College of Fine and Applied Arts

Celebrated Architecture Alumnus Establishes New Elite Professorship

Alumnus Ralph Johnson (BSAS ’71) established the endowed Ralph E. Johnson Professorship in Design to support the school in attracting and retaining the most brilliant scholars in the field of architectural education. It will specifically fund faculty with expertise and academic abilities in the field of architectural design, architectural design research, and architectural design technology and materials. The College of Fine and Applied Arts awarded Ralph Johnson a Distinguished Legacy Award in 2021, and the School of Architecture recognized Johnson with their prestigious Illinois Medal in 2022. When asked about his recent gift, Johnson shared, “I feel this fellowship, through teaching and lectures, can have a lasting impact on a broad range of students.” Read more.

Making the World a Better Place Through the Gift of Education

Department of Urban and Regional Planning alumni Joe Chinn (MUP ’89, BS ’86 Finance) and Annette Stojkovich-Chinn (MUP ’88, BA LAS ’86 Economics) believe that the greatest gift you can give someone is the opportunity to pursue higher education. Annette explained, “Education is the fundamental building block in one’s development – increasing your ability to think, analyze, communicate, and understand the world around you.” The couple agreed that the education they received at the University of Illinois played a significant role in their success. Establishing scholarships at the four colleges that provided them with their graduate and undergraduate education seemed like the appropriate way to pay it forward. Read more.

Prominent Chicago Area Landscape Architect and Illinois Alum Establishes New Scholarship

Alumnus and longtime friend and donor of the department Jim Martin (BLA ’72) established the James Martin Family Scholarship in Landscape Architecture to benefit students who have a strong interest and passion for the field of landscape design. The department presented Martin with the 2022 Alumni Medal, an award bestowed annually on alumni whose lifetime achievements and contributions to the profession have had a unique and lasting impact on the welfare of the public, the environment, and the department. When asked why he gave, Jim shared, “I’m grateful for what this profession has provided me and my family. Providing scholarships is one way to give back and pay it forward.” Read more.

Increasing Access to the Arts, One Sponsorship at a Time

Susan and Michael Haney recognize the exceptional value of experiences that only the performing arts and cultural centers can provide. Since the Haneys made their very first gift to Krannert Center in 2010, they’ve sponsored over 40 performances. They have also established funds in their name in support of Lyric Theatre at Illinois and Illinois Theatre that can be used to support productions as well as student scholarships. When asked how they decide where to direct their gifts, Michael said, “The recurring theme for almost all of our philanthropy is on behalf of the students. As long as this is directly helping students, then that’s what I’m looking to support.” Read more.