Illinois Medicine

QA 5 QUESTIONS Donors Contribute Mightily to Brilliant Futures The largest and most ambitious campaign in the history of the University of Illinois, Brilliant Futures aimed to raise $2.25 billion from 2007-2011. Of this, the College of Medicine had a goal of $250 million, which it attained nine months ahead of schedule, and it ended up with $272 million by December (see "By the Numbers," facing page). We talked with John C. Mason Jr. '53, MD '55, Res '59, former chairman of the Medical Alumni Council, about this generosity and the impact it will have. 1 What message do you have for the nearly 20,000 supporters of the Brilliant Futures campaign, and why do you think the campaign inspired so much generous support? The main message I would like to give is, "Thank you!" The major reasons for the campaign's success have been that the need was well-publicized, coupled with the fact that we continue to lose a fair amount of state support. The case was made for how important it was for more funds to be available for the university to carry on its mission plus try to keep tuition down. For most loyal alumni, that was a message they could believe. 2 What are some of the major initiatives the campaign made possible? Scholarships are certainly a main one. There was also attracting and keeping good faculty, with room for setting up endowments. Third, renovations to help continue the focus on patient care, and the initiative that's been going on with patient safety. 3 During the campaign, you established an endowed scholarship and also included the college in your estate plans. What inspired you to make these special gifts? Starting with my 50th reunion, I came back to the university, got involved, enjoyed it and stayed involved. I became aware of all the needs—when you go back and the classrooms haven't changed in more than 50 years—and certainly the cost of going to school has escalated as compared to my day. I first bought into class scholarships, and that led me to establish one for the family because my dad had graduated from the College of Medicine, and I have a son who graduated and is now a practicing MD. 4 How does the success of the Brilliant Futures campaign impact current and future students? It's that you're out there, talking to alumni, telling them about the needs. That reignites at least some of them to become more active. All of a sudden, they're reminded of where it all began for them. It makes them remember that the university provided the foundation for the careers that developed. Many will find reasons and opportunities to become involved again. 5 How can alumni and friends continue to impact the future of medicine at the College of Medicine, and what do you see as the college's next milestone? Hopefully we can encourage more of them to get involved, make a gift, attend the reunion, visit a campus. We hope to have a regional network established that will allow them easy access to participate. The next milestone is probably bringing all the facilities that go into educating students up to speed with all the latest technology. Thanks to the energy of Dean Azar, that is on the horizon. 44 | WINTER 2012 PHOTO: DIANE SMUTNY

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