Diversity Advocacy – Page 4

Donors honor immigrant heritage through gift to ISU’s Multicultural Center

The current Instructional Technology and Development Center, where the Multicultural Center is expected to open in summer 2021.

Dr. Fariborz (Frank) Naeymi-Rad ’75, an international student to Illinois State from Iran, and Dr. Theresa A. Kepic ’73, a resident of Illinois State’s first International House in fall 1970, committed a $250,000 gift to support renovations and upgrades within the University’s Multicultural Center. Their gift will also support technology infrastructure at the center to connect students to alumni and other U.S. and international multicultural centers.

Better together: Donor’s gift inspires collaboration and community

When veteran Illinois State student affairs professional Michael Schermer was asked if he would consider supporting the University’s new Multicultural Center, the answer was an easy one. “I said, ‘Of course! Tell me what you want me to do,’” recalled Schermer ’73, M.S. ’78, a longtime Illinois State employee and advocate for addressing students’ needs. In recognition of his generosity, the center expected to open in summer 2021 will house the Michael D. Schermer Conference Room.

Board of Trustees approves named spaces within ISU’s Multicultural Center

A third named space within Illinois State University’s Multicultural Center has been announced following action by the Board of Trustees on October 16. The Mr. Stan L. and Dr. René R. Shingles Black Student Union Office is named in recognition of gifts from Stan ’82, M.S. ’88 and René Revis Shingles M.S. ’86. Two other named spaces were approved by the governing board in July. The Multicultural Center is scheduled to open summer 2021 at 301 N. Main St., where the Instructional Technology and Development Center is currently located.