Drew and Jen Awsumb believe that a person’s career aspirations should not be stymied by race or socioeconomic status, and so they took action to help break down these barriers.
Howard Loveless is hopeful that with his gift, the camaraderie and musical experiences that VMGC provides will continue well into the future.
Reflecting on his gift, Doug Houston shared, “People at the University of Illinois were helpful to me all my life. I wanted to help others too.”
The roots of Japan House go back to 1964, when Shozo Sato, then artist-in-residence at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts and now professor emeritus of the School of Art and Design, began a series of courses focusing on the art and culture of Japan. Eventually, he renovated an old Victorian house to teach classes.
Zishen Ye wanted to give back and provide current and future students in Planning at Illinois with the same opportunities he was able to take advantage of.
“I view Erlanger House as a tremendous resource for the School of Architecture and the University as a whole. And it’s a legacy of an individual that was a great influence on me while I was going through school.” – Bill Tucker (BS Arch ’78, M.Arch ’81)
Rita Bass returned to the School of Art and Design at the University of Illinois more than 50 years after initially beginning her education. Now she’s paving the way for other non-traditional students with the establishment of a new scholarship.
