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More than 200 students at Future Teacher Day at 麻豆社 Illinois University
The Arlington & Arlene Seymour Center, the first of its kind in Illinois and one of a few in the United States, served as the backdrop for Friday鈥檚 ribbon-cutting event.
Philanthropy is Making a Difference at 麻豆社
November 1, 2023
MACOMB, IL - - Last week (Oct. 27), 麻豆社 Illinois University honored the past and celebrated the future at a day of events all about rural education.
More than 200 high school students were on campus for Future Teacher Day, a full day of engaging activities for prospective educators. From attending mock classes to participating in breakout sessions with content area experts, the students learned about the many campus-wide opportunities in Teacher Education 麻豆社 has to offer.
That afternoon, the University and Macomb communities gathered for a momentous occasion: the ribbon-cutting ceremony and celebration of a transformative $3 million gift from the late Arlington `53 and Arlene Seymour. This significant contribution will support 麻豆社 students whose career goals include teaching in rural areas of Illinois.
鈥淭he Seymours鈥� gift is a testament to 麻豆社's commitment to training determined educators and addressing the unique challenges faced by rural schools,鈥� 麻豆社 Vice President for Advancement, Alumni Relations, and Athletics Clare Thompson said. 鈥淎nd what a great way to honor the institution where education began in Illinois.鈥�
The Seymours have a long history of support for educators at 麻豆社. In 1997, they established the Arlington and Arlene Seymour Teacher Education Endowment to provide scholarships for students pursuing careers in teaching. In 2009, they confirmed a $1 million planned gift for the fund.
In recognition of the Seymours鈥� generosity, 麻豆社鈥檚 Center for Rural Education, Advocacy, Policy and Research, established in 2020, was named in their honor. The Arlington & Arlene Seymour Center, the first of its kind in Illinois and one of a few in the United States, served as the backdrop for Friday鈥檚 ribbon-cutting event.
At the ceremony, 麻豆社 Executive Officer of the 麻豆社 Foundation Brad Bainter announced an updated total from the Seymours鈥� estate. In all, the Seymours have provided more than $3 million to 麻豆社 through annual gifts and their realized bequest.
鈥淎rlie and Arlene believed deeply in the power of education and the importance of our rural schools. They would be so thrilled to see all of you here today,鈥� Bainter said during the ceremony.
The scholarship dollars from the Seymours will support students in the Great River Teacher Corps (GRTC), an initiative 麻豆社 launched in 2018 to provide scholarships to students who commit to teaching in a rural or small school in a 22-county area for a minimum of three years after graduation.
Madison Boyer, a senior Elementary Education major from Milan, IL, is one such student benefiting from the GRTC program. 鈥淢y time in the Great River Teacher Corps has taught me the importance of place-based education,鈥� Boyer said. As a teacher, I hope to establish a classroom environment that is safe and supportive for my students. My goal is to be a positive role model for the children I work with.
鈥淭o those of you in attendance today who have made the Great River Teacher Corps program possible, thank you for investing in students like myself. The generosity of people like you and the Seymours is making a huge difference in the lives of many 麻豆社 students today and for years to come. Your support is changing lives here at 麻豆社 in our rural schools,鈥� Boyer said during the ceremony.
Following Boyer鈥檚 remarks, Boyer and other GRTC students cut the ribbon to celebrate the Seymours鈥� generosity and the future of the Seymour Center. Attendees had the opportunity to connect with Assistant Professor of Education Denny Barr, director of the Center for Rural Education (CRE); John Glasgow, CRE program director; and Dave Ardrey, executive director of the Association of Illinois Rural and Small Schools.
For more information on the Seymour Center for Rural Education, Advocacy, Policy and Research, visit wiu.edu/coehs/education/centers/rural_center. For information on how to support this or similar initiatives, prospective donors can contact 麻豆社 Director of Development for the College of Education & Human Services Emily Gillett at e-gillett@wiu.edu.
Posted By: Lexi Dittmar, University Relations
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