IMSA Fund Has Record Fundraising Year in 1997-98
For Immediate Release, August 1998
For comment, contact Brenda Buschbacher at
(630) 907-5033
(NOTE: A list of IMSA Fund Board members and their towns is attached)
AURORA-- The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy Fund for Advancement of Education raised a record $2.3 million in external support in 1997-98, which included two leadership gifts totaling more than $1 million.
IMSA Fund Board President Michael J. Birck, President and CEO of Tellabs, Inc., noted that this puts the Fund over the $11.5 million mark in fundraising since 1986. "In a time when competition is fierce for educational funding, we are proud of the fact that IMSA continues to stand out among donors as an exemplar for teaching and learning and as a solid investment in the future workforce, citizenry and economic well-being of Illinois," Birck said.
An unexpected and surprising $500,000 gift came in October from an anonymous IMSA alum. In making the donation to the IMSA Fund, the young alum said "IMSA has contributed greatly to my success, and this gift is made to contribute back to IMSA’s success." The gift will be used to establish a permanent endowment supporting IMSA programs that advance mentorship and research opportunities for IMSA students and professional development initiatives for mathematics and science teachers in Illinois.
In January, the Fund received a $750,000 grant from The Grainger Foundation of Skokie, Ill., to create the Grainger Center for Imagination and Inquiry, slated for opening in the fall 1998. The gift will more than quadruple the current space for student research.
Investments in the IMSA Fund for Advancement of Education supports initiatives such as curriculum development projects, endowed chairs, laboratory equipment purchases, lecture series, minority recruitment and retention programs, institutional and student research and statewide service programs.
Located in Aurora, Illinois, the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy® (IMSA) is an internationally-recognized pioneering educational institution created by the State to develop talent and stimulate excellence in teaching and learning in mathematics, science and technology. IMSA's advanced residential college preparatory program enrolls 650 academically talented Illinois students in grades 10-12. More than 14,000 teachers and 20,000 students in Illinois and beyond have benefited from IMSA's professional development and enrichment programs. IMSA serves the people of Illinois through innovative instructional programs, public and private partnerships, policy leadership and action research.