitude of gratitude means making the conscious habit of expressing appreciation on a regular basis for big and small things alike.” I think that is the perfect sentiment to express – we are GRATEFUL for each and every one of you and for your sustained support of this University we love so dearly!
This annual report from the EIU Foundation highlights the wonderful philanthropy and generosity of EIU’s alumni, donors, and friends during the 2021-2022 fiscal year. As we transitioned from a global pandemic to the re-opening of our world, I am happy to share that this has been the best year on record for gifts to the EIU Foundation in the University’s history. I attribute that success to the hard work of the University Advancement team (past and present), the visionary generosity of our donors, and the University’s fantastic trajectory of growth and momentum.
EIU President David Glassman is the author of so much of this success. His steady leadership has guided EIU through our state’s unprecedented budget impasse (2015-2017) and the unique challenges of a global pandemic (2020-2021). In his eight-year tenure the University has experienced consistent enrollment growth, a steadily improving academic profile for the freshman class, and record numbers of international students and honors-eligible students. EIU is stable, growing, and well-positioned for further growth and improvement. As Dr. Glassman moves to his retirement at the end of June 2023, it is only right to express GRATITUDE for his leadership and commitment to EIU and its students.
Words cannot fully express the gratitude we feel to each of you who are investing in Eastern Illinois University. This is a special University with a special family of alumni, donors, and friends. I consider it a great privilege to cultivate support on behalf of EIU – Thank you so much for all the big and small things you do for EIU every day!
In Gratitude,
Ken Wetstein
Vice President for University Advancement and
Executive Officer of the EIU Foundation
