UIC says ‘thank you’ for campus gifts
University President Timothy Killeen presents a leadership award to UIC College of Dentistry alumnus Dale Nickelsen. Photo: Diane M. Smutny
UIC highlighted the ways philanthropy has benefited students, researchers and the campus as a whole during “An Evening With Legacies and Leaders” April 7 at the UIC Forum.
“You have inspired and challenged us all to be better, to do more and to try harder to give UIC students every opportunity to succeed in their education and their careers,” UIC Chancellor Michael Amiridis told donors during the event.
“You have supported collaborative projects that empower communities by putting students and faculty on the ground, working to enact positive change across Chicago, the state of Illinois and around the world.”
Nearly 450 people attended, including donors, UI Foundation board members, university administrators, faculty members, alumni and student leaders.
In a series of videos, students and faculty members told donors exactly how campus gifts have made their dreams a reality.
Zitlalli Roman Rodriguez, a graduate student in social work, spoke on behalf of all students whose college experience has been made possible thanks to private gifts to campus.
“Whether you have supported scholarships, research or community engagement, you are helping to shape tomorrow’s leaders,” she said. “You have truly made a difference in our journeys.”
University President Timothy Killeen presented the William Winter Award for Outstanding Advocate Leadership — which recognizes those who inspire others to engage with campus, volunteer and give — to UIC alumnus Dale Nickelsen.
A 1962 graduate of the UIC College of Dentistry, Nickelsen has contributed gifts to the college for more than 35 years. He made the leadership gift for a new dental clinic, which was dedicated the Dale C. Nickelsen and Caren C. Nickelsen Pediatric Dentistry Postgraduate Clinic in February.
“He has been a model of what it means to form a lifelong relationship with one’s alma mater,” Killeen said.
