Support from our alumni and friends transforms a College of Media education. Your belief in our students, academic achievements, and global presence affects our future.
* denotes President’s Council member
The College of Media Legacy Society
(July 1, 2024–June 30, 2025)
The College of Media Legacy Society acknowledges and honors those who have chosen to include the College of Media through a bequest, charitable trust, or other planned gift. Donors who remember the College of Media in their estate plans provide critical funding to establish scholarships, awards, fellowships, and other student and faculty support. The College of Media would like to recognize:
- Mrs. Ann E. Arellano
- Mr. Douglas C. Balz (dec) & Mrs. Jane Scholz
- Prof. Denise D. Bielby
- Mr. Brian R. Bland
- Mr. Robert L. Boyle
- Mr. Dennis G. Frary
- Dr. Richard H. Gentry (dec) & Mrs. Diane Gentry
- Mrs. Helen B. Gray
- Robert P. and Joan R. Gundersen
- Ms. Mary L. Kandyba
- Mr. Jeffrey L. Katz
- Mrs. Kim O. Kellogg
- Mr. Jack M. & Mrs. Elizabeth F. Klues
- Dr. John L. Lastovicka
- Mr. David A. Manthey (dec) & Mrs. Diane A. Manthey
- Ms. Mary Lyn Miller
- Ms. Laura R. Oftedahl
- Mr. David & Mrs. Rita L. Pearson
- Ms. Cynthia Browne Placek
- Mrs. Nancy Ronald and Mr. Ronald L. Hartshorn
- Dr. James E. Ross
- Mr. Gary N. & Linda K. Rowe
- Mrs. Angela D. Sinickas Shiromani
- Mrs. Sandra G. Stein
- Dr. Nancy J. Stephens
- Mr. Nathan A. Swanson
- Mr. David R. & Mrs. Susan D. Weigandt
- Mr. Joel D. & Mrs. Analee Weisman
Dean’s Society, Leadership Circle, Visionaries, Innovators, Advocates, and Friends Circle
(July 1, 2024–June 30, 2025)
The following list represents contributions to the University of Illinois College of Media (excluding WILL) from generous alumni and friends during the 2025 fiscal year. We are grateful for your support of our talented students and faculty and your commitment to the goals and mission of the College of Media. Members of the President’s Council are designated with (*). The President’s Council, the University of Illinois Foundation’s donor-recognition program for those who give at the highest levels, is reserved for donors whose outright or cumulative gifts total $50,000 or more.
Dean’s Society: $10,000 and above
Prof. Denise D. Bielby *
Mr. Richard H.& Mrs. Leslie A. Frank *
Mrs. Deanna L. Frautschi & Mr. Alan Bedell
Mr. D. Neil Gissler & Mrs. Lynn Patton Gissler *
Ms. Helen B. Gray *
Mr. Jack M. & Mrs. Elizabeth Klues *
Mr. Stephen D. Kuhn *
Mr. Joseph R. & Mrs. Jo A. Paszczyk
Ms. Karen Lucas Petitte *
Ms. Marilynn R. Preston *
Mrs. Nancy A. Ronald & Mr. Ronald L. Hartshorn *
Mr. Douglas E. & Mrs. Lynne G. Winter *
Leadership Circle: $5,000 – $9,999
Mr. Daniel J. & Mrs. Nancy J. Balz *
Mrs. Lauren A. & Mr. Richard J. Barnett *
Mrs. Susan F. & Mr. Randy R. Deihs
Mrs. Katherine S. Coughlin Denny & Mr. Bradley J. Denny
Mr. Philip L. & Mrs. Irma Johnson *
Mr. Murray C. Kalis
Mr. Tomlinson M. Holman & Mr. Fritz Koenig
Mrs. Jean B. & Mr. Dennis C. Lawyer
Mr. Timothy M. & Mrs. Judith M. McAuliff *
Ms. Cynthia Browne Placek *
Mrs. Cynthia & Mr. Peter C. Schliemann *
Visionaries: $1,000 – $4,999
Mr. Thomas S. Barber
Dr. Victor C. & Mrs. Ellen K. Bastron *
Mr. William J. Bonansinga
Dr. Lauranne Buchanan
Dr. Kristan M. Cockerill *
Mrs. Suheily & Mr. George Davis
Mr. Robert E. Erickson
Mr. Roy T. Fenstermaker
Mrs. Linda & Mr. Michael J. Fisher
Mrs. Nancy E. Gallagher
Mr. William E. & Mrs. Joan C. Geist *
Mr. Louis H. & Mrs. Eleanor J. Gross
Mr. G. Robert Hillman
Ms. Joyce E. Hodel
Dr. Karen A. & Mr. Daniel J. King *
Mrs. Laura E. Larson & Mr. Jack H. Cage
Mr. Joseph V. Laxamana & Mrs. Denise Coiner
Mr. David E. McCraw *
Mr. Alan R. Morris
Mr. Ben E. Dobbin & Mrs. Linda S. Park
Mrs. Diane E. Penny & Mr. Bernie Gancarz
Mr. Jeffrey E. & Mrs. Kathryn A. Podjasek *
Ms. Malini Ratnam & Mr. Girish Ratnam
Ms. Kathryn A. Reiser
Mrs. Phyllis E. Robeson
Mrs. Lisa R. & Mr. Eric J. Robeson
Ms. Elaine Finney Sagers *
Ms. Kim Robeson & Mr. Dean E. Schwenk *
Mrs. Mary Lynch Snowdon & Mr. Andrew Snowdon
Ms. Susan L. Stapleton
Mr. John J. Toomey
Mr. Donald R. & Mrs. Marilouise Torrant
Mr. Greg T. Towles & Mrs. Gloria Welch Towles *
Ms. Marsha J. Upson
Mr. William H. Weintraub
Mrs. Diane K. & Mr. Patrick L. Wilkey
Mr. Kurt L. & Mrs. Cara R. Winter
Innovators: $500 – $999
Ms. Dianna K. Armstrong *
Mrs. Margaret M. & Mr. Matthew F. Breslin
Mrs. Brenda J. & Mr. Harold R. Bruno
Mr. Chidong Zhang & Mrs. Shuyi Chen
Mr. Eben Colby
Mr. Mike & Mrs. Jana Cornell
Mr. Edward L. Epstein
Mr. Dale R. Haller
Ms. Linda M. Bergstrom
The Honorable Steven N. Berk & Mrs. Jennifer C. Hauge
Mr. Thomas R. Bearrows & Mrs. Holly A. Hirst *
Mr. Richard L. Adams & Mrs. Patricia A. Januszki *
Mr. Richard A. Zoglin
Mrs. Nancy & Mr. Garry S. Leonard
Mr. Bruce H. & Mrs. Cheryl A. Little *
Mr. David S. Mercer
Mr. Roman M. & Mrs. Christine H. Paluta
Mr. Glenn & Mrs. Celeste Pomerantz
Mr. Charles L. & Mrs. Rebecca Rasberry
Dr. Leonard N. & Mrs. Sharon L. Reid
Ms. Patricia A. Chicoine & Mr. James M. Sczudlo
Mr. John P. Balz & Mrs. Erica Simmons
Mr. Dennis G. Sodomka
Mrs. Kathy L. & Mr. Douglas G. Stice
Mr. Bradley C. & Mrs. Susan M. Stillman
Ms. Elizabeth A. Terry
Mrs. Marcia Thalhimer
Dr. Christina D. Urban
Mrs. Ann A. Urbanski
Mr. Andrew S. & Mrs. Jill M. Werner
Advocates: $250-$499
Mr. William F. & Mrs. Joan M. Amideo
Mr. David L. Bither
Mr. Jason C. & Mrs. Patricia L. Bramhall
Mr. Otha L. & Mrs. Teri M. Brandon
Mr. Jeffrey M. Brody & Ms. Joyce E. Brown
Mr. Terry P. & Mrs. Linda L. Brown
Mr. Gregory J. Czernik
Mrs. Mary C. & Mr. Paul L. Early
Mr. Lee M. & Mrs. Deborah Finkel
Mrs. Barbara Oettel Francis & Mr. David L. Francis
Mr. Robert P. & Mrs. Joan R. Gundersen *
Ms. Raven L. Hill
Mrs. Michelle L. & Mr. Peter F. Hoffman
Mr. Lawrence A. & Mrs. Vicki A. Ingrassia
Mrs. Amy & Mr. Blake Jeffers
Mr. David R. Jern
Mrs. Marlo D. & Mr. Russell C. Jones
Mr. Terry & Mrs. Abby J. Kasdan
Mr. Robert G. & Mrs. Cynthia M. Kennedy *
Dr. Charles T. Kerchner
Ms. Shari B. Levine
Mr. Harley J. & Mrs. Katherine Manning
Mr. Charles & Mrs. Pamela M. Meyerson
Ms. Kristin L. Nevius
Mrs. Sharon & Mr. John M. Niemet
Ms. Laura R. Oftedahl *
Mrs. Clarissa M. & Mr. Michael Ortiz
Ms. Jennifer A. Orwick
Mr. Peter A. & Mrs. Debra J. Petges
Mr. Henry E. & Mrs. Laurie R. Reich
Mr. Charles Ricciardelli
Mrs. Danielle M. & Mr. Brian Short
Mr. Mark D. Ludwig & Mrs. Catherine L. Snapp
Ms. Patricia G. Solomon
Mr. Paul S. Stanton
Dr. Patricia A. Stout
Mrs. Nancy B. & Mr. Kenneth P. Walker
Mr. David M. & Mrs. Maryl F. Wesolowski
Mrs. Sarah C. & Mr. Kenneth E. White
Mrs. Anne M. & Mr. Stephen G. Woodward
Mr. Glen A. & Mrs. Judith A. Zumwalt
Friends Circle: $1 – $249
Mr. John C. & Mrs. Jennifer M. Ambrose
Mr. Kevin R. Anderson
Mr. Wayne J. Andrews
Ms. Kathy M. Cornillie & Mr. Jeff Annatoyn
Mr. Robert M. & Mrs. Julie A. Van Antwerp
Ms. Ann E. Arellano *
Mrs. Rhonda K. & Dr. Lance E. Arsenault
Mrs. Geraldine R. & Mr. Robert F. Baader
Mr. Robert D. Bakus
Ms. Marilyn L. Barr
Father William R. Bates
Mr. Rajeev R. Batra
Mrs. Yvonne G. & Mr. Gregory T. Batton
Mrs. Laura J. & Mr. Steven J. Benson
Mrs. Antonina M. Geraci & Mr. John Bollwark
Mrs. Elizabeth F. Brudos & Mr. Daniel J. Brudos
LTC Robert B. Buchanan
Mrs. Margaret C. Buel *
Mr. Kenneth H. & Mrs. Ling Chen
Mr. Patrick J. & Mrs. Nancy M. Chesley
Ms. Leticia Chessani
Mrs. Nancy J. & Mr. Dennis K. Christianson
Mrs. Margaret A. & Mr. Scott E. Cline *
Mr. William B. Coen
Ms. Adriana E. Colindres
Mr. Jack J. Colwell & Mrs. Nancy Colwell (dec)
Mrs. Holly B. & Mr. John T. Conroy
Ms. Christine Coyle
Mr. Robert P. & Mrs. Yvonne M. Crawford
Mr. Brian T. Cudiamat
Mr. Jeffrey S. & Mrs. Ann R. Currie
Mrs. Sandra L. M. & Mr. Joseph F. Cyze
Mr. Stewart K. & Mrs. Judith I. Dan
Mr. Leslie E. & Mrs. Constance M. Deatherage
Ms. Patricia Delgado
Ms. Anna Dobbin
Mr. Joseph R. & Mrs. Carole Dominick
Mr. Ronald G. & Mrs. Colleen M. Dudzik
CAPT Laurence A. Dwyer
Mrs. Brenda M. Edgar & the Honorable James R. Edgar (dec) *
Ms. Janet L. Edwards *
Dr. Matthew C. Ehrlich
Ms. Michele R. Eisele
Mr. Perry W. Ergang & Mrs. Anne M. Pachciarek
Ms. Cori Faklaris
Prof. Brant Houston & Ms. Rhonda H. Fallon
Mrs. Bonnie L. & Mr. Steven Flanagan
Mrs. Mary A. & Mr. Nathan L. Fleming
Mr. Edward A. Kieser & Dr. Lucia M. Flevares
Mr. Daniel G. Flynn
Ms. Amy L. Garant *
Mr. Robert R. & Mrs. Lynn P. Gerches
Mrs. Sue A. & Mr. Jonathan D. Gilpin
Ms. Janice D. Goldberg
Dr. Gary R. & Mrs. Marla F. Goldstein
Mr. Gary S. & Mrs. Julianne P. Graessle
Mr. Murray B. & Mrs. Anita H. Greenberg
Dr. Ulrike Gretzel & Mr. Robert Kozinets
Ms. Mary K. Griffith
Mr. Robert J. & Mrs. Marilyn Gunthner
Mr. Charles A. Sengstock & Mrs. Norma Halseth
Mr. Brian Hardy
Mr. Richard L. Hare
Ms. Lorelie Hassler
Mr. James H. & Mrs. Linda C. Hazlewood
Mr. David L. Heim
Mr. David J. Higgins
Mrs. Melissa A. & Mr. Byron Hilmes
Mr. Mark I. Holzman & Mrs. Kathryn L. Witt
Mr. Terrence L. Hughes
Mrs. Susan L. Niemeyer & Mr. Jung-Hwan Hwang
Mr. Michael Imrem
Ms. Diane Jahangir
Ms. Pamela K. Jefferson
Mr. Paul K. & Mrs. Jennifer L. Jensen
Mr. Kevin K. Cullen & Mrs. Laurie Jensen
Mr. Bruce C. Johnson
Ms. Deanne M. Johnson
Ms. Mary Jane Ferguson Johnson
Mr. Raymond C. & Mrs. Janet W. Jones
Ms. Karen R. Goodman & Mr. Robert T. Joseph
Mr. Kenneth R. & Mrs. Pamela D. Kalthoff
Ms. Paula R. Kamen
Ms. Kathy Morris
Mr. Jeffrey L. & Mrs. Mollie Katz
Mr. Gary W. Kebbel
President Timothy L. Killeen & Dr. Roberta M. Johnson Killeen
Ms. Karen L.& Mr. Roger Kitzmiller
Ms. Linda S. Kleczewski
Mr. Michael P. Knezovich & Mrs. Beth M. Finke
Mr. James A. Beckwith & Mrs. Sandra A. Kofler
Ms. Alice E. Martin
Mr. David J. & Mrs. Ann C. Kurlinkus
Mr. Lawrence K. & Mrs. Kristi A. Labiak
Mrs. Gayle H. Lackey
Mr. Lynn P. Landberg
Mrs. Jordanka L. Lazarevic
Ms. Mary J. Lee
Mrs. Donna S. Wolin-Lesk & Mr. Sherwin M. Lesk
Ms. Joy D. D. Lindsey
Mr. Alden K. Loury
Mrs. Bonnie M. & Mr. George M. Lowrey
Mrs. Joni M. Lucas
Mr. James C. Lukas
Ms. Susan S. Marks
Mr. David P. & Mrs. Margaret A. Marti
Mr. Christopher J. May & Ms. Margo Thomas-May
Mrs. Taylor N. McCarthy
Mr. John R. McClelland
Mrs. Kay S. & Mr. Joseph J. McElroy
Mrs. Janet L. & Mr. Laurence M. McGrath
Mr. Gerald Y. & Mrs. Sandra C. Meyers
Mr. Andre D. P. Mitchell
Mrs. Sarah C. Morris
Mrs. Susan K. & Mr. Michael Mumm
Mr. Michael J. Nelson
Mrs. Shirley L. & Mr. John P. O’Connell
Mrs. Cynthia A.& Mr. Steven J. O’Dell
Mr. Gary A. & Mrs. Ann H. Olson
Mr. David T. & Mrs. Marilyn H. Overturf
Mrs. Jill M. Mackie-Palermo & Mr. Richard W. Palermo
Mr. Larry J. & Mrs. Lynda K. Pearson
Mr. Michael G. Peskura
Mr. Thane E. Peterson
Mrs. Ruth P. & Mr. John Petitt
Mrs. Margaret E. & Mr. Kenneth S. Pinsky
Mrs. Barbara S. Poleskey
Mr. Richard & Mrs. Sue Pomerantz
Ms. Gwen E. Potucek
Mr. William L. & Mrs. Joan W. Prentiss
Mrs. Ada R. & Mr. Beryl P. Rabinowitz
Dr. Rebecca M. & Mr. Daniel M. Reck
Ms. Janet Neiman Reed & Mr. Robert Reed
Mrs. Jacqueline A. Riddell & Mr. Paul J. Stolarczuk *
Mr. Matthew C. Rogina
Ms. Karen A. Rugen
Mr. William R. Rumbler
Ms. Stephanie Sada
Mrs. Janice G. & Mr. Irwin J. Saltz
Mr. Daniel & Mrs. Marie Satinover
Mr. Bernard A. & Dr. Kim Y. Schoenburg
Mrs. Georgia M. & Mr. Kyle Schreiner
Ms. Denise Schultz
Mrs. Rebecca L. & Mr. Robert E. Shaw
Ms. Margaret Shobert
Mr. Michael D. & Mrs. Sallie M. Sienza
Mr. Steven J. Silverman
Mr. Lawrence A. Sandler
Mrs. Rebecca S. & Mr. Michael J. Simpson
Mrs. Moira K. & Mr. Steven J. Skinner
Mr. Thomas J. Slavin
Mr. Lowell F. & Mrs. Katherine L. Smith
Mrs. Lynn C. & Mr. Delancy Smith
Ms. Kira Wigoda & Dr. Daniel B. Sobel
Ms. Mary H. Sotir *
Mrs. Jutta W. & Mr. Ronald A. Spanke
Mrs. Elizabeth H. & Mr. Roger A. Stafford
Mr. Zachary A. & Mrs. Melissa E. Stambor
Ms. Maria T. Mooshil & Mr. Daniel Steenstrup
Ms. Ann A. Stephens
Mr. Joel A. & Mrs. Amy Sucherman
Mr. Martin J. Suffield
Mrs. Dorit R. & Mr. Michael B. Suffness
Mr. Geoffrey M. & Mrs. Jami Lynn F. Thomas
Ms. Demetria D. Kalodimos & Mr. Verlon Thompson
Mr. Timothy J. & Mrs. Karri E. Unzicker
Mr. Todd E. & Mrs. Elizabeth A. Voss
Mrs. Joy A.& Mr. Maarten P. de Vries
Ms. Renate Wasserman
Ms. Linda A. Wedenoja
Mr. Phillip A. & Mrs. Lee Ann R. White
Dr. Peggy J. Burke
Mr. Robert K. & Mrs. Janice B. Williams
The Honorable Patrick Windhorst & Mrs. Holly M. Windhorst
Mr. Thomas E. Winski
Ms. Whitney Wyckoff & Mr. Andrew Roehl
Mr. Richard R. & Mrs. Lorecei C. Zaker
Mr. Eugene F. Zelek & Mrs. Margaret A. Christie
Organization Gifts
Dean’s Society: $10,000 and above
DAFgiving360
Fidelity Investments HQ
Jack M. Klues and Elizabeth F. Klues Family Foundation
Richard Frank Foundation
William Randolph Hearst Foundation
Leadership Circle: $5,000 – $9,999
Refinitiv
Visionaries: $1,000 – $4,999
Chicago Community Trust
Cobalt Digital
Deloitte Foundation
Ellie Gross and Associates, Ltd
Green Mountain Foundation
Hill Snowdon Foundation
Jewish Communal Fund
Morgan Stanley Global Impact Funding Trust
Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance
Robeson’s
Vanguard Charitable
Innovators: $500 – $999
Ayco Charitable Foundation
Benevity Community Impact Fund
Charles G Thalhimer and Family Foundation
Graham Crackers Comics
Hutchins Education Foundation
International Business Machines
McDonalds
Princeton Area Community Foundation
Skadden Arps Slate Meagher and Flom
Takeda Pharmaceuticals USA
US Charitable Gift Trust
Advocates: $250 – $499
Northern Trust Charitable Giving Program
Friends Circle: $1 – $249
Apple
Citizens for Jim Edgar
Jasculca Terman and Associates
Texas Instruments Foundation
Walt Disney Foundation
Roger Ebert’s Film Festival Donors
Film Circle, Emerald, Platinum, Gold, Educational, Silver, Bronze, Friends, and Gifts in Kind
(July 1, 2024–June 30, 2025)
Founded by the Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and his wife Chaz Ebert in 1999, Roger Ebert’s Film Festival (“Ebertfest”) is grounded in Roger’s belief that film is an “empathy machine” that allows the audience to walk in someone else’s shoes. With empathy at the core of programming, the festival’s mission is to promote the standing of, and access to, film arts in underserved areas of Illinois and to educate audiences to better understand serious motion pictures made by filmmakers from around the world, especially films that celebrate the human condition, promote tolerance, and take audiences into worlds they have never seen before. With Chaz Ebert still hosting and selecting films for the event each April, and with College of Media students working in many roles across the festival, Ebertfest continues to affirm that movies are an accessible means to broaden cultural experience and give a voice to underrepresented communities while, at the same time, giving valuable professional experience to University of Illinois students. The festival brings famous filmmakers and audiences together in discourse that promotes more compassionate and tolerant citizenship annually.
Film Circle Sponsors: $15,000+
Champaign County Alliance for the Promotion of Acceptance, Inclusion, and Respect
College of Media, University of Illinois
Mr. Roger J. (dec) and Ms. Chaz Ebert *
Shatterglass Studios
Surface 51
Emerald Sponsors: $8,500 +
Ms. Elizabeth L. Hendrick-Barstead & Hendrick House *
Illinois Arts Council
Krannert Center for the Performing Arts
Mrs. Karen S. & Mr. Michael J. Kulas
The News-Gazette
Platinum Sponsors: $5,000 +
Big Grove Tavern
President Timothy L. & Dr. Roberta J. Johnson Killeen
Smile Politely
Gold Sponsors: $3,500 +
Mr. Donald G. & Mrs. Susan L. Armstrong *
Century Client Support
Dr. Brand I. Fortner & Mrs. Susan M. Andresen *
Mr. Jeffrey Horowitz
Dr. Patricia J. & Mr. Jon N. McNussen
Northwestern Mutual
Mr. Dave & Mrs. Peg Paulson Robeson Family Benefit Fund
Mr. Thomas P. Squires
Mr. Rick L. & Mrs. Jeanene S. Stephens *
College of Media Educational Sponsor: $3,000
Mrs. Eleanor J. & Mr. Louis H. Gross
Silver Sponsors: $1,800 +
Ms. Melissa Batista & Mr. Joseph C. Crisafulli
Dr. Robert A. & Mrs. Kathleen V. Bauernfeind *
Mrs. Ann C. Benefiel-Kunkel & Mr. Joseph A. Kunkel
Mr. Joseph Bennett
Cobalt Digital, Inc.
Mrs. Martha & Dr. Paul F. Diehl *
Mr. Thomas C. & Dr. Regina A. Galer-Unti
Dr. Darrel C. & Dr. Jane M. Gumm
Mr. Sanford F. & Mrs. Elizabeth Hess
Mr. Aaron Hines
Jewish Communal Fund
Mr. James W. Johnson & Mrs. Coleen M. Quinn
Ms. Diane M. Kennedy
Ms. Nell Minow & Mr. David A. Apatoff
Dr. Eric C. & Mrs. Shirley J. Pierson
Dr. Kathleen M. & Mr. David S. Porreca *
Ms. Nancy B. Rotzoll Mr. Andy & Mrs. Abigail K. Schopp
Dr. Sharon Shavitt & Mr. Steven C. Zimmerman *
Mr. Terrell R. Williams & Ms. Bobbie Hendrick
Mr. Jason Yue
Mr. Gene J. Zimmerman
Bronze Sponsors: $1,000 +
Chicago Community Foundation
Ms. Sarah A. Hurley
Mrs. Anne & Mr. Greg G. Taubeneck *
Mr. David W. & Mrs. Marie J. Volkers
Friends
Ms. Dianna K. Armstrong
Mr. Dale J. & Mrs. Adrea Bennett
Dr. Diane Levitt Gottheil *
Troylene Ladner
Mr. Edward P. & Mrs. Nancy L. Tepper *
Gifts in Kind
Art Mart
Carter’s Furniture *
Champaign Park District
Columbia Street Roastery
Fleurish
Garcia’s Pizza in a Pan, Ralph and Joe
Hound’s Court
Hyatt Place Champaign-Urbana
Illini Media/The Daily Illini
Martinelli’s Market
Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers
University of Illinois Press
Up Close Printing
Mr. Derek E. VanMeenen, Stella Artois, Skeff Distributing Company
Virginia Theatre