IMSA Receives $100,000 from A Grateful Graduate

For Immediate Release, November 2002
For comment, contact Brenda Buschbacher at (630) 907-5033

AURORA-- A grateful graduate of the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA) has given $100,000 to the IMSA Fund for Advancement of Education to honor the IMSA faculty, staff and administration.

Calling IMSA “a magical place,” the graduate said: "[students] get to where they're going because of the efforts and talents of each of you. You are the ones who keep the gears turning, you are the ones who build the foundations inside each of the students for a spectacular and rewarding career. There's nothing like it in the world."

At the suggestion of the graduate, who prefers to remain anonymous, an area where various staff meetings and activities are held will be dedicated in honor of the past and present IMSA faculty, staff and administration. Employees also will receive a special award from the IMSA Fund for Advancement of Education for their “steadfast service and generosity of spirit.”

In a letter to the employees, the graduate said “…each and every one of you is appreciated, and understood,” and indicated a desire to “do my part to keep the gears turning and the magic happening.”

IMSA opened in 1986 and graduated its first class in 1989. Its graduates are now young adults in their late teens, 20s and early 30s.

IMSA President Stephanie Pace Marshall said the staff is deeply touched and honored by the graduate's gift. “As much as we appreciate and will benefit from the money, we treasure most the heartfelt letter the individual sent to the faculty, staff and administration.

“For someone so young to be so grounded, appreciative and generous is very gratifying. Many IMSA graduates are already giving back to IMSA and Illinois in significant ways. The people of Illinois should feel very proud of the return on their investment,” she said.

Located in Aurora, Illinois, the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy 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.