Honor a person, organization, or meaningful connection to the University of Illinois with a lasting presence on campus through the Dedicatory Objects and Trees (DOT) Program. These commemorative gifts support campus beautification while creating a visible, meaningful tribute woven into the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign landscape.
Submit a request
Click on the button below to review the process summary and to access the request form.
The Office of the Vice Chancellor for Institutional Advancement (OVCIA) is the project liaison between the Donor and the University Landscape Architect (ULA). After submitting your request, you should receive communication from OVCIA within five (5) business days.
For assistance, please email stewardship@illinois.edu.
DOT: What can be dedicated through this program?
Trees
A tree allows your gift to grow and bloom forevermore with the changing seasons and will be a welcome addition to more than 18,000 trees that currently populate campus.
Gift Amount: $3,500 for all campus locations
Benches
Your gift of a bench provides a place for many generations to come to sit, reflect, and take in the sights and sounds of campus. Benches are typically backless and made of concrete. Some locations may need concrete padding added underneath.
Gift Amount: $12,000 for core campus locations || $8,000 for non-core campus locations
Each gift results in the installation of one tree or one bench and includes a commemorative plaque. The donation covers the tree or bench, installation, maintenance, and contributes to the beautification of the Illinois campus.
All trees and benches follow the policies dictated by the Campus Administrative Manual Apr-06: Commemorative Plaques for Plantings, Objects, and Interior Spaces.
FAQ
Can I choose where my gift is located?
To ensure long-term sustainability and campus planning alignment:
- The ULA makes the final determination regarding tree species, bench style, and placement.
- Requests for specific locations are welcomed but cannot be guaranteed. The ULA will make every effort to place the tree or bench as close as possible to the desired location.
This approach helps protect both the donor’s tribute and the health of the campus landscape.
How do I provide my donation once my request is approved?
Via online:
Go to the Illinois giving site.
Enter “332391” in the search box and select “Dedicatory Fund”.
Add the donation amount and click the continue button on the billing form.
On the billing form, check the box “This gift is a tribute” and input the honoree’s first and last name.
Via mail:
Checks should be made out to the University of Illinois Foundation
Include “Fund # 332391” and “in honor/memory of [insert name]” on the memo line
Send the gift to: University of Illinois Foundation; P.O. Box 734500; Chicago, IL 60673-4500
What consitiutes core campus and non-core campus locations?
The general outline of the core campus encompasses spaces between Wright Street and Matthews Avenue from University Avenue to Pennsylvania Avenue.
What can I put on the commemorative plaque? What does it look like?
What happens if my gift needs to be repaired or replaced?
The University of Illinois is committed to caring for commemorative objects as part of the broader campus landscape.
Trees
- Maintained according to standard horticultural practices by Facilities & Services
- If a tree dies, becomes unsafe, or must be removed due to disease, vandalism, weather, or other causes within ten (10) years, it will be replaced
- The replacement period does not restart
- All efforts will be made to contact the donor(s)
Benches and Trees Affected by Construction
- If campus construction requires removal within ten (10) years, a replacement object will be installed in the donor’s name
- Replacement location and specifications are determined by Facilities & Services
Are there different commemorative options?
The University of Illinois Alumni Association (UIAA) offers commemorative patio pavers at the Alice Campbell Alumni Center starting at $600. Visit their website for more information: UIAA Paver Program
Endowed landscapes are managed separately and coordinated directly through Facilities & Services. Visit their website for more information: Univeristy of Illinois Facilities and Services: Grounds
Trees and benches can be donated to the University of Illinois Arboretum, located at the intersection of South Lincoln and Florida Avenues in Urbana (1800 S. Lincoln Ave.). The Arboretum consists of over 100 acres of gardens and natural spaces. Visit their website for more information: University of Illinois Aboretum
Dedicatory objects can be donated to Allerton Park and Retreat Center. Allerton is a historical treasure that was donated to the University of Illinois in 1946. The property contains 1,500 acres of woodland and prairie areas, a mansion and reflecting pond, a 10-acre meadow, formal sculpture gardens, hiking trails, a café, and several lodging facilities. Visit their website for more information: Allerton
Looking for something else or have additional questions? Please email stewardship@illinois.edu for assistance.