To learn more about the I FUND or to donate today, visit IAMTHEIFUND.com.
A Downers Grove, IL native, Bill Bleecker entered the University of Illinois College of Dentistry (Chicago) in 1967 after 2 years in Champaign. Upon graduation he served 2 years in the Army at Fort Hood, Texas (where he met and married his wife Ada in 1972). He practiced dentistry in Naperville for 40 years until 2013. Bill retired from the Army Reserves as a Colonel in 1997. He is now free to attend all the Illini home football and basketball games when not visiting his 15 month old granddaughter in Texas.
Q: What made you become a Fighting Illini fan?
In 1965, I moved into Snyder Hall which happened to be the closest residence hall to Memorial Stadium and Assembly Hall. I never missed a high school home football or basketball game in 4 years, so I kept my streak alive for my two years in Champaign. I love watching football and especially basketball. "Illinois Loyalty" and "Oskee Wow-Wow" are the two greatest college fight songs ever written.
Q: What is your favorite memory of Fighting Illini Athletics?
On September 18, 1965, I walked out of Snyder Hall to head to Memorial Stadium for the Oregon State game. This is before the IM or any buildings had been constructed. That first clear view of Memorial Stadium and the thousands of fans gave me goosebumps. I will never forget how excited I was that day. Classes had not started yet and I did not know anyone, but this was my school! The Big Time!
Q: In your opinion, what is the best part of a home Fighting Illini football game on a fall Saturday?
All of the pageantry and tradition. The band, cheerleaders, the team bus with the police escort, and the players high fiving the fans on the way into Memorial Stadium. Then when the players tip their helmets and salute the fans before the game, I love it. And the voice of Gene Honda!
Q: Do you have a favorite piece of Fighting Illini memorabilia?
Heck yes. On Senior Day in March, 2013, Tyler Griffey signed our ticket stubs of the game where Illinois knocked off Number 1 on national television.
Q: What made you decide to start supporting the education of current Fighting Illini student-athletes through the I FUND?
I had been donating to the University of Illinois Foundation since 1974 but realized that I should also be an I FUND donor since I love Illini sports so much.
Q: What advice would you give to others in Illini Nation who are wondering what they can do to help Illinois Athletics?
There is no better academic school, public or private, in the Big Ten than the University of Illinois. We have the 2nd highest graduation rate for athletes. We are the #1 school in the country for helping our students with disabilities! Yet, we are in the bottom half of the conference in fan support for our athletic programs and student athletes. This is unacceptable. Those who love Illini sports should be attending the games and donating what they can to help us get to the top. Our legacy in football includes the man who founded the NFL (George Halas), the greatest football player in NCAA history (Red Grange) and the most exciting linebacker of all time (Dick Butkus). The 1989 and 2005 basketball teams are considered among the greatest college teams ever. We are currently champions in numerous other sports. It takes money to support the programs to get us to the top. We have been there before and we can consistently get there again and be perennial champions. As our Athletics Director says, "We Will Win."
