Former Fighting Illini Student-Athlete Chad Ruskey Donates Six Figures in Support of Illinois Athletics
September 21, 2021 | Football, I FUND
NEWS
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Former Fighting Illini football student-athlete Chad Ruskey contributed to a Big Ten Championship team on the field and has now made a significant contribution off the field as well. Ruskey gifted the University of Illinois six figures to support building of the Henry Dale and Betty Smith Football Center, as well as a substantial donation to support the I FUND and student-athlete scholarships.
As a youngster growing up in Springfield, Illinois, he was a fan of the Fighting Illini before graduating from the University of Illinois in the Class of 2002. He was recruited by Ron Turner and wore the Orange and Blue in the late 1990s.
"We want to thank Chad and the Ruskey family for their support of our Fighting Illini student-athletes," said Director of Athletics Josh Whitman, who was a teammate of Ruskey as a member of the Illini football team. "Chad has always had entrepreneurial mindset even back in his college days, and it has been exciting to watch his success. We are grateful that he has remained connected to the program, and his willingness to step forward is a model we hope others will follow. We look forward to following his future endeavors."
Ruskey, who now lives in Southern California with his family, has enjoyed a successful career in business. As an early employee of Indeed.com, he was one of the key beneficiaries when Recruit Holdings Co., Ltd. acquired the company. Today, he is an internet entrepreneur and investor, but he still has his eye on the Fighting Illini and took this opportunity to help the football program.
"There's always been a side of me that's interested in trying to help in any way I can," Ruskey said. "I just say, 'What do you guys need?' 'How can I help?' It's something that my family and my grandfather always built in me. Being able to help Fighting Illini student-athletes with this gift is very gratifying."
The gift is part of the DIA's $300 million fundraising goal for "With Illinois," the $2.25 billion University-wide fundraising campaign.
