From guest speakers and site visits to scholarships and fellowships – your donation makes a difference. Thank you for your support.
The following list displays our most common funds supported by our alumni. To locate other funds available at LER and the University of Illinois, please visit the UI Foundation’s page here.
As alumni, you may have benefited from family scholarships, corporate scholarships or fellowships when you were students; others simply want to ensure that the LER experience remains affordable and accessible to future candidates.
We understand that the motivation for giving is varied and personal. We will work with you to ensure that your giving priorities are recognized and matched to meet the most pressing needs of the School. Learn more about the various opportunities for giving below:
The LER Annual Fund
The LER Annual Fund is the School’s unrestricted fund that supports a variety of initiatives. With your support, LER will continue to distinguish ourselves as a premier labor and employment relations program. Gifts to LER Annual Fund bolster student scholarships, allow LER to recruit top students to the program, and bring countless speakers to share their real-world experiences with current students.
LER Student Emergency Fund
Established during the 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic by LER staff, faculty and alumni, this fund provides financial support to current LER students who are in need of emergency financial support to assist with costs arising due to crises situations or unforeseen circumstances.
Student Scholarships
Scholarship support is welcome at all levels of giving – annual cash gifts, multi-year pledges, or major gifts. Last year, the School awarded 42 student scholarships, ranging from $1,000 to a full tuition coverage with stipend. Our scholarships range from LER’s general scholarship funds, personal/family endowments and corporate scholarships, driven by our corporate partners.
LER Scholars
The LER Scholars scholarship endowment is a “Dean Awarded” scholarship for students based on merit. Alumni gifts keep supporting the endowment, increasing the award each year.
Spirit of LER
The Spirit of LER scholarship endowment is another general scholarship that is awarded to LER students who act as program ambassadors, involvement with social groups and activities, and is a resource for other students. This endowment continues to grow.
If you have any questions or would like more information about any of our fundraising initiatives, please email Cory Hatfield or call 217.300.2056.
To learn more about corporate giving, see employer partnership opportunities.