Individual Partners

With fond memories of his time spent at Illinois, Tony Petullo ('61) generously made the largest outright gift ever received by Student Affairs, extending opportunities for students in all colleges on campus to learn realistic leadership skills.

"Leadership has always been a favorite of mine, and when I heard about this program Illinois Leadership® and the fact that so many students could be involved and that it was open to everyone, I knew my decision was made. You don't have to be the best student and you don't have to be one of the handful of student leaders on campus in order to participate-that's what attracted me. There's equality and it's an opportunity for all to be involved, particularly through collaboration with the colleges."

While a student at Illinois, Tony was a four-year member of the Men's Glee Club and served as senior-year president. He toured Europe with the Club as a freshman and organized another European tour as a senior. In addition, he was involved in the Marketing Club and the Alpha Sigma Phi social fraternity.

John A. Graf graduated from the University of Illinois in 1981 with a Bachelor Degree in Economics. He now serves as Executive Vice President of American International Group, Inc.

While at the University, he was involved in the Student Alumni Association, served on the Student Organization Resource Fee Board, was a Student Government Officer, Volunteer Illini Projects Chairman, a Fraternity Brother in Delta Upsilon, and a Mortar Board and Senior 100 honoree.

This generous gift from John and his wife, Maureen created the Graf Internship Program for the Illinois Leadership® Center.

Read about the current Graf Interns!

Rick graduated from the University of Illinois in 1982 with a degree in Civil Engineering. As a student Rick was involved in many activities, serving as President of the American Society of Civil Engineers, and as a member of the Student Senate, SORF Board, Chi Epsilon and Volunteer Illini Projects along with being a cook at the White Horse. Rick continued his involvement after graduating by becoming a member of the Student Affairs Advisory Council, a mentor for the civil engineering department and returning to campus numerous times to make presentations to and challenge student leaders.

A staunch supporter of Student Affairs, Rick has provided financial support for the Illinois LeaderShape® Institute, a permanent scholarship supporting students from Carmel High School in Mundelein, Illinois and the Illinois Leadership™ Center. His gift supporting the Illinois Leadership™ Center provided much needed funding to establish a resource library that is intended to provide ideas and challenges to students who want to become better leaders, both at UIUC and once they leave the campus.

Professor Jeffrey Wayne Moss was a Program Director at the Illinois Leadership® Center with a joint appointment as an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Human and Community Development in the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences. Dr. Moss was instrumental in the creation of the Leadership Certificate, as well as writing the curriculum for and teaching AGED 260, Introduction to Leadership, and the capstone leadership course, Integrating Leadership. At the time of his death in June 2005, the Moss family designated a gift to the Illinois Leadership® Center in memory of Dr. Moss. From this gift, the Jeffery W. Moss Outstanding Leadership Coach Award has been established to recognize outstanding Leadership Coaches who support, encourage, inspire and mentor students participating in the Leadership Certificate Program. The Illinois Leadership® Center at the University of Illinois is grateful to Mr. and Mrs. John D. Moss and the Loranda Group, Inc. for their generosity in establishing the Jeff Moss Memorial Fund.

Jane Donaldson became a Sponsor of Illinois on December 30, 2003 specifically for the Ignite Programs. She decided to support the program because she feels leadership is an important aspect of a student's education. Ms Donaldson is particularly fond of the Ignite program because of its components in leading change and systems thinking. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Teaching English and a Masters degree in Journalism. While on campus, she was active in her sorority Chi Omega, Mortar Board, Star Course, Concert and Entertainment Board, James Scholars, Alpha Lambda Delta and Torch. She also served on the staff of the Daily Illini. She is currently a Partner at Phillips Openheim consulting firm. Prior to establishing this company, she served as Dean of Admission at Wesleyn University and Executive Director of Placement at Yale University.

The support of Drs. Lisa and Roger Davis began when Illinois Leadership® was only a concept. They have continued their sponsorship each year in their dedication to encouraging students to be leaders in their local communities after graduation through participation in community organizations, schools, and service clubs.

"We are fortunate to have been educated by many fine leaders in our music, athletic, biology, and healthcare careers and we are certain that leaders are ready to be stimulated and developed in all areas of study at the U of I. Given the training through Illinois Leadership® and the challenges our society will offer, leaders can and will make the difference!"

Drs. Lisa Nerad Davis ('82) and Roger Davis with daughters (from left to right) Elizabeth and Katie and son Jonathon (front) in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina, October 2002. First donors to Illinois Leadership®

Thank you to these individual donors for significant annual gifts to Illinois Leadership® :

William ('79) and Lauren ('80) Ursin Heffernan.

Ed ('74) and Clare ('75) Downey Malysiak
"In the current environment where a 35% turnout of registered voters is the norm, Clare and I support student leadership programs at the University of Illinois because we believe today's student leaders become tomorrow's community leaders. Having learned how to make a difference, these students continue to remain engaged throughout their lifetime."

Illinois Leadership® gifts in memory of Joshua Grafton
Joshua Grafton ('83) was a special student in the life of the University. He led efforts that revitalized Homecoming and was a founder of the Student Alumni Association. Joshua led with vision and continued being a highly creative and inspirational leader after he graduated. Upon his death in 1989, his family and friends chose to establish the Joshua L. Grafton Student Leadership Award Fund. This award is given annually to two outstanding sophomore leaders. The fund has grown substantially over the years through generous contributions and positive market growth, and now also provides support to many more students through the Illinois Leadership® program.