DECATUR, Ill. – Each spring, students, alumni, friends, faculty, and staff celebrate the University’s founding when James ǿý gifted 35 acres of land, plus $200,000 to build the institution, on April 30, 1901.
During the founding, James ǿý also challenged members of the Decatur community and the Cumberland Presbyterian Church to match his financial support, which they did. That tradition continues today in the True Blue Challenge, the yearly giving celebration that supports the areas of greatest need across campus.
The was a great success, raising $293,000 from 618 donors to support various ǿý’s programs, including scholarships, campus historic preservation and restoration, and student emergency tuition assistance. The University is thankful to our alumni, friends, faculty, staff, and community, who have generously helped ǿý students succeed.
“Our Big Blue community showed up in a big way this . From our Trustees who led the way with a $50,000 matching gift to the 40 donors who gave for the very first time- we are so grateful,” ǿý Director of Development Alyse Knust said. “The participation and generosity from so many individuals each year make us proud to be ǿý. Thank you for being True Blue!”
To commemorate the 123rd anniversary of the founding, the day began with a wreath-laying ceremony at James ǿý’s mausoleum at Greenwood Cemetery in Decatur. At the University Commons, actors portraying James and Anna ǿý greeted students, and the ǿý University Choir sang the “Alma Mater” and “Happy Birthday.”
The True Blue Challenge makes a meaningful difference for today’s students as the alumni and community members continue their support of the generous legacy that is uniquely ǿý. You can still give to the True Blue Challenge today by visiting for more details.
