Designed by Hallie Thomas (BFA ’25 Graphic Design)
I Heart the Arts
The College of Fine and Applied Arts launched its inaugural student week of giving, I ❤️ the Arts, in 2024 allowing students from across the college and university to give back and show their love for the arts at Illinois. Donations contributed to scholarships, facilities, programs, experiential learning opportunities, and resources will benefit current and future FAA students. Through their giving, students are able to directly support initiatives that enhance the quality of their education and overall student experience.
Through student philanthropy efforts like I ❤️ the Arts, students learn the value of identifying a common goal or shared cause, like the arts. They see how even the smallest contribution can make a difference in the lives of their peers and future students. Learning the value of philanthropy, and the benefits that come with it, help young people become better advocates for supporting arts, design, and culture institutions in the future. I ❤️ the Arts is more than an annual giving campaign – it allows the college to foster a culture of giving that helps sustain FAA, our schools, and departments for future generations of students.
Fundraising for I ❤️ the Arts begins with the start of the fall semester every year. The College’s Office of Advancement hosts events and opportunities for students to give back throughout the academic year and culminates with a month-long crowdfunding push in April. Students who give to KCPA’s Student Loop or to crowdfunding initiatives such as the Marching Illini’s March Forth, Glee Weeks, or World Theatre Day will also have their gift count towards I ❤️ the Arts. Students who give back to FAA during the academic year will receive an I ❤️ the Arts stickers in May to showcase their love for the arts.
Philanthropy encompasses more than just monetary donations – it also includes the generous contribution of one’s time and talents to benefit others. This form of giving is critical to the success of FAA’s academic and engagement units. Whether it’s serving on a student advisory board, ushering a production at Krannert Center, or attending an event at Japan House, the donation of one’s time and talents can have a profound impact on our FAA community. If a student is interested in learning more about how they can give back with their time and talents, we invite them to complete this form. By leveraging our unique abilities and passions, we can make meaningful contributions that go beyond financial support, fostering a culture of giving that will be passed on to future generations of Illinois Arts students.
Designed by Hallie Thomas (BFA ’25 Graphic Design)
FAA Student Philanthropy Board
One way FAA students are making an impact in the college is by serving on the FAA Student Philanthropy Board. Board members are ambassadors for the college who demonstrate a passion in investing in the future of the arts and will engage and educate their fellow students and community on the benefits and best practices of giving back.
We are so grateful for the following Student Philanthropy Board members who have graciously donated their time to serve for the 2024-25 academic year.
Jake Bae (BME ’27)
Audrey Chang (BFA ’26 Graphic Design)
Rachel De Haro (BAUP ’26)
Jenna Krull (Japanese Arts and Aesthetics Minor ’26)
Sylvie Leyerle (BFA ’26 Graphic Design)
Justine Ryan (MFA ’25 Acting)
Etienne Sirois (BLA ’26)
Clare Smith (BSAS ’26)
Kennedy Wilson (BFA ’25 Dance)
If you’d like to learn more about serving on FAA’s Student Philanthropy Board, please contact Ellen Fred, assistant director of constituent engagement.