CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The families of eight prominent, long-time friends of University of Illinois Athletics have come forward to make significant donations to help the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics fund more than $400,000 in additional scholarships needed for spring student-athletes who lost their 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Earlier this spring, Director of Athletics Josh Whitman committed to fund scholarships for those Illinois seniors in spring sports who wish to extend their academic and athletic careers for an additional year. An estimated 15 student-athletes from baseball, softball, tennis, golf and track and field will be returning to Illinois. 

"We are continually humbled by the generosity of our closest friends, particularly in times of acute need," said Whitman. "In this case, these eight families are providing our Fighting Illini seniors another year in school and another season in the Orange and Blue. Our athletic program, and the young men and women directly benefiting from their kindness, will be forever grateful to them for their support."

The generous donors are contributing these gifts above and beyond their annual I FUND giving. They are:

• Greg Heckman
• Nancy and Stu Levenick
• Rande and Cary McMillan
• Betsy and Steve Mills
• Julie and Tom Scott
• Debra and Chris Smith
• Deborah and Dale Smith
• Jeanene and Rick Stephens

"I'm so proud of this special group of Illini Leaders, who have gone above and beyond to support these efforts," Senior Associate Athletic Director for Advancement Howard Milton said. "Each of these donors has at one time or another participated in various quiet campaigns that impact our program.  I can't thank them enough for trusting in our efforts to provide such significant financial support when asked."

The University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics provides full tuition – in-state, out-of-state or international – for the 258.5 NCAA-allowable scholarships, full cost of books, fees, room and board and cost-of-attendance stipend, totaling an estimated $13 million annually.