EIU Media Relations

EIU’s Giving Day April 24 invites support from alumni, employees, community

(Charleston, IL) – In April 1896, the first brick and limestone for Old Main was laid, creating a strong foundation for more than 120 years of success at Eastern Illinois University. This April 24, Eastern Illinois University will celebrate “Giving Day”—a public commemoration of EIU’s excellence intended to reinforce EIU’s already-strong reputation for student success and community partnerships across east central Illinois and beyond.

According to Matt Williams, director of the Annual Fund and Alumni Communications for EIU’s Alumni Services area, Eastern’s inaugural spring giving event will bring alumni, friends, staff, faculty and students together in a comprehensive and engaging day of fundraising that will help build a brighter tomorrow for current and future Panthers.

“We’d love to see every member of the EIU Panther family participate in this single day of giving, no matter the amount,” Williams said. “Eastern Illinois University has passionate supporters and advocates throughout the Midwest and across the nation. EIU Giving Day presents an opportunity to reaffirm their commitment to Eastern and to the dynamic and diverse opportunities the university provides its students and regional communities.”

Gifts made to the university on Giving Day can be applied to fund scholarships, unique professional training, research projects, study abroad opportunities, or other areas of the donor’s choosing.

With College Decision Day on May 1, those participating in EIU’s Giving Day are encouraged to celebrate their gifts online by using the hashtags #EIUGivingDay and #EIUGoTime. Williams suggests using the hashtags to share stories of their own EIU successes on social media throughout the day, and to also share why future Panthers should choose Eastern Illinois University for their higher education experience.

Those wishing to support EIU during the university’s spring Giving Day can do so by making a donation at www.eiu.edu/givingday.

“Financial support does more than benefit EIU students,” Williams added. “Alumni engagement plays a prominent role in the university's U.S. News & World Report annual ranking.”

According to the U.S. News and World Report’s 2019 rankings, EIU remained the highest-ranking Illinois school and jumped to fifth overall among the Midwest’s top public regional universities.

For more information about EIU, or to learn more about its growing assortment of programs and services, visit the university’s website at www.eiu.edu, or call EIU’s public information office at (217) 581-7400.