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Giving

Redbird Athletics

The Case for Support

With an enrollment of more than 21,000 students, Illinois State University relies on Athletics to provide a common connection for students, alumni, donors, and friends to support the Redbirds. Everyone shows their pride and what it means to be a Redbird when rallying together at intercollegiate competitions throughout the year.

There are plenty of opportunities to cheer ISU's 430 student-athletes, as the University supports 19 varsity sports for men and women combined. The teams have captured 18 All-Sport trophies while competing in the Missouri Valley Conference over the past three decades, with 37 athletes earning All-American honors.

Classroom performance is equally stellar. Student-athletes earned a record high 3.23 departmental grade point average three consecutive semesters as of spring 2017, with an average above 3.0 held by 14 teams. The graduation success rate is 88 percent, which stands above national rates and ISU overall. Despite the heavy load of classes and competition, these young men and women make time to serve.

They devote an average of 2,000 community service hours each academic year.

It takes more than the raw talent of individual student-athletes to achieve such a record of accomplishment. Top-notch training facilities and academic support are among the ingredients essential to peak performance. Such resources—in addition to scholarships that allow Illinois State to recruit gifted student-athletics who are equally strong scholars—require the philanthropic support of Redbird alumni, donors, friends, and fans.

Through Redbirds Rising: The Campaign for Illinois State, we seek to ensure Athletics has the foundation needed to move forward and sustain its winning record—which in turn elevates the entire campus. Only with your support can student-athletes be guaranteed the tools and services needed to stay on the leader board in competition and the classroom.

Redbirds Rising Campaign
Give Now

Campaign Goal:
$34 million

Our Impact

Athletics has a record of excellence going back more than a century. From hiring the first Division I minority coach to promoting equity for women through Title IX, the University's program is praised for much more than nurturing stellar student-athletes, who have captured 161 championships since joining the Missouri Valley Conference in 1982.

Campaign Funding Priorities

Redbirds Rising will enable the University to achieve three critical outcomes: supporting student and faculty scholarship, educating globally aware and socially engaged leaders, and sparking continuous creativity and innovation. To advance these objectives, we offer multiple ways to support Athletics within our key funding categories:

Reinventing our practice venues

Illinois State's student-athletes are at a distinct disadvantage in the pursuit of championships because the University is without an indoor training option. Horton Field House—a 50-year-old building—lacks the space and equipment required to prepare for competition. Students are compensating by using other facilities, which also need renovation. They run stairs in Redbird Arena, or practice off campus. A new, multi-purpose indoor facility is fundamental in helping student-athletes perform at the highest level possible. The structure will benefit all 19 teams, boost recruitment efforts, enhance the student-athlete experience, and continue the development of new Redbird athletic facilities.

Expanding student support

Athletics has a very comprehensive academic assistance program for student-athletes as they work to obtain their undergraduate degree. However, the study space and tutorial areas are not sufficient for our growing number of student-athletes. Private dollars are needed to maintain staff, improve the athletic study center space, update equipment, and allow for sufficient growth of these essential components of Athletics.

Today's student-athletes have myriad options across the country to attend institutions of higher education. In order to remain competitive in its recruitment efforts, Athletics must offer NCAA-approved scholarship expenses and cost of attendance stipends. This financial support is crucial, as working is not an option for student-athletes. The challenge of building successful teams also requires coaches to recruit the brightest student-athletes, as they must meet the University's academic criteria for admittance.

Sustaining excellence

To make the most of changing times, Athletics must be able to respond quickly when opportunities arise that can benefit specific teams or the overall program. Generous, ongoing annual support that creates unrestricted resources can provide the flexibility needed to seize such advantageous moments. These additional opportunities include highlighting ISU Athletics through construction updates to Redbird Arena, improved locker rooms, upgrading existing outdoor facilities and the ability to maintain opportunities for program enhancements.

Athletics trains both the mind and body of student-athletes. The program reflects the University's core values as it builds leadership skills and confidence in graduates, who continue to excel long after they leave the locker room. Their success comes from sacrifice, determination, and support of the extended Redbird family. You are wanted and needed on the team. Help expand the future of Athletics. Join us in supporting The Campaign for Illinois State.

Contact Us

The priorities described here represent only a small sampling of funding opportunities within Athletics. For more information about how you can support campaign priorities that will benefit student-athletes, contact: