Western Illinois Leatherneck Retention Fund Established with Leadership Gift
A new fund in the Western Illinois University Foundation is providing essential financial support for student retention activities. The Leatherneck Retention Fund expands the reach of the important work occurring campus-wide in Student Success and Academic Affairs, assisting students in establishing their roots at WIU and persisting through to graduation.
The Leatherneck Retention Fund provides a central funding opportunity for donors to support critical campus efforts. In recent years, private support has provided funding for various retention initiatives, including first-generation scholarships, retention scholarships, the Rocky Bot chat tool and the Liftoff! Summer Bridge Program. This new centralized fund extends the reach and impact of these programs and opens the door for additional opportunities. Most importantly, this fund allows WIU staff to pivot and implement new retention strategies as the needs of WIU students evolve.
The Leatherneck Retention Fund has been kickstarted by a five-figure leadership gift from retired Illinois judge of the circuit court and retired attorney Dennis DePorter. DePorter, who taught Business Law at WIU in the 70s, felt compelled to support university retention to provide tangible solutions for today’s student needs.
Retired Illinois judge of the circuit court and retired attorney Dennis DePorter helped kickstart the Leatherneck Retention Fund with a five-figure leadership gift.
“Many students experience unanticipated and unforeseeable difficulties and obstacles that threaten their progress toward attaining their degree at WIU. I’m confident this fund provides a backstop to overcome a temporary roadblock with the ultimate result in a successful outcome: a WIU degree,” DePorter said.
These initiatives are already yielding great results at WIU. Students who choose to participate in these programs are earning higher GPAs, engaging with campus resources more frequently and retaining at higher rates than their peers who do not participate. Donors will extend the reach and success of these programs and empower WIU students to reach new levels of success.
“Judge DePorter’s support will have an immediate positive impact on our students in countless ways and enhance our ability to directly deliver support and resources to students,” Interim Vice President for Student Success Justin Schuch said. “This investment in our students is helping them overcome challenges and achieve their academic goals.”
Additional private support will further WIU’s ability to evolve with its students. Investing in the Leatherneck Retention Fund will fuel the next generations of WIU’s learners and equip staff to respond immediately to student’s greatest needs.
“When donors invest in retention initiatives, meaningful change happens on campus,” Vice President for Advancement, Alumni Relations and Athletics Clare Thompson said. “Philanthropy enables us to help students find success at WIU and investing in retention efforts significantly moves the needle on this crucial work.”
With additional investments in the Leatherneck Retention Fund, new programs, strategies, software and activities will be implemented and students will thrive at WIU.
“The Leatherneck Retention Fund is a beacon of hope for students and a testament to our shared commitment to student success,” Schuch said.
DePorter has pledged to extend his support of the Leatherneck Retention Fund through an annual substantial gift as well as providing for the fund through an estate gift. He hopes to inspire others to choose to invest in WIU retention efforts.
Donors interested in supporting WIU’s retention initiatives are invited to join DePorter’s leadership. Donors can learn more about the Leatherneck Retention Fund at wiu.edu/ForTheW and can contact Director of Development Amy Crosby at al-crosby@wiu.edu
