Gifts in Action

At their 2008 reunion, the Class of 1988 presented the College with an endowment fund of nearly $70,000.  The amount was nearly twice the previous high donation for a class gift.

"We wanted to give something back to reflect our own very positive and rewarding experience," says Dr. Susan Anway.

The closeness of the Class of 1988 was another significant factor in their interest to contribute to a class gift.  The bonds that were formed during their years as students have remained strong to this day, with nearly two-thirds of the classmates having attended the 20-year reunion.

A lifelong love of both wild and domestic animals motivated Dr. Robert and Mrs. Alice Henry of Macomb, Ill., to create an endownment in support of the Wildlife Medical Clinic and the Humane Connection fund at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital.

The Henrys decided that establishing an endowment was a great opportunity to support a worthy cause and an institution they trust.  They chose the University of Illinois because it has a great reputation and because they wanted to keep their contribution within the state, to maximize the benefit for local animals and pet owners. 

They would like their gift to inspire others who share their passion for animals so that more animals might beneift.

Dr. Allan Graham and his wife Mary feel thankful for the good things that life has brought them. To express their gratitude, they recently decided to make a $500,000 gift to the College of Veterinary Medicine in support of the imaging program.

Growing up on a farm outside the town of Ursa, in western Illinois, Dr. Graham was very impressed with Dr. Charles Lantis, the veterinarian who cared for his family's animals. Young Allan decided to pursue a veterinary career.

By the time he reached his junior year, Dr. Graham had developed a keen interest in medicine - and the desire to be a medical doctor. After completing his DVm, he went on to medical school at the University of Illinois at Chicago, an internship, residency, fellowship, and a very successful career as a thoracic and cardiovascular surgeon in Texas.

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