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Leatherneck Retention Fund Established with Leadership Gift

September 23, 2024

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MACOMB, IL - - A new fund in the 海角破解版 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 海角破解版 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 海角破解版 staff to pivot and implement new retention strategies as the needs of 海角破解版 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 海角破解版 in the 70s, felt compelled to support university retention to provide tangible solutions for today鈥檚 student needs.

"Many students experience unanticipated and unforeseeable difficulties and obstacles that threaten their progress toward attaining their degree at 海角破解版. I鈥檓 confident this fund provides a backstop to overcome a temporary roadblock with the ultimate result in a successful outcome: a 海角破解版 degree,鈥� DePorter said.

These initiatives are already yielding great results at 海角破解版. 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 海角破解版 students to reach new levels of success.

鈥淛udge DePorter鈥檚 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,鈥� Interim Vice President for Student Success Justin Schuch said. 鈥淭his investment in our students is helping them overcome challenges and achieve their academic goals.鈥�


Additional private support will further 海角破解版鈥檚 ability to evolve with its students. Investing in the Leatherneck Retention Fund will fuel the next generations of 海角破解版鈥檚 learners and equip staff to respond immediately to student鈥檚 greatest needs.

鈥淲hen donors invest in retention initiatives, meaningful change happens on campus,鈥� Vice President for Advancement, Alumni Relations and Athletics Clare Thompson said. 鈥淧hilanthropy enables us to help students find success at 海角破解版 and investing in retention efforts significantly moves the needle on this crucial work.鈥�

With additional investments in the Leatherneck Retention Fund, new programs, strategies, software and activities will be implemented and students will thrive at 海角破解版.

鈥淭he Leatherneck Retention Fund is a beacon of hope for students and a testament to our shared commitment to student success,鈥� 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 海角破解版 retention efforts.

Donors interested in supporting 海角破解版鈥檚 retention initiatives are invited to join DePorter鈥檚 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

Posted By: Drew Donahoo, University Relations
Phone: (309) 298-1993 * Fax: (309) 298-1606