Endowment for Mary and Jean Borg Center for Reading and Literacy
The purpose of this fund is to support the mission and work of the Mary and Jean Borg Center for Reading and Literacy: to improve the reading and literacy achievement of all citizens by providing support to local school districts and community groups, employers, regional offices of education, and relevant state agencies. In 2008, by action of the Trustees of the University, the Center for Reading and Literacy in the College of Education was renamed in honor of Mary Borg, Jean Borg's mother, and in recognition of Jean Borg's generous gifts to the Illinois State University Foundation. Born in 1901, Mary was a women's rights advocate. She was a high school graduate, a nurse, a composer, and a seamstress. Jean admired her mother's independent spirit and encouragement. Following her graduation from ISNU in 1950, Jean enjoyed a long and successful career in education.