Leading the Charge

Presidents Council

The Presidents Council provides a channel for significant financial contributions to the University of Illinois while honoring those individuals who support the University, its campuses and its programs.

The Presidents Council was established by the Foundation in 1964 and is named in tribute to the presidents who have guided the University to the highest levels of quality for more than 130 years. The Council provides an opportunity for private investors to share in the substance and success of the University's distinguished programs in teaching, research and public service.  The interest and involvement of members of the Presidents Council helps assure the University of Illinois' role as a leader in American higher education. The resourcefulness and leadership qualities of the Presidents Council membership make it much more than an organization of fiscal support.  Members regularly share their professional experience, insight and informed counsel with University officials and faculty to advance the mission and the scope of the University.

All of your prior gifts to the U of I Foundation and the University may be credited toward membership, and toward the recognition levels within the Presidents Council.  This applies regardless of previously designated campus beneficiaries.  Corporate matching gifts are also counted.

Changes to the Presidents Council entry memberships levels are now in effect.

All members receive the following tokens of appreciation:

  • your name entered onto the Presidents Council membership honor roll
  • invitations to various nationwide events
  • invitations to the Annual Meeting of the Foundation and Presidents Council on the Urbana-Champaign campus
  • lapel or tie-tack pins
  • 30 percent discount on U of I Press purchases
  • an engraved Presidents Council certificate engrossed with your name and signed by the University President
  • a membership identification card

Note: Distinctive tokens of appreciation are in place or are planned for members enrolled in the Council's Laureate Circle levels.

In addition, each campus offers specific courtesies to Council members, including:

  • selected library privileges
  • selected discounts
  • visitor's parking permits (restrictions apply)

For more information on the Presidents Council, including Council benefits, please contact your college, department or support unit development office. You may also contact Bernie Freeman, Director of the Presidents Council, at 217-333-0810.  Or use our online form to submit an inquiry.

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Chancellor's Circle

Annual Giving is a cornerstone to UIC’s continued success.  We know our alumni and friends support various departments and programs across UIC as well as across all three campuses.  A new giving society, the Chancellor’s Circle, recognizes the incredible range of these gifts, and honors those donors who give $2,500 or more per fiscal year, no matter the campus, no matter the college, no matter the department or program. 

Your participation in the Chancellor’s Circle contributes to the quality and vitality of UIC.  As a member you have the satisfaction of knowing you play an immeasurably important part in the future of the University and the lives of our students.

Eligibility for the Chancellor’s Circle:
- Based on household cumulative giving
- Measured over a given fiscal year (July 1 – June 30)
- Includes all three U of I campuses
- Includes matching gifts in the total giving calculation
- Does not include estate distributions, charitable trusts or contracts

For additional information about the Chancellor’s Circle, please contact Angela Larson, director of annual giving, at 312-413-8424.

Access more information about UIF Annual Giving