Giving Stories
Discover the stories behind the gifts that expand access, support students, and strengthen our community.
Morningstar contributes nearly $5 million to Gies Business, brings real-world investing closer to classroom
Mar 05, 2026
The collaboration includes an in-kind contribution from Morningstar that provides professional grade access to Morningstar Direct, hands-on training with real investment data used by analysts worldwide, and scholarship support for Gies Business students.
Accountancy Alumni Business Administration Faculty Finance Student
Gies Business launches U of I’s first student-led venture capital fund
Feb 05, 2026
Thanks to a generous gift from Illinois alumni Douglas and Deborah Ackerman, Gies College of Business is pleased to announce the launch of a new student-led venture capital investing program – Orange & Blue Ventures.
Accountancy Alumni Business Administration Entrepreneurship Faculty Finance Student
Love Like Sean: Gies Business alumnus, family honors son’s legacy with scholarship
Dec 16, 2025
Sean Richards was a gifted, kind-hearted boy whose life and legacy inspired his family to create the Love Like Sean Foundation, dedicated to spreading joy and compassion after his tragic passing. Through the foundation and a new $1 million scholarship at Gies Business, his family hopes to support students who lead with empathy and character, ensuring Sean’s enduring impact on others.
Accountancy Alumni Business Administration Faculty Finance Student
Gies alumnus Bill Chase establishes $1.2M fund for research in ethical decision making
Jun 04, 2025
The newly established Chase Family Research Fund will provide research grants and sponsor annual forums, with an emphasis on interdisciplinary perspectives and long-term impact.
Accountancy Alumni Business Administration Faculty Finance Research Student
Memorial fund honors Griffin James' dedication to education, community
Apr 07, 2025
The scholarship, aimed at helping first-generation college students and those from underserved backgrounds, reflects Griffin’s unwavering belief in education and his deep commitment to supporting those around him.
Gilmore Business and Social Innovation Fund created to support experiential learning
May 01, 2024
With a vision to bridge the gap between business and social innovation, the Gilmore Business and Social Innovation Fund will provide crucial support to both the Magelli Office of Experiential Learning at Gies Business and the Community Learning Lab at the School of Social Work.
Accountancy Alumni Business Administration Faculty Finance Student
University of Illinois announces wide-ranging $5.75 million gift from alumnus Anthony J. Petullo
Mar 06, 2024
Petullo's gift to Gies College of Business will establish the Petullo Impact Fund, which will invest in faculty at Gies in the form of professorships, fellowships, chairs, PhD and post-doc support, and faculty research support.
Accountancy Alumni Business Administration Faculty Finance Research Student
Gies Business receives naming gift from Lincoln International
Aug 24, 2023
Thanks to a generous gift from Chicago-based Lincoln International and a number of its leaders, the atrium inside the Business Instructional Facility (BIF) will be named the Lincoln International Atrium.
Accountancy Alumni Business Administration Faculty Finance Student
Wymer hopes naming gift is an “example for others”
May 22, 2023
Gies alumnus Steve Wymer, who is now a portfolio manager in the Equity and High-Income division at Fidelity Investments in Boston, jumped at the chance to give back to a College that gave him so much. In return, the College's new building will be named Steven S. Wymer Hall.
Accountancy Alumni Business Administration Faculty Finance Student