Illinois Eastern Community Colleges (IECC) is set to hold its first-ever district-wide Day of Giving on Tuesday, March 31st uniting alumni, businesses, and community supporters in a 24-hour effort to advance student success across its four campuses.
The event will be driven by the foundations of Frontier Community College, Lincoln Trail College, Olney Central College, and Wabash Valley College. Each campus will focus its fundraising on scholarships, campus programs, and initiatives designed to benefit students directly.
IECC Vice Chancellor of Institutional Outreach Tona Ambrose explained that the idea for a collective Day of Giving emerged from the district’s recent reorganization and a renewed emphasis on alumni engagement.
“For years, IECC has aimed to build a stronger alumni community, and with the district’s collaborative reorganization two years ago, now is the ideal time to launch our first Day of Giving,” Ambrose said. “This event gives each college foundation a strategic opportunity to deepen relationships with alumni, businesses, and local supporters committed to student achievement.”
Although each campus will spotlight its unique priorities, Ambrose noted that a single, coordinated effort fosters a stronger sense of unity across the district.
“Every campus has distinct needs, but we all share the same commitment to serving students and our wider communities,” she said. “This joint initiative lets alumni and donors champion the campus that matters most to them, while still supporting the overall IECC mission.”
Donations raised on the Day of Giving will play a crucial role in supporting scholarships, enhancing campus facilities, and funding programs that help students thrive.
“Foundation support makes a tangible difference for our students every day,” Ambrose added. “These contributions help reduce the cost of college, remove obstacles to completion, and enable students to stay focused on their educational goals.”
Ambrose emphasized that even modest donations can have a significant impact.
“Small scholarships can help cover the cost of a textbook, a certification exam, or a portion of tuition,” she said. “When many people contribute—even in small amounts—the collective impact can be truly transformative.”
Beyond fundraising, the Day of Giving is designed to deepen connections between the colleges and their communities, as well as to reconnect with alumni and build lasting relationships with graduates.
“Launching a coordinated Day of Giving demonstrates IECC’s commitment to strengthening ties with our foundations, alumni, and community partners,” Ambrose said. “We hope this marks the start of a new tradition that celebrates generosity and creates lasting positive change for our students.”
Ambrose concluded that the Day of Giving is about more than just raising money.
“It’s about building a culture of connection and pride,” she said. “We want alumni, community partners, faculty, staff, and students to know they’re all part of something larger. When our colleges succeed, our communities succeed as well.”