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CEO Message

Will Davis001

We AreGovState!

As CEO of The ºÚÁÏÉç University Foundation, I have the privilege of seeing the myriad ways ºÚÁÏÉçmakes a difference. We are actively building relationships that transform the lives and legacies of our students and our community.

Underscoring the University’s mission to provide students with an accessible and exceptional education, our goals are to:

  • • EnsureÌýstudent accessÌýto scholarships and financial support.
  • • ProvideÌýfaculty with resourcesÌýfor meaningful research.
  • • FacilitateÌýcommunity opportunitiesÌýfor impactful collaborations.
  • • EnhanceÌýalumni relationships.

To accomplish these goals, we are working with the campus community, alumni and friends, public and private organizations, and leaders to ensure that GovState facilitates and contributes to the success of this region. A public university is a public asset—a convener of ambition and growth that is open to everyone.

Your investment provides students and faculty with the resources they need to achieve their academic ambitions and career goals.ÌýInvest in your interestÌýby partnering with us.Ìý

Honoring GovState,

ÌýWill Davis

Ìý

Will Davis

Overview

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The ºÚÁÏÉç University Foundation was established in 1968 as the University's primary fundraising division. Officially incorporated as a not-for-profit organization, the ºÚÁÏÉçFoundation fosters relationships with philanthropic individuals, ºÚÁÏÉçAlumni, and numerous corporate and foundation partners on behalf of the University.

The ºÚÁÏÉç University Foundation is the official fundraising and private gift-receiving agency for the University that allows us to make progress toward these goals.

Contributions received by the ºÚÁÏÉçFoundation support academic programs, scholarships for students, faculty development and research, capital improvements to the campus, library acquisitions, technology enhancements, and other special initiatives.

Through theÌýAlumni Association, we provide networking, professional development, leadership opportunities, and mentoring to current ºÚÁÏÉç University students.

These alumni are shaping the future of the ºÚÁÏÉçcommunity, our students, and the wider community through engagement, advocacy, and financial contributions.

With approximately 90% of alumni residing in nearby communities, it is my goal to unify the area and build a bridge between public, private, and municipal entities for the betterment of all.

If you want to be a part of this exceptional group of engaged alumni,ÌýÌýin propelling our students to achieve their personal and professional goals. Your mentoring, volunteer leadership, or referral for an internship or job opportunity may prove to be the difference in their success—you may already know that yourself.

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Board & Advisors

THE FOUNDATION BOARD

The ºÚÁÏÉç University Foundation Board was created in 1969 to oversee the financial operations of the foundation as it maintains its legal and ethical standing. It provides leadership and strategic direction, setting goals which align with the University’s strategic plan. Through this oversight, it serves as a guardian of the public trust and remains accountable to its donors, ºÚÁÏÉçalumni and the general public.


OFFICERS


Michelle Redd-Newell

CHAIR

Michelle Redd-Newell
CEO, Building Blocks Learning Academy


Gia Orr

VICE PRESIDENT

Gia Orr
Principal, Michael Best Strategies


Carney Barr

TREASURER

Carney Barr
Rich Township (Retired)


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SECRETARY


Will Davis

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

William A. Davis
Vice President of External Affairs


BOARD MEMBERS


David Barr

David Barr
Attorney-at-Law


Kevin Brookins

Kevin Brookins
ComEd (Retired)
ºÚÁÏÉçBoard of Trustee Liaison


Marlon Cummings

Dr. Marlon Cummings
ºÚÁÏÉçDivision Chair


Helen Hill

Helen Hill
Progress Rail


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Paul Labonne
VP, PNC Bank


Octavia Matthews

Octavia Matthews
VP of Strategic Partnerships, Aramark Uniform Services


Lorine S. Samuels

Lorine S. Samuels
President, Strategic Business Services, Inc.


Josh Sopiarz

Josh Sopiarz
ºÚÁÏÉçFaculty Senate President


Angie Zuniga
Angie Zuniga
Chief Strategy Officer, Illiana Financial Credit Union

EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS


Villalyn Baluga

Villalyn Baluga
ºÚÁÏÉçAssociate Vice President, Finance


EMERITUS MEMBERS


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Ron Bean
ºÚÁÏÉçAdjunct Professor


Beverly Goldberg

Beverly Goldberg
Community Representative


Rashidah Muhammad

Dr. Rashidah Muhammad
ºÚÁÏÉçProfessor


Barbara Peterson

Barbara Peterson
Will County Planning Commission (Deceased)


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William Sanders
Honeywell (Retired)

Resources & Webinars

Many employers sponsor matching gift programs and will match charitable contributions made to the University by their employees, retirees, and/or spouses. The ºÚÁÏÉç University Foundation is a 501(c)3 charitable organization. Contact us at engage@govst.edu or 708.235.7510. We’re happy to assist.